Protecting one of the world's most important marine ecosystems through conservation, research, community partnerships and education.
Vamizi Island
Vamizi is a "Hope Spot", a designation given to places that are critical to the health of our planet and its ecosystems. Any positive impact achieved here has the potential to create far-reaching benefits beyond the island itself.
A slender coral island off Mozambique's remote northern coast, Vamizi forms part of the Quirimbas Archipelago.
Vamizi and the surrounding islands represent one of the world's most important regions of biodiversity and provide sanctuary to some of the most significant and threatened wildlife habitats in the western Indian Ocean. More than 180 species of coral and over 300 species of reef fish have been recorded in these waters.
What We Support
We raise funds to support conservation and community development initiatives that protect Vamizi's ocean, coral reefs and marine life.
Our work focuses on safeguarding biodiversity while promoting the long-term wellbeing of local communities. By supporting programmes that combine environmental protection with community development, we help preserve one of the world's most important marine ecosystems.
What we have achieved so far:
Over the years, our mission has turned into measurable action — and real results. From no-fishing zones to coral restoration and community education, these are just a few ways we’ve been working to protect the Quirimbas Islands.
22
years as a successful no take zone
23
years of protecting the largest green turtle nesting site in Mozambique
175
research publications
How We Create Impact
We support conservation efforts that protect Vamizi's unique marine environment while working alongside local communities. Through partnerships, research, education and locally driven initiatives, we help ensure a sustainable future for both people and nature.
Awareness is paramount to creating change, both on and off the island. We support educational initiatives, scientific research, community engagement, communications and collaborations with conservation partners to strengthen both the environment and local communities.
Conservation work on the ground is carried out by Fundação Quirimbas, our partner organisation in Mozambique.
friends of vamizi
Friends of Vamizi is a UK-registered charity established in 2002 to support the conservation of Vamizi Island and its surrounding marine ecosystems in northern Mozambique.
We work to help protect this unique environment for future generations while supporting the communities that depend upon it.
Today, we continue this mission through fundraising, advocacy and strategic support for the conservation and community programmes implemented by Fundação Quirimbas in Mozambique.
Our Journey
‘Cradle of Coral’
Awareness Project
The documentary ‘Vamizi – Cradle of Coral’ was initiated to help promote local and, in particular, national awareness of the unique biodiversity and beauty of the marine environment of the northern Quirimbas. It is used to promote awareness of the area at an international level.
Mattias Klum is an award-winning filmmaker and photographer. He brings a unique artistic vision to his portrayal of animals, plants, and natural and cultural settings. Klum has been named WWF ambassador, IUCN ambassador and National Geographic Fellow. In 2013 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate degree in Natural Science by Stockholm University.
Deeps Sea Production is working on a new documentary in Vamizi. This is a collaboration with Voice of the Ocean Foundation and Friends of Vamizi.