The Lower Umbeluzi Geodiversity, uses and socio-environmental impacts: Case of Neighborhood September 7, Boane - Mozambique

Abstract

The Geology of Mozambique is divided into two large lands, the Pre-Cambrian and Phanerozoic. These two geological complexes are responsible for a diversity of natural resources, among them geodiversity resources, which are varieties of geology elements (rocks, minerals, fossils, soils) and elements of geomorphology (relief forms), and these resources are applied for various purposes. The objective of this research was to analyze the socio - environmental impacts derived from the uses of the geodiversity of the low Umbelúzi in the 7th of September in Boane, between the years 2005 and 2018. This research was based on the qualitative and descriptive methods, observation, cartography, analysis and synthesis. The results demonstrate that the activities of use and extraction of present geodiversity (inert sands, mixed soils, gravel and clay) lead to environmental degradation and landscape alteration. It is also said that the same activities have social impacts such as food production, job creation, production of civil construction material, grazing among others. However, population growth and economic pressures, some linked to the global crisis, have a negative impact on the availability of these resources and the emergence of land-use challenges, with overlapping interests of use over the same space. In this way, the research recommends a sustainable use of the resources that crosses by an ecological zoning

Key words: Geodiversity, Low Umbelúzi, Uses and Impacts.