Conflictual relations between Frelimo, the ruling party in Mozambique, and local elites undermine the implementation of various conservation strategies of the Island of Mozambique. Frelimo’s elite conception of the Island as “cradle of colonialism” is one of the reasons for the conflict. Over the years, this view has created conflictual relations between Frelimo and local elites often manifested in central government’s ambivalent positions and “foot dragging” on issues regarding the conservation and management of the Island. As a result of this scenario, the management and conservation of that Heritage Site depends largely on international donors.
This position is presented in a chapter entitled “Conserving a World Heritage Site in Mozambique: Entanglements between politics, poverty, development and governance on the Island of Mozambique” published by archaeologist Albino Jopela,included in Urban Heritage, Development and Sustainability: International frameworks, national and Local governance, a book published by Routledge in 2015.