The Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago, a chain of 10 almost uninhabited barrier islands and two coral reef complexes which is situated off the coast of Mozambique, has been declared a marine protected area. Mozambique's conscientious decision has made it the administrator of Africa’s largest coastal marine reserve, covering an area of about ten and a half square kilometres.
The first European to discover the islands was the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498 and they soon became a docking area for Portuguese trading vessels. Their rich fishing stocks and natural beauty attracted a fishing and tourism, both of which were detrimental to the delicate bio-diverse balance. The coral and turtles were particularly at risk.
“This is a very important step in our effort to achieve the conservation and sustainable management of Mozambique’s marine and coastal resources, as this adds a globally significant area to the network of marine protected areas along the country’s coast. It is particularly exciting that both the government authorities and local communities recognize the benefits of conserving these resources.”
The decision is a credit to Mozambique's government and its people. It is a lesson to those governments who would put profit before responsibility.
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