At the same time, it will contribute to economic development and benefit local communities. Not everyone agrees. The project will benefit the big bosses of Mozambique. The resort plan envisions building hotels and lodges on the beach to lessen impact on the interior. Visitors would travel inland only on wildlife safaris.
Some environmental groups support the idea, subject to strict controls and changes in some plans.
For example, they warn that restocking the territory with 35,000 game animals, including lions, could do more harm than good. If the grazers do not thrive, the lions may move out of the area and seek food elsewhere. They also worry that fences to be erected to protect their crops from elephants would deny them access to broad areas for grazing and watering their cattle. Nelson Banza, who lives in the fishing village of Mashengulu, said news of the project has yet to reach most residents in the region. Officials insist people will not be forced to move.