Off the coast of southern Mozambique, Bazaruto Archipelago National Park protects a rich marine ecosystem of coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and turquoise waters, home to dolphins, turtles, sharks and East Africa’s last known viable population of dugongs. These elusive marine mammals are classified as Critically Endangered in East Africa, with accidental entanglement in fishing nets among the threats to their survival. To better understand their movements and protect their remaining habitat, marine rangers in Bazaruto are being trained to tag and track dugongs using satellite technology, gathering vital data on their feeding grounds, range and behaviorr to guide future conservation efforts.

​​

The national park is also working to ensure that protecting the archipelago’s natural resources benefits the people who call its islands home. Through community employment, vocational training, sustainable tourism initiatives, and environmental education, the park is helping create economic opportunities tied to the long-term health of the ecosystem.

​

Shot for African Parks.