Dive deeper into our main projects
Marine Protection
The “Maluane Project” was set up in (2003) with the Conselho Comunitário de Pesca (CCP), the local fishing council, to establish a 3 mile no take zone to protect the valuable ocean reefs of Vamizi Island in the Quirimbas Archipelago.
This area is now an official Marine Protected Area (MPA or ‘APA’ in Mozambique) and accredited by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) as Key Biodiversity Area (KBA). The Quirimbas was also made the first “Hope Spot” in East Africa by Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue. Our sea rangers work with the CCP to monitor and protect this protected area from illegal fishing.
We’re now working to expand the Marine Protected Area (MPA) to protect more northern Quirimbas Islands. We are working with local communities to create their own no-take zones and protect more reefs.
The IUCN awarded the marine area between Vamizi and Metunde islands an Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) due resident of Grey Reef Sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) and juvenile Blacktip Reef Sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) who populate the shallows around Vamizi.
Turtles
Vamizi Island, in the Quirimbas Islands — is home to the most important nesting beach for green turtles in Mozambique, and one of the most vital in the entire Western Indian Ocean (Louro et al 2006, Perreira et al 2009, Trindade 2012). The protection has led to an increase in nests over the last 23 years. We also protect and monitor a small number of critically endangered Hawksbill turtle nests.
Community led-conservation
Conservation isn’t just about protecting nature — it’s about empowering the people who live beside it and depend on it. That’s the heart of our Vamizi Island Project, a long-standing community-based initiative that connects environmental protection with local well-being.
Launched in 2001 (originally as the ‘Maluane Project’), this effort brings together conservationists, local communities, and eco-conscious investors to protect the northern Quirimbas Islands while supporting education, health, women's associations, and sustainable livelihoods.
Through activities like beach clean-ups, community-led sea patrols, and the Vamizi Sanctuary, we work hand-in-hand with local leaders to build a future where both people and biodiversity can thrive. Our Sea Rangers and community educators are the frontline heroes — turning awareness into action every day.
Research
The more we understand, the better we can protect. That’s why research is at the core of everything we do — from the coral reefs below the surface to the mangroves that line the shore. The Quirimbas, including Vamizi, are the most important hub for marine research in Mozambique with over 175 research publications.
With over 20 years of conservation work in the Quirimbas region, we’ve built strong partnerships with international institutions such as Imperial College London, Aveiro an Coimbra University, Edinburgh University as well as organisations like ZSL. We have also had a research partnership with Lúrio University in Mozambique since 2009 and support their PhD programme.
This research connects land and sea, science and tradition — building the knowledge we need to protect nature long into the future.
