Mozambique Projects.

Ocean Guardians

Overview
- Ocean Guardians
- Manta & Devil Rays
- Whale Sharks
- Bull Sharks
- Rhino Rays
- Smalleye Stingrays
- Black Marlin
- Leopard Sharks
- Elasmobranch Census
- Bazaruto Seascape

What’s this project about?

Ocean Guardians is the educational branch of the Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) in Mozambique. A UNESCO-recognized program, we focus on bringing local communities closer to the ocean, helping them understand why marine conservation and water safety are so important.

Our goal at Ocean Guardians is simple: we want to teach the next generation to love and protect the ocean. We help children and young adults learn about how climate change affects our reefs and fisheries. We encourage them to appreciate our beautiful Mozambican coastline and inspire them to live in ways that are good for their communities, and planet.

Through our program, we're helping create future scientists, professionals, and policymakers who will stand up for our ocean. They'll work hard to tackle the problems that climate change is causing in Mozambique. Together, we believe we can make a big difference for our ocean and our communities.

Key successes to date

A UNESCO Green Citizens Project
Successfully reached over 3,826 young Mozambicans in the Inhambane Province since its initiation in 2012.
A graduate of the program, Azevedo Chitsumba, is now the national MMF Ocean Guardians Project Manager.
Ten schools in the region have adopted the integrated marine conservation curriculum.
The integrated marine conservation, swimming and water safety program have evolved and grown based on lessons learned and best practices.
Local instructors are trained to deliver the curriculum, fostering community involvement.
The program successfully inspires behaviour change, as participants share their knowledge with their communities.

Ocean Guardians Recognized by UNESCO

The Ocean Guardians project is a UNESCO Green Citizens Project. This international recognition highlights the importance of our work in educating and inspiring a new generation of Ocean Guardians in Mozambique. UNESCO's acknowledgment validates our ongoing efforts in marine conservation education, community engagement, and the promotion of sustainable living practices.

Ocean Guardians School Curriculum

The Ocean Guardians initiative extends into schools through a comprehensive marine conservation learning program. This government-approved curriculum strives to inspire a deep appreciation for the ocean and instil a clear understanding of why and how to conserve it safely.

3,800+ Children Reached in Ten Schools

Our curriculum has reached over 3,826 young Mozambicans in the Inhambane Province since 2012. The core of the curriculum revolves around inspiring young Ocean Guardians to cherish the ocean and grasp its significance, including aspects of marine conservation, swimming, and water safety. To date, ten schools have integrated our marine conservation curriculum, marking a significant achievement in our mission.

Year-Round Implementation by Local Instructors

Since its inception in 2012, the curriculum has continually evolved, incorporating valuable lessons and best practices for lasting change. The program runs all year, delivered by trained local Ocean Guardian instructors who foster strong partnerships with schools and extend outreach to remote communities.

The impact of our program is reflected in the words of a School Director from Conguiana, Inhambane, who shared, "Before, they didn't know about the ocean, and now they are excited, they want to go to their lessons. The children even share with the community."

Beyond formal schooling, our community program ensures that children unable to regularly attend school still have the opportunity to learn and benefit from our initiative. This inclusive approach underpins our commitment to fostering an informed and ocean-conscious generation.

Ocean Guardians Learn to Swim Program

The swimming program is an integral part of our Ocean Guardians initiative. We aim to transform the perception of the ocean in Mozambique from being an intimidating and dangerous place to an environment that can be enjoyed safely and responsibly. Through comprehensive training and firsthand experiences, participants develop a profound respect for the ocean and a love for swimming.

Water Safety and Swimming Training

Participants, including children, young adults, and adult fisherfolk, receive extensive training in water safety and swimming. We believe that by equipping them with these essential skills, we can foster a healthy relationship between our community and the ocean. Some of our students have gone on to compete in Mozambique’s national swimming championships!

The thrill of our program comes from the opportunity to explore the ocean on an "ocean safari." Participants get to snorkel alongside magnificent marine creatures like whale sharks and manta rays, fostering an appreciation and respect for the biodiversity of our oceans.

Inspiring Future Generations

Our program has inspired many of our participants to develop a deep love for the ocean. Narciso Nhampossa, one of the first to join the Ocean Guardians program, is a standout example. Not only has he become one of the top surfers at Tofo Beach, but he now lives in Sweden, where he's teaching swimming to children.

We're dedicated to nurturing a new generation of ocean enthusiasts who understand the importance of safety in and around water and see the ocean not as a danger, but as a beautiful resource to respect and protect.

Ocean Guardians Coral Reef Club

Established in 2018, the Coral Reef Club forms a crucial part of our Ocean Guardians program, nurturing a new generation of Mozambican scientists, professionals, and policymakers who are passionate about conserving our oceans.

By offering a diverse range of courses, activities, and experiences, the club equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to become effective advocates for marine conservation and sustainable living.

What We Offer

Marine Conservation Courses: Our curriculum covers the importance of marine megafauna to our community, economy, and the heritage of Mozambique. Participants have opportunities to engage directly with marine scientists to deepen their understanding.
Capacity Building Initiatives: We focus on nurturing key skills such as communication, collaboration, self-confidence, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These skills are crucial for effective leadership and advocacy in any field.
English Lessons: We provide English lessons to equip our participants with language skills that can enhance their career opportunities in the global sphere.

Practical Experience and Internships

Internships in Alternative Livelihoods: Participants have opportunities to intern in fields like fish farming and permaculture, ecotourism, SCUBA diving, and lifeguarding. These internships provide practical skills that can be used for sustainable income generation.
Practical Lessons: Hands-on experiences are an integral part of our program, including activities like Ocean Safaris, university field visits, snorkeling, rock pool exploration, whale watching, and trips to the mangroves.

Community Involvement

Community Action Projects: Participants are encouraged to engage directly with their communities through initiatives such as Environmental Community Fairs, Plastic Pollution Awareness Events, and educational campaigns about waste reduction, reuse, and recycling in schools.

Our vision for the Coral Reef Club is to see our participants become leaders advocating for positive change in their communities and championing sustainable lifestyles.