l) to establish the basic principles for providing funding and support for cultural activity;
m) to encourage cultural exchange between the country’s various regions and cultural cooperation
and exchange with other peoples.
3. Priorities in terms of cultural development
The Government shall prioritize the following areas:
— social and cultural research
— the preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage;
— artistic creation and performance;
— cultural associations;
— artistic and professional training;
— grassroots participation;
— the development of networks of cultural institutions;
— international cooperation and exchange.
3.1. Social and cultural research
The promotion of research into and the study and dissemination of Mozambican culture is
essential in order to understand lines of continuity and create cultural interlinkages. Knowledge of the
cultural and social practices of communities is an important resource in terms of governance and
planning based on a better understanding of the reality of the situation.
Universities and research institutes, both public and private, shall be responsible for promoting
scientific research into the Mozambican social and cultural spheres, such as history and the oral
tradition; social and family organization; forms of production and economic organization; traditional
authorities; rites of initiation and passage; propitiation ceremonies; magical and religious beliefs and
practices; the national languages; the performing and visual arts; the impact of the clash of
civilizations in Mozambique; the peace culture and the development of democratic institutions;
conflict and forms of reconciliation and social restructuring.
3.2. Cultural heritage
3.2.1. Historic monuments, sites and locations
Mozambique possesses evidence of human history that is important not just for local communities
but also for the rest of humankind. The Island of Mozambique (classified as a World Heritage site),
rock art, walled enclosures (the Swahili ruins, stonewalled settlements known as zimbabwes, as well
as aringas (fortified enclosures)), historic sites and areas with high biodiversity are examples of this
rich heritage that contribute to the identity of the Mozambican character and physical space. The State
and Mozambican society are dutybound to promote and support initiatives designed to preserve and
develop these fixed assets.
In this regard, the Government shall define principles and priorities for action in the areas of
conservation, restoration, presentation, education and tourism in relation to these fixed assets.
The Government shall lay down the conditions and requirements for the declaration as national
monuments of assets the historical, archaeological, architectural, artistic or natural value of which is
such that they merit such classification.
3.2.2. Museums
Museums play an important role in the preservation, study and communication of collective
memory and the material and spiritual culture of both the Mozambican people and others throughout
history.