This presentation by Robert Layng was delivered at the 'Concessioning tourism opportunities in conservation areas and maximising rural development' workshop, held in Maputo between 19-22 March 2012 (Day 1, Session 1, Introduction)

1. Background and Justification
• Tourism is a labor-intensive industry = job creation
• Tourism makes up about 2.0% of Mozambique’s GDP
Tourism Concession Opportunities in compared to 9.7% for Tanzania, 6.9% for sub-sahara Africa
and about 10% globally
conservation areas and maximising rural • Tourism sector growth (demand for conservation products) and
development: conservation management (supply of tourism attractions) are
closely linked
Lessons and the way forward for Mozambique and • Accelerated private sector expansion in Tourism is essential
other Southern African countries for tourism sector growth
• Concessions are way to achieve both private sector
engagement and improved conservation management
Robert Layng
• Focusing on this sector responds to GRM priorities and USG
19-22 March 2012, Maputo, Mozambique
development priorities for Mozambique
USAID Support to Conservation and Tourism USAID SPEED Project
• USAID has focused on this sector since 2005
– Gorongosa National Park
• Works with the government and the private sector to
– Lake Niassa Reserve
address major obstacles to trade and investment, with an
– Arco Norte Tourism Investment Promotion Project
emphasis on agriculture, tourism, and access to finance
– Tourism policy and enabling environment
– Strengthen private sector participation in the policy process
• Future support proposed for:
– Identify strategic priorities for reform
– Gorongosa and Lake Niassa
– build a consensus for these reforms
– Conservation Science
– Move forward on adopting the reforms and ensuring effective
– ANAC and BIOFUND implementation
– Tourism enterprise strengthening
– Tourism policy and enabling environment
Why a concessions workshop and why now? The Challenge and the Way Forward
• GOM: Protect natural assets through private sector
• Concessions are a tool for improved conservation engagement
– Engage like-minded private sector partners – Define specific objectives and strategies for use of concessions
– Clarify process for concessions process and train
• Recent experience with concessions • GOM entities and staff
– Niassa Reserve and Gorongosa Park • Interested private investors
– Arco Norte and Anchor Projects • Strengthen environment for private sector engagement
– Other examples
• Private Sector: Expand and diversify products & locations
• Sector reforms – Coordinate and engage GOM on tourism sector reforms
– New Conservation Law – Attract new funds into Mozambique tourism
– Establishment of ANAC and BIOFUND – Expand within Mozambique and connect with the region

2. Thank you