IntroductionThe establishment of strict conservation areas often creates friction between management objectives and the traditional livelihoods of local communities. This study evaluates how restrictions on the traditional use of natural resources have shaped the perceptions and involvement of local communities in the participatory management of Limpopo National Park (LNP) in Mozambique.MethodsThrough the application of questionnaires to 345 households and interviews with key informants, we analysed the sociopolitical dynamics of biodiversity conservation and benefit-sharing. ResultsThe results demonstrate a significant paradox: while residents recognise the ecological value of forests and wildlife, participation in management and decision-making remains critically low. Specifically, we identified that the limited community influence on tourism revenue sharing and stakeholder engagement strategies correlates with negative perceptions of park governance. DiscussionThis study contributes to the literature by providing an integrated socio-ecological analysis of how top-down conservation policies can undermine social agency, even when conservation values are shared. We conclude that the transition to a genuine co-management model that prioritises procedural justice and capacity building is essential for reconciling conservation goals with the rights of communities in African protected areas.