November 9, 2012
On November 6th, 2012, the government of Mozambique announced the creation of the largest marine protected area in Africa. Made up of ten islands off the coast of northern Mozambique, this coastal marine reserve will cover more than 4020 square miles stretching the Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago.
Located between Nampula and Zambezia Provinces, the reserve hosts a diverse range of marine species and coral habitats. The area is home to five of the world’s seven marine turtle species, has been identified as a key breeding site for dugongs and includes the most robust and diverse coral community in Mozambique.
Over the past eight years, WWF has worked with communities and partners at the local, national and regional level to secure this protected area.
“This is a great response to the appeal by local communities to help them protect their resources,” said Florêncio Marerua, WWF-Mozambique´s Country Director. “This is a very important step in our effort to achieve the conservation and sustainable management of Mozambique’s marine and coastal resources, as this adds a globally significant area to the network of marine protected areas along the country’s coast. It is particularly exciting that both the government authorities and local communities recognize the benefits of conserving these resources. “
The declaration of Mozambique’s coastal marine reserve is an incredible achievement for those that have worked to secure protection of the area and represents a triumph for marine conservation worldwide.
Find out more about WWFs work in helping to establish the coastal marine reserve by clicking HERE.
Top photo: Local fishermen in Primeiras and Segundas. © Athea Skinner/WWF