WE ARE
FUNDAÇÃO QUIRIMBAS
The Quirimbas Foundation
The Quirimbas Foundation is a registered Mozambican non-profit organization, founded in 2024, focused on protecting and managing conservation efforts in the Quirimbas Islands in northern Mozambique.
We work to ensure these coastal and marine ecosystems are preserved for future generations while supporting the well-being of the communities who live alongside them
What we do
We raise funds and lead projects that protect biodiversity, support sustainable livelihoods, and build resilience in both nature and local communities in the Northern Quirimbas area..
Our work combines science-based research with community engagement, and includes marine protection, species monitoring, environmental education, and conservation-focused tourism.
How we work
We collaborate with local stakeholders, national institutions, and international partners. Our projects are shaped through local input, implemented with scientific guidance, and designed for long-term impact.
From managing protected areas to supporting education and sustainable fishing, our approach is hands-on, inclusive, and driven by results.
-
C&C junior Operations Coordinatorsince March 2022. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Universidade Lúrio and, through this program, had the opportunity to intern with C&C on Vamizi in March 2020. The internship equipped him with skills in C&C’s conservation work, and he became fascinated by the island’s biodiversity. Among the various conservation and community activities carried out by C&C, Carlos is especially passionate about turtle and bird monitoring and about raising community awareness of the importance of conserving the island’s natural resources.
-
C&C Monitor
A native of Palma, Raufo joined the C&C team on Vamizi Island in 2005, and has now completed 20 years of service. During this period, he has been a key guide for many interns who pass through C&C. Of all the activities C&C undertakes, Raufo most enjoys whale monitoring and supporting community beach-cleaning groups.
-
Vamizi Island Manager
He joined the Maluane Project on Vamizi in 2005 as Housekeeping Supervisor, supporting a conservation-led tourism model run by Cabo Delgado Biodiversity & Tourism with the Zoological Society of London. Over the years, Peq advanced through multiple operational and administrative roles, building a strong bridge between company practices and local community culture. Recognised for his adaptability, collaborative leadership, and deep knowledge of island operations, he was appointed Island Supervisor in September 2019, a role he continues to perform with dedication.
-
Boat skipper
Originally from Olumbi, has been with the Vamizi team since 2007. In addition to his seamanship duties, he supports the lodge’s maintenance department. He takes great pride in his work on the water.
-
Island Operations Manager
Dedicated to protecting Vamizi’s people and nature. He was born in Chimoi, Manica, and has been part of the Vamizi Island community since 2010. As Island Operations Manager, he ensures that daily activities run smoothly, the team is supported, and biodiversity is protected. Passionate about conservation, Richard also joins clean-ups and helps keep the beaches safe for turtle nesting. In his free time, he enjoys diving and snorkelling.
-
Community doctor
He is a clinician and pharmacist from Mueda who has served at the Vamizi Island Lodge clinic since 2013. He provides care for lodge staff and conducts regular screenings at the island’s community clinic. In his free time, he studies emerging diseases, antibiotic resistance, and alternative diagnostic approaches. Passionate about patient care, Cristiano advocates for expanding the community clinic to include maternal and child health services and safe delivery care.
-
Maintenance Manager
Dedicated to keeping Vamizi’s infrastructure safe and reliable. Born in Murrebue, Mecúfi District (Cabo Delgado) on 15 January 1969, has been part of the Vamizi Island community since 2005. As Maintenance Manager, he ensures equipment across the island is repaired and operating smoothly, supporting daily operations and the well-being of the staff and visitors. Passionate about conservation, Madali also joins island clean-ups to help keep Vamizi pristine and its beaches safe for turtle nesting.
-
Island Security Coordinator
Dedicated to safeguarding people, assets, and facilities.
Born in Pemba, he joined the Vamizi Island team in August 2021. He leads island security operations, managing access control and mitigating risks.
-
Chairman
As an Mozambican National Pedro is CEO and Founding Partner at “African Century Real Estate”, a pioneer investor in both Pemba and Palma, offering a wide range of property and services solutions especially tailored to the O&G sector, from Hotel and Serviced Apartments, Serviced Offices and Business Centers, Logistic and Warehousing, Civil Works and Facility Management. Formerly founded and managed his own business in the food and beverages services sector and was country manager for CDC Group plc, with responsibility for over US$100m of investments in Mozambique. Pedro also worked in the financial services with BBVA and ABN AMRO in Europe, for 8 years, in a variety of management positions.
-
Dr Isabel Marques da Silva is a Professor at the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University Lúrio, Pemba, Mozambique, where she has been since 2008.
Isabel oversees several Marine Biology PhDs at the University, as well as capacity building, for example, by teaching more than 50 students to scuba dive.
Over the last 20 years, she has worked with many organisations, including ZSL, WWF, IUCN, WCS and Africa Parks, as the lead expert and coordinator on projects that include the longest coral reef monitoring plan and the longest Green and Hawksbill turtle monitoring project in Mozambique. She is also pioneering a coral reef restoration project, the only such project in Mozambique. She has also worked extensively in the area of sustainable fishing for local communities based in Northern Mozambique. She is the author (and co-author) of over 35 research publications and has been a guest speaker and presenter at over 30 symposiums in Mozambique and around the world. Isabel holds a PhD in Marine Biology from Aveiro University, Portugal
-
Professor Jorge Ferrão - Mozambican National (Maputo)
Dr Ferrão has been the Vice Dean of Mozambique Pedagogical University since 2021 as well as a board member of Biofund biofund.org.mz since 2017. He has had a long and distinguished career in conservation in Mozambique.
He taught at both Mozambican and regional institutions, particularly in ecosystem management and conservation. He has had a long involvement in higher education management and alignment of universities with national climate, conservation, and development goals. ResearchGate+1
Publications and research: he has authored or co-authored articles in areas such as food security, education policy, agro-ecology, climate action, and health systems in Mozambique.
-
Dr. Tessa Hempson is a conservation biologist with a curiosity about the natural world that began growing up in the African savannas but quickly led her to the ocean. In her role as Chief Scientist for Mission Blue, Tessa is working to integrate a science-based approach to catalyze the organization’s extensive network and realize Dr. Sylvia Earle’s vision for ocean protection. Tessa has over 20 years of experience in marine conservation and is passionate about working with people to develop conservation solutions that are founded
on strong collaborative relationships, well-targeted research, effective communication and storytelling, and underwritten by empowered local custodianship of our marine environment.Tessa holds a BSc. Hons, and an MSc. in Conservation Biology from the University of Cape Town, and a PhD in coral reef ecology from James Cook University in Australia, where she remains an adjunct researcher. She led the establishment of the Oceans Without Borders Programme with &Beyond and Africa Foundation over 6 years in East Africa and is a member of the Monaco Explorations Scientific Advisory Committee, an Explorers Club Fellow, and has worked as a researcher in a number of remote locations around the world.
-
Ed has been involved in the Vamizi Island project since 2010. Ed is a financier and political economist specializing in technology entrepreneurship. He is an Advisory Board member of the Davis Institute at Harvard University, a Director of Flashpoint Venture Capital and an Advisory Board Member of Runa Venture Capital. Ed holds degrees from UCL (MA) and University of Oxford (MPhil) in Political Economics.
-
Helena has over 35 years of experience in natural resources management, both in Government and the non-governmental sectors, with a wide range of experience on institutional and policy development, office and program management, stakeholders’ engagement, spatial planning, rural development, research, monitoring and evaluation and fundraising, in Mozambique and all over Africa.
Helena has held country director roles for WWF in Mozambique and East Africa as well Deputy Dorector for Eastern and Southern Africa as well as working with various Mozambican ministries.
Helena holds a BSC from Eduardo Mondlane University and MSC’s from Hull, Imperial College London and SOAS University College London. She is a member of many conservation associations including WIOMSA (Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association) and IUCN’s WCPA (World Commission of Protected Areas). She has authored and co-authored many research publications on marine conservation and coastal management.
-
C&C Monitor
He joined the C&C team on Vamizi Island in 2013. Since then, he has worked on sea turtle, marine mammals, birds monitoring, sanctuary and forest patrols, and community engagement. He is particularly enthusiastic about turtle monitoring, marking new nests and excavating hatched ones.
-
—
-
C&C Monitor
As a Vamizi Island native, he joined C&C in July 2023 and quickly developed a strong passion for sea-turtle monitoring. He has also been trained as a boat crew member for C&C operations, an activity he greatly enjoys. Still early in his career, Assumane is steadily building his skills and experience, and is known for his dedication, curiosity, and willingness to learn.
The People Behind the Foundation
The foundation was established by a group of expert trustees — both Mozambican and international — with backgrounds in science, conservation, consulting, and research.
They are supported by a dedicated local team, including field coordinators, community workers, and project managers, all focused on delivering real conservation results on the ground.
Our Accreditations & Partners:
-
![Mission Blue Logo]()
Mission Blue
NGO Alliance Partner
-
![]()
Lúrio University
Scientific Partner
-
![]()
Ministry of the Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries of Mozambique
Government Partner
-
![Oceanographic Institute of Mozambique Logo]()
Oceanographic Institute of Mozambique
Government Partner
-
![]()
Hope Spot - Mission Blue
Since 2023
-
![]()
Oceans Without Borders
Collaboration Since 2015
-
![]()
WWF
Conservation relationship in 2011
-
![]()
ISRA - Important Shark And Ray Areas
Initiative from IUCN
-
![]()
Key Biodiversity Area
Wildlife Conservation Society
Talk to us
Contact us to find out more about our projects or to take part in contributing to the preservation of this extraordinary paradise that is the Quirimbas Archipelago.
email@quirimbasfoundation.org
(258) 99 999 9999
Pemba, Mozambique