andBeyond Benguerra Island

Benguerra Island is situated within Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago National Park. At 143 000 hectares, this is one of southern Africa's most precious marine ecosystems, and a key seascape for Wild Impact and andBeyond. Through their Oceans Without Borders program, they protect key habitats and species; enhance community educational resources; promote environmental awareness and sustainable fishing practices, and increase water security. Their Community & Conservation rangers serve as stewards of the ocean, its wildlife, and the coastal communities that live within the national park, actively working with residents to realize the long-term sustenance of this critical marine ecosystem.

On Benguerra Island, limited community infrastructure makes access to education especially important. Together, Wild Impact and &Beyond are helping strengthen learning pathways from primary school through to tertiary education. At Benguerra Primary School, 482 learners are supported with key resources that help create a more productive learning environment. For secondary school learners, the ongoing development of a boarding house will provide a safe place to stay, easing the journey to and from mainland Vilanculos for schooling. At tertiary level, the Community Leaders Education Fund (CLEF) assists students in accessing funding for university degrees and vocational diplomas.

In collaboration with Mars Assisted Reef Restoration Systems (MARRS), Wild Impact will be undertaking the first coral reef restoration intervention within the Bazaruto Archipelago. MARRS reef stars are scientifically-tested hexagonal structures which are deployed at carefully chosen sites, and will be seeded with coral colonies sourced from other reefs in the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park. Engaging the community will be a key focus of the intervention, and community members will be recruited to build the frames, creating new economic opportunities. Over the coming year, 350-500 Reef Stars will be seeded with over 5 000 sustainably sourced coral fragments and deployed at 5 sites, restoring 10 hectares (24 acres) of degraded reefs within the national park.