The distribution of dugongs in the southwest Indian Ocean is fragmented, with very small populations. The Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique hosts the largest known population, while other countries only have limited data. Genetic analyses highlight a loss of diversity, increasing the species’ vulnerability and the need for coordinated action. As part of the Dugong National
Eco-Sud has led coral-restoration efforts in the Grand Port Fishing Reserve since 2017, building local capacity while regenerating reef ecosystems. Our current UNDP-funded programme at Blue Bay Marine Park (BBMP)—a biodiversity hotspot—places community leadership at the centre of restoration. The aim is not only ecological recovery but also local empowerment and inclusive conservation. Resilient reef-building
Akashinga’s community-led turtle team is delivering outsized impact in an under-studied part of central Mozambique. The team, who are from communities with the Save Seascape, Sofala, are trained in basic turtle, megafauna, and fisheries monitoring methods. During the latest August spring-tide cycle, the team rescued and released two large green turtles, incinerated two bycatch carcasses
From January to May 2025, coral reefs in the lagoons of Mauritius experienced bleaching of unprecedented intensity, driven by elevated sea surface temperatures and prolonged calm water conditions, which induced mass expulsion of Symbiodinium and resulted in extensive coral stress, paling, and mortality across large reef sectors. While natural reef sectors in the wild experienced
The BRIDGES INFORMATION project is developing a regional information system dedicated to the marine social-ecological systems of the southwest Indian Ocean. Hosted by the University of La Réunion and supported by IR Data Terra, it will centralize, secure and enhance the region’s environmental and socio-economic observation data, in a FAIR (Easy to Find, Accessible, Interoperable,
Led by the Terres australes et antarctiques françaises (TAAF) and funded by the Office Français de la Biodiversité (OFB), Fondation de la Mer, and IFRECOR, the “Récifs Isolés 2” programme (October 2022 – June 2025) focused on assessing coral reef ecosystem health across the Iles Eparses. This involved a series of comprehensive marine campaigns covering
The Likhulu Foundation has successfully mapped Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) in Mozambique under the Blue Nature Alliance project, “Catalyzing Legal Recognition and Strengthening Management Effectiveness of LMMAs within the WIO Region.” This initiative is a major step toward enhancing marine conservation in the region by addressing crucial aspects of LMMA development including legal status,
A new paper titled “Design and Management Considerations for the Kenya–Tanzania Marine Transboundary Conservation Area” by Vera Horigue, Arthur Tuda, and Joseph Maina sheds light on the complexities of creating and managing marine transboundary conservation areas (TCAs). While TCAs play a critical role in safeguarding ecosystems that stretch across national borders, the unique governance challenges
In a collaborative effort on June 18th and 19th, 2024, CapeNature’s marine specialists and field rangers joined forces with the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB) to conduct routine maintenance on the Acoustic Tracking Array Platform (ATAP). This initiative focused on enhancing monitoring capabilities within the De Hoop
In the realm of biodiversity conservation, effective monitoring frameworks play a pivotal role in assessing and preserving ecological integrity. Recently published by a consortium of experts, the guidelines titled “A Framework for Monitoring Biodiversity in Protected Areas and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures” represent a significant milestone in this field. Overview of the Guidelines Authored
