BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO

About 55km off the mainland, the Bazaruto Archipelago consists of five islands: Bazaruto, Magarugue, Santa Carolina (also known as Paradise Island), Benguerra and Bangue. In 1971, the Portuguese bestowed national park status on the area to protect its fragile fauna. Small herds of red duiker antelope still roam the islands, carving out a precarious existence alongside freshwater crocodiles and samango monkeys. The choppy reefs are fertile breeding grounds for turtles, dolphins and dugongs.
The islands are covered by large sand dunes (the sand is so soft it squeaks beneath your feet) and freshwater lakes, which are nesting grounds for beautiful black-winged flamingoes. Trips to the islands are typically taken by dhow (Arab-style sailing boat) from the mainland town of Vilanculos.

Sustainable Tourism

Vilankulos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary. The Overseas Private Investment Corporation is helping to finance this US$10 million coastal and wildlife eco-tourism project in Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago. Backed by the Global Environmental facility, the International Finance Corporation and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, the sanctuary has followed world standards with regard to social and environmental issues. The project will provide economic development from tourism and job creation, and community development, including a health clinic, school and housing.

Wildlife and Environmental Issues

The coasts harbour a mix of mangroves, vast offshore coral reefs and sea grass beds that provide food resources and habitat for seabird colonies, nesting turtles and numerous fishes.The Bazaruto National Park is home to over 100 individual dugongs (Dugong dugon),and five species of nesting sea turtles and several species of dolphins (Family, Delphinidae) and the Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis). Diverse assemblage of species including some endemism.
Selected species:
Fish include:
- shallow water Cape Hake (Merluccius Capensis)
- blackhand sole (Solea bleekeri)
- yellowfin tuna (Thunna albacares)
- albacore (T. alalunga)

This region is inhabited by:
- Dugong (Dugong dugon)
- Several species of dolphins (family, Delphinidae)
- porpoises (family, Phocoenidae)
- breeding Southerm Right Whale (Eubalaena australis)

Five species of sea turtles breed in this region, including:

- Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea)
- Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta)
- Green turtles (Chelonia mydas)
There are also:
- Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata)
- Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea)

General Threats: Loss of mangrove forests, siltation of coral reefs, destructive fishing practices (e.g. use of fine mesh nets and dynamite), and over fishing pose threats to these habitats. Poor rural sewage treatment leads to contamination, while poor farming practices and deforestation contribute to sedimentation and degradation of seagrasses and coral reefs. High levels of sedimentation have significantly altered the ecology of the Zambezi River Delta – a major river that drains into these marine waters. High levels of traffic associated with crude oil tansport from the Arabian Gulf have resulted in contamination from tanker spills and discharge of polluted ballast waters.