80% of all nesting turtles in Mozambique can be found along the 80km of Maputo National Park’s coastline. Four key ecosystems, namely coastal dunes, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows and coral reefs cover both terrestrial as well as maritime parts of the park. These ecosystems are regarded as critical habitats, harbouring numerous species of flora and fauna as well as providing socio- economic opportunities for local communities.

This beautiful region faces multiple challenges. As well as a lack of collaboration from local communities, the park suffers from unsustainable land use in the buffer zones which encroach into the protected area. Low levels of resilience and a lack of alternative livelihood options at community level further exacerbate the problem. In Mozambique, over 80% of the population in rural areas depends directly on agriculture and natural resources for its livelihood, with limited access to alternative income sources.

TUI Forest Mozambique plants over half a million mangrove trees across 150 hectares in the Park. 100 volunteers are involved in the project’s planting campaigns throughout the year.

To support the local communities, the project provides training in conservation practices to teachers managing environmental clubs across 12 schools in the park’s buffer zones. It also supports the upgrade of a local school and further improvements in two additional schools, ensuring a holistic approach to education.

The project also creates additional income opportunities for the communities adjacent to the National Park by establishing four enterprises for guest activities in Santa Maria and Ponto do Ouro. Improvements in the tourism infrastructure are also planned, including the building of a 200m mangrove walkway with educational signage and facilities for tourists.