PART 2. BILENE ESPECIAL RESERVE (PROPOSED)
General description
The Bilene Especial Reserve (BER) has been proposed by the Provincial Directorates of Tourism and Environmental Affairs. The documentation has been submitted in 2008 to the Council of Ministers and the reserve was proposed with the main objective of insuring "the sustainable use of the natural resources in order to fulfill the needs of the local communities, prioritizing the conservation of species and ecosystems". Iconic species and ecosystems include coastal barrier lakes, vegetated dunes, subtidal rocky reefs with extensive coral communities, sandy beaches, marine turtles (at least 4 species), whales, dolphins, the whale shark and a diverse and interesting reef fauna.
Location and limits
Located in Gaza province, the proposed reserve is located opposite the Bilene village, and extends about 20 Km southwest of the Bilene mouth. It includes vegetated primary dunes, the offshore reef (Baixo da Lagoa) and barrier lakes at the back dunes. The proposed reserve will encompass an area of 182 km2 of which 140 km2 will be in the marine environment. The limits of the proposed reserve are given by the following marks:
A: 25o 19' 17.59" S and 33o 13' 48.51" E
B: 25o 22' 23.00" S and 33o 16' 08.52" E
C: 25o 28' 06.27" S and 33o 08' 43.03" E
D: 25o 23' 13.58" S and 33o 05' 21.42" E
Getting there
Bilene is readily reached by the road (N1) and is located 180 km from Maputo. There's a basic airstrip but most people drive there. There's tar road all the way to Bilene town. Getting to the proposed Reserve is only achievable by crossing Bilene lagoon as no vehicles are allowed to go beyond the boom gate (if one goes around the lagoon). To get to the boom gate one needs to cross the flooded plains (surrounding the Bilene lagoon). This can be a bit of a mission looking at the bridge in the pic (the bridge actually collapsed a few months after the pic was taken!!!!)
Logistics
There is a wide range of accommodation options available at Bilene, including campsite, private houses for rent, chalets and luxury resorts. Basic supplies (fuel, food, drinks) are readily available in town. No facilities whatsoever are available within the proposed Reserve. No camping is allowed either. Health care facilities are VERY BASIC.
Fishing
At this stage, R&S is not allowed at the proposed reserve. One can fish from the Bilene mouth to the NE, but not towards the cliff (aka turtle rock). Offshore fishing is very productive with gamefish (including bills) and bottoms in good sizes. However, the launch at Bilene is very risky. The channel is opened regularly by the local traditional authorities and it changes drastically. Capsizing boats is a common occurrence there.
Rules and Regulations
The sport fishing regulation is enforced. Visitors should follow the procedures and are advised to get all licenses (boat and fishing) before initiating their fishing! The Reserve's management plan as not been approved yet so no written rules exist. No driving access to the area and no R&S has been enforced by a team of local rangers.
