Mozambique is home to the second most diverse set of coral reefs in the world and planting Mangrove forests helps the endangered marine species thrive.

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Mozambique is gifted with the longest coastline of Indian Ocean of all the African Nations and some of the continent's most stunning coastlines. However its extended 16 year civil war resulted not only in social but also ecological instability.

Mozambique has been identified as the home to the second most diverse set of coral reefs in the world boasting over 400 different species of coral. But reefs worldwide are under threat from warming sea surface temperatures, ocean acidification, pollution by sediment and the habitat destruction caused by unsustainable fishing.  In Mozambique, Eden Reforestation saw the promise of revitalising mangrove forests to not only sequester carbon and empower the local communities but also to improve the surrounding reefs and aquatic life.

In late 2018 Eden Reforestation launched its first mangrove restoration site in Mozambique at Matubo Bay. Close to the nation's capital, this area was extensively degraded and a prime location for Eden Reforestation's premier restoration project in the country. They sought to turn this vastly degraded estuary into a thriving mangrove forest to improve the local ecosystem and surrounding communities, on land and in the ocean.

Matubo Bay is home to a number of species of special concern such as endangered Dugongs and five species of turtles while the nearby Inhaca Island is home to 33% of all bird species in southern Africa.  

Endangered Dugong

Dugongs love the shallow coastal waters in the Matubo Bay Area. Improving mangrove forests helps regulate sedimentation and salinity levels in the area which provides ideal conditions for Seagrass - the Dugong's primary source of food. This is really important as Dugongs face various threats from hunting, boat traffic and coastal development. 

Protected turtle breeding grounds

The Mozambique coastline hosts the Green, Olive Ridley, Loggerhead, Hawksbill and Leatherback Turtle species, all five of which are listed as either endangered or critically endangered by the World Conservation Union. Healthy mangrove forests reduce the effects of sedimentation and salinity on the nearby coral reefs and aquatic eco systems creating a healthier and sustainable environment for these beautiful animals.

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Some interesting endangered Sea Turtle facts:

• Sea Turtles have been swimming in the oceans for the last 100 million years!
• They can hold their breath underwater for up to 7 hours when resting.
• The Hawksbill Turtle has a beautiful patterned shell which unfortunately makes it the most endangered as it's vulnerable to hunting for ornamental products.

The island birds

The Purple Banded Sunbird and Black Throated Wattle eye are two of Inhaca Islands Mangrove Swamp residents. Eden's Mangrove forests not only improve life in Matubo Bay but also on the neighbouring Inhaca Island. These amazing birds flourish in healthy mangrove swamps and maintain the region's immensely important biodiversity.

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Help us support Eden Reforestation in expanding this promising project. Eden Reforestation has already planted 12,315,808 trees across six sites, employing 38 people and creating 123,000 working days!