Sustainable Asset Valuation of Mangroves and Wetlands for Coastal Resilience in Mozambique

Mozambique ranks among the world's most climate-vulnerable countries. Cyclones, floods, and saltwater intrusion regularly devastate coastal communities, damaging homes, farmland, and infrastructure. The loss of mangroves and wetlands has further eroded natural protection, leaving millions of people exposed to climate and environmental risks. 

To address these challenges, the Government of Mozambique, supported by the United Nations Environment Programme, is developing a proposal to the Green Climate Fund that promotes ecosystem-based adaptation in three estuaries: Bons Sinais, Zambezi, and Limpopo. The plan combines the restoration of 7,500 hectares of wetlands, restoration of 3,800 hectares of mangroves, and conservation of 30,000 hectares of coastal ecosystems. These measures would directly benefit around 211,000 people and indirectly support more than 1 million people by improving water quality, sustaining fisheries, and reducing disaster risks. 

The NBI Global Resource Centre conducted a SAVi assessment to test the economic, environmental, and social performance of these measures compared to a business-as-usual scenario. The assessment considered several climate and carbon price scenarios to estimate how ecosystem restoration could lower flood and pollution costs, enhance fisheries, and capture carbon. 

The results show that restoring and conserving mangroves and wetlands is a high-return investment. For an estimated investment of USD 41.7 million, the interventions could generate up to USD 537.5 million in benefits—around USD 14 in value for every dollar spent. The Limpopo estuary delivers the highest returns because of its larger exposed population, while Bons Sinais and Zambezi also provide strong resilience and ecosystem gains. 

Beyond the economic results, the interventions would help re-establish vital habitats for fish and wildlife, prevent soil and water degradation, and improve the capacity of communities to recover after storms. These findings demonstrate that NBI is one of Mozambique's most cost-effective strategies for safeguarding people, strengthening biodiversity, and advancing national climate goals.