Lying within the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation and Resource Area, Maputo National Park is part of Africa’s first marine transfrontier conservation area. This unique piece of coastline and its waters stretches from Maputo Bay in the south of Mozambique to South Africa’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Unlike most marine environments on Earth, these waters offer a combination of both tropical and subtropical species. Combine this with the lakes, wetlands, swamps and grasslands found within the terrestrial component of the park, and you have one of Earth’s 36 biologically richest and most endangered eco-regions.
A Pledge To Protect
Home to some truly remarkable creatures, including sharks, manta rays, turtles, dolphins, humpback whales and even dugongs, helping to keep this remarkable habitat protected remains a top priority. To this end, Peace Parks Foundation and Mozambique’s National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) are working together to ensure that this ecosystem remains full of life. This is being done through increased counter-poaching initiatives and ranger activities, rewilding programmes, working closely with communities to help lessen their dependence on natural resources as well as tourism development.
Conservation Efforts In Action
Thanks to loyal donors, partners, and you, our audience, Peace Parks Foundation has been able to help conserve this precious habitat and all those who depend on it. Maputo National Park’s teams work tirelessly to patrol not only the land but these waters day in and day out to keep life here safe.
Their work also extends into keeping the communities living within the buffer zone of the park happy, healthy and thriving, as with their support, projects here can continue to exist. Peace Parks has taken great care to engage with communities to understand how best to manage human activities in these protected waters to benefit both people and wildlife.
Come And See For Yourself
With several luxury tourism developments and campsites already established and the newest self-catering option, Membene Lodge, having just opened, there is no better time to come and explore this park for yourself. Whether you’re looking for a family holiday, a romantic getaway, or to explore below the surface, Maputo National Park is worthy of being top of your bucket list.
Footage Credits:
Peace Parks Foundation would like to thank Dr Ryan Daly and Gianluca Zaffarano for use of their beautiful footage.
