Mozambique will receive 6.4 million dollars for reducing the cutting of trees used as fuel and thus curb carbon emissions, announced this Friday the Forest Carbon Partnership Fund, the entity funding the initiative.

"Mozambique is the first country to receive results-based payments for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation," reads a statement.

The aim is to directly support communities and thus prevent global warming and consequent climate change.

The cutting of trees and other bushes is used by most of the population to have firewood with which to heat food and other daily activities.

The amount that the fund will grant to Mozambique rewards actions in nine districts in the central province of Zambezia: Mocuba, Mulevala, Mocubela, Alto-Molocue, Maganja da Costa, Pebane, Ile, Gilé, and Gúruè.

"The payment is in recognition of Mozambique's contribution to the implementation of emission reduction activities, such as adopting sustainable agricultural practices, monitoring the use of forest resources, or restoring degraded land," the fund explains in a statement. 

Local communities in the nine districts "will receive a share of the payments according to their contribution to reducing deforestation."

If the country continues to curb the burning of forest and woodlands it could receive more money: up to $50 million if it can halt 10 million tons of carbon emissions and simultaneously increase carbon sequestration over a six-year period.

Lusa Agency