We are very excited to learn that our region, the Inhambane Seascape has been recognised as a Hope Spot. Benguerra Island, where our research station is located, is part of the Bazaruto Archipelago, which lies in the heart of the Inhambane province’s waters. Dr Sylvia Earle’s NGO, Mission Blue, acknowledged the work Mozambique is doing to strive to meet the UN Convention on Biological Diversity to protect 30% of its marine resources by 2030. As part of reaching this goal, the Inhambane Seascape became part of a network of marine protected areas (MPAs). Mission Blue is uniting a global coalition to inspire an upwelling of public awareness, access, and support for a worldwide network of marine protected areas – Hope Spots.
Dr. Sylvia Earle says “Mozambique as a country has already taken significant actions to safeguard the extraordinary rich, highly important life along the coastline. There’s an opportunity now to significantly scale up and embrace those areas that are already protected along the coast.”
Our team is thrilled to learn that Inhambane will become a Hope Spot. “It is fantastic to see Mozambique and its marine life richness and conservation efforts featured in Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue. BCSS has been working in the region for the last four years, opening the first Ocean Observatory in the Indian Ocean releasing data directly towards conservation of the West Indian Ocean. We share the same goals as Mission Blue, so this is a great step forward for Mozambique”, Dr. Mario Lebrato, BCSS Chief Scientist.
Read the official statement by Mission Blue here.
Dr. Sylvia Earle (founder of Mission Blue) introducing the new Hope Spot.
