Protecting One of world’s Most Important Marine Ecosystems
Vamizi Island and the surrounding Quirimbas Archipelago are home to some of the richest marine biodiversity in the Western Indian Ocean. More than 180 species of coral and over 400 species of reef fish have been recorded in these waters, while the region provides critical habitat for sea turtles, sharks, rays, and countless other marine species.
For more than twenty years, conservation efforts on Vamizi have combined science, community partnership, and practical protection measures to safeguard these extraordinary ecosystems. Today, conservation programmes are led by Fundação Quirimbas, working alongside local communities to protect nature for future generations.
Conservation in the Quirimbas
Marine Protected Area
Protecting Coral Reefs Through Community Partnership
Established in 2003, Vamizi's Marine Protected Area was created in partnership with the local fishing community to safeguard some of the most valuable coral reefs in the Quirimbas Archipelago.
Today, local sea rangers and the Community Fishing Council work together to monitor the protected area, support sustainable fisheries, and help ensure the long-term health of the reef ecosystem. The success of this model has inspired efforts to expand marine protection throughout the northern Quirimbas.
Sea Turtle Conservation
Protecting Mozambique's Most Important Nesting Beach
Vamizi Island is home to the largest known nesting population of green turtles in Mozambique and one of the most important nesting sites in the Western Indian Ocean.
For more than two decades, conservation teams have monitored and protected nesting turtles, helping increase nesting activity while safeguarding both green and critically endangered hawksbill turtles.
Conserving Critical Marine Habitats
The waters surrounding Vamizi support important populations of grey reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and other vulnerable marine species.
Recognised by the IUCN as an Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA), this region is the focus of ongoing conservation efforts that combine scientific research with community-led marine management to protect critical habitats and ensure healthy ocean ecosystems.
Important Shark
& Ray Area
research
Science for Conservation
Research is at the heart of everything we do.
For over twenty years, scientists, students, and conservation practitioners have worked in the Quirimbas to better understand coral reefs, sea turtles, sharks, fisheries, and coastal ecosystems. This research provides the knowledge needed to guide conservation action and protect one of Mozambique's most important marine landscapes.
