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The
Niassa Reserve in Mozambique is one of the largest game parks within Africa.
It is located at the most northern part of Mozambique on the border with
Tanzania and under 200 Kilometers from the Selous Game Reserve. The total
area under the protection of the Niassa Reserve is 42000 square kilometres
of the most pristine area of Mozambique and has never been commercially
exploited. The authorities of the Niassa Reserve decided to create buffer
zones between the parks and populated areas and to allocate these zones
to conservation minded private investors. These investors would assume
the responsibility to preserve and enhance the flora and fauna in the
area, and to include the local communities in this objective while at
the same time benefitting them economically.
In
April 2000, LUWIRE (Lugenda Wildlife Reserve) became the first investor
to accept this challenge and were granted Block A and C of the buffer
zone. These two blocks include an area of 7200 square kilometres together
with 300 kilometres of river frontage on the mighty Lugenda River. These
area are rich in wildlife and host one of the largest undiscovered elephant
populations within Africa. It is also home to the rare and endangered
Niassa Wilderbeest known for its distinctive white band across its forehead.
Other exclusive subspecies found in the area, are the Roosevelt's sable,
Johnston impala and Boehms zebra. LUWIRE has formulated a unique management
plan and is investing heavily in order to rapidly achieve these goals.
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