Mozambique Increases Areas of Marine Protection with Quirimbas Declaration

July 16, 2025

Cover Image: Mark Ziembicki

The Quirimbas Archipelago was designated a Mission Blue Hope Spot in 2013, and Dr. Sylvia Earle considers this area to be a “shining beacon of hope on the African Coastline”. Hope continues to grow in this jewel of Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, with a large proportion of the area recently declared the Northern Quirimbas Archipelago Environmental Protection Area (EPA). With this designation, Mozambique has significantly increased the area of marine protection on its vast 2,300 km coastline.

However, the EPA does not include the reefs surrounding Vamizi Island, a research and conservation hub for the last 20 years, or the extraordinarily diverse far northern Quirimbas Archipelago islands. With these islands and surrounding waters still formally unprotected, local conservationists and scientists continue to work tirelessly to secure these critically important source areas. 

The Quirimbas Archipelago is a marine biodiversity hotspot, boasting an astonishing array of species. The archipelago is a vital habitat for sea turtles, which nest on its shores all year round, and it is also a popular stopover for dolphins, migratory whales, and numerous bird species. The coastal and marine vegetation is equally impressive, with six species of mangrove trees, ten species of seagrass, and an astonishing 259 species of seaweed. This remarkable ecosystem is also home to an incredible 160 species of coral, 140 species of molluscs, and numerous fish species, with many more undoubtedly waiting to be documented in this understudied region . 

This establishment of protection for the Northern Quirimbas Archipelago is a significant step forward for the Hope Spot. However, with the exclusion of the remaining northern islands, the EPA leaves more work to be done to preserve and protect marine, terrestrial and coastal species and their habitats, to contribute to the restoration of ecological processes, and the maintenance of the extraordinary biological diversity of the region.

To ensure the effective management of this critical area, The Quirimbas Biosphere Reserve Plan (2023 – 2032) has been drafted to serve as a strategic tool to coordinate and guide conservation, development and communication actions for the area. The protection, preservation and sustainable management of the biodiversity of this area is invaluable for the wellbeing of local coastal communities, and for the health of East African marine ecosystems.

Dr Tessa Hempson, former Hope Spot co-Champion and current Chief Scientist at Mission Blue, emphasizes the unique biodiversity of the Quirimbas Archipelago in northern Mozambique. She states, “These islands are incredibly rich in biodiversity, and exceptionally resilient and productive. Mozambique’s dedication to conserving this ecosystem through a newly designated protected area is truly inspiring, and we can now work towards the further expansion of this protection to more of the critically important northern islands. It has been an honor to serve as Co-Champion of the Mission Blue Quirimbas Archipelago Hope Spot, and I’m excited to pass this role to Gelica Inteca. Gelica is a committed marine scientist and a role model for women in science in Mozambique, bringing over a decade of experience in community engagement and conservation.”

Mission Blue is excited to welcome Gelica Inteca, PhD Researcher and Lecturer at University Lúrio as the new Champion for the Quirimbas Archipelago Hope Spot. She studied Biological Sciences in Mozambique at Lúrio University and earned her Master’s degree in Natural Resource Management from the University of Florence, Italy, before returning to Mozambique, where Ms. Inteca’s research focused on community involvement in sea turtle conservation. She has been involved in the marine conservation sector in Mozambique for over a decade, and she intends to continue her efforts in coastal community development and education as a Mission Blue Hope Spot Champion.

Gelica Inteca, the new Hope Spot Champion, adds, “As a researcher in the archipelago, I believe in the importance of sharing our findings widely to foster transparency and awareness. Our goal is to publish in international journals and present our work through workshops and conferences. It’s also essential to engage local communities directly, raising awareness about the need to protect marine species.”

The recent designation of the Northern Quirimbas Archipelago EPA marks a crucial advancement in safeguarding Mozambique’s rich marine biodiversity. With ongoing efforts to expand protection to include Vamizi and the remaining northern islands, conservationists, scientists, and local community leaders remain dedicated to preserving this vital ecosystem

About University Lúrio, Faculty of Natural Science 

In 2008, Lúrio University (UniLúrio) started in Pemba with the Faculty of Natural Sciences (FCN). Currently, FCN runs an undergraduate course in Biological Science and two Master Programs: Applied Ecology and Organizational Management and Social Corporate Development. In total, FCN has 173 undergraduate students, 76 Master students and 37 lecturers/researchers. Of these lecturers, there are only 6 PhDs and 20 Masters. The remaining 16 are undergraduate lecturers, however, 12 of them are Masters students and 6 are PhD students. In total, the faculty employs 53 people working as teachers/researchers and/or within administration Staff.