We’re thrilled to share that BCSS has been featured in the August 2025 edition of Air France’s in-flight magazine, EnVols — a beautifully written, in-depth piece by celebrated French author and journalist Christophe Ono-dit-Biot, with photography by Jean du Sartel.
The feature, titled “Dans le ventre de l’océan / In the Belly of the Ocean”, invites readers on an intimate journey beneath the surface of the Mozambique Channel, spotlighting the biodiversity of the Bazaruto Archipelago and the groundbreaking research taking place at the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS).
If you’re flying with Air France this month, be sure to pick up your copy and turn to this exceptional feature.
Inside the Article: Science, Sanctuary & Sublime Encounters
Christophe dives with BCSS scientists at the Three Trees dive site, where he encounters manta rays up close — describing them as “gigantic fleshy kites” with a gaze that feels like the memory of the ocean pouring into his mind.
From coral cleaning stations to dolphin sightings, his diving in Mozambique offers more than beauty — it becomes a reflection on the fragility and interconnectedness of ocean life. The word “sanctuary” echoes throughout the article — a testament to the protected status of Bazaruto and the ethos behind BCSS.
“The ocean is seen as a treasure to protect, not an asset to exploit.”
— Christophe Ono-dit-Biot, EnVols Magazine
Photo by: Daniel Escayola
BCSS Through the Eyes of the World
The article highlights how BCSS — the first permanent Ocean Observatory in Africa — was established in 2017 by Nina Flohr, under the meticulous scientific leadership of Dr. Mario Lebrato, as a platform for open-access scientific research. From hydrophones that track marine sounds to real-time biodiversity monitoring and seawater sampling, BCSS is portrayed as a vital hub of ocean research Mozambique in one of the world’s most dynamic ecosystems.
The feature offers a rare behind-the-scenes view of our work:
Real-time ocean monitoring with high-tech tools
Training local scientists and dive instructors
Contributing 20 million+ data points to global marine research
Hosting biodiversity surveys and species tracking projects
BCSS is described as a “conservation hope spot”, echoing Sylvia Earle’s words — and we couldn’t agree more.
Photo by: Jean du Sartel
What to Look For
- Title of the article: Dans le ventre de l’océan / In the Belly of the Ocean
- Published in: EnVols Magazine (August 2025), Air France’s in-flight magazine
- Author: Christophe Ono-dit-Biot [@c_ono_dit_biot]
- Photography: Jean du Sartel [@jeandusartel]
- Publisher tags: @en_vols @airfrance
You’ll find stunning visuals of:
- Manta rays at Three Trees
- Dolphins at Area 51
- Underwater coral ecosystems
- Behind-the-scenes moments with the BCSS research team on Benguerra Island
Photo by: Jean du Sartel
Why This Matters
This feature marks a moment of pride for us at BCSS — not just for the recognition, but for the opportunity to share our mission with an international audience of travelers, explorers, and conservation-minded readers.
It validates our commitment to:
- Protecting fragile marine ecosystems
- Making science open and accessible
- Empowering local researchers and youth
- Building a platform for cross-border collaboration
Flying with Air France this Month?
Don’t miss this immersive read on board. Whether you’re flipping through EnVols in your seat or sharing this blog from home, we invite you to explore the work we’re doing in Bazaruto and beyond.
More information:
For questions about this article, please contact:
Ekaterina Kalashnikova, Bazaruto Archipelago – Ocean Observatory Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies ekaterina.kalashnikova@bcssmz.org
To get in touch and collaborate with our research Center , please visit https://bcssmz.org/logistical-support-consultancy/
To learn more about our Scientific Training Program, please see https://bcssmz.org/scientific-training-program/