Yambone 2024 Impact Report: Laying the Foundations for Long-Term Conservation

The past year has been one of profound progress and transformation for Yambone. In 2024, we focused on establishing and strengthening the structures, trust, and momentum essential for Yambone’s long-term impact. This was a year of learning, refining, and deepening our understanding of the ecological and human landscapes of Chipanje Chetu.

A Milestone Achievement: Securing Mozambique’s REDD+ License

The most significant achievement of 2024 was securing a Mozambican REDD+ license, positioning Yambone as Mozambique’s flagship carbon project. More than a legal milestone, this recognition underscores the dedication of local communities, conservation teams, and leaders who have worked tirelessly to create a model of sustainable land stewardship. It also paves the way for turning conservation efforts into direct and tangible benefits for the people who call this landscape home.

Strengthening Governance and Accountability

To ensure clear, fair, and accountable governance, we established key frameworks, policies, and mechanisms. Standard operating procedures, land-use agreements, grievance mechanisms, and codes of conduct now provide structured guidance for our teams, the communities we collaborate with, and the many stakeholders invested in this landscape’s future. These tools are crucial in defining expectations and fostering transparent, effective management of conservation efforts.

Deepening Community Partnerships

Our partnership with local communities grew stronger in 2024 as initiatives such as the Community Inspector Program, Food Security, and Umi Wango Education found their rhythm, becoming more efficient and impactful. Our work has been shaped by active listening—to community leaders, conservation experts, and women’s groups—ensuring that development in Chipanje Chetu reflects an inclusive and community-driven vision.

Addressing Challenges in Land Management and Conservation

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Land management continues to be a complex issue as communities balance food production with the sustainability of their forests. Stronger systems are needed to mitigate the impact of shifting agriculture on deforestation by identifying risks early, providing alternative solutions, and equipping local management committees with the tools and incentives to take action.

Macaloge remains a pressure point in the south, where external land encroachment is testing the resilience of our forest monitoring and governance structures. Meanwhile, in the north, poaching and unregulated grazing incursions from Tanzania threaten conservation gains. At the heart of it all, pressing community needs—particularly in farming and healthcare—demand greater investment than currently available. Delays in the carbon credit issuance process have made this gap more tangible, slowing the flow of funds that would otherwise support these critical areas.

Looking Ahead to 2025

With the first issuance of Yambone REDD+ credits anticipated in 2025, we are entering a new phase of progress. For the first time, local governance structures will manage their own funds, implementing projects based on the priorities outlined in the Community Development Plan. This will mark a significant step toward self-sustaining conservation efforts driven by the communities themselves.

Reflecting on 2024, we see a year in which the foundations were laid—conversation by conversation, commitment by commitment. With these strong foundations in place, Yambone moves forward with confidence, knowing that what we are building is more than just a project. It is a model for community-led conservation in Africa, proving that sustainability and development can go hand in hand.