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where the sanctuary is
The Sanctuary is a 43 900 ha marine and terrestrial conservation area situated on the San Sebastian peninsula along the Indian Ocean coastline of Mozambique, 20km southeast and across the bay from Vilanculos. The Sanctuary falls within the Great Bazaruto Key Biodiversity Area and the Inhambane Seascape Hope Spot, both of which recognise the exceptional biodiversity value of The Sanctuary, and forms the southernmost portion of the Bazaruto Archipelago.
a living mosaic of habitats
The reserve comprises a rich mosaic of wetlands, mangrove swamps, coral reefs, small islands, tidal mudflats, salt marshes, freshwater lakes, an estuary, and tree and shrub forests alongside coastal dunes, tree savannah, and Miombo woodlands. These habitats support an abundance of wildlife, including a number of large and small herbivore species which were reintroduced to The Sanctuary, as well as an impressive inventory of birds. Our three core functions are conservation, community upliftment and eco-tourism development.
a protected area built on partnership
The Sanctuary is the product of pioneering vision by The Mozambican Government who declared it a Fully Protected Area under private management in 2000. Since then a progressive symbiotic alliance between Government, homeowners and the local community has led to The Sanctuary being recognised as a leading example of successful cooperative development and a prime example of the private sector contributing substantively to authentic biodiversity conservation.
low-density development. light footprint. high exclusivity
Only 54 residential (maximum 12 beds each) and 3 commercial sites (120 total beds) have been approved for development on The Sanctuary. This serves to ensure extremely low density development in order to keep the lightest possible footprint and to maximise exclusivity of The Sanctuary as a tourist destination.
Protected since
hectares
species of birds
save turtle breeding areas
our community
Partnership in Practice
Since inception, a sound relationship has been built and nurtured between The Sanctuary management, homeowners, commercial lodges and our local community. Through co-management, ongoing interaction, support programmes and job creation, local livelihoods improve year on year and the relationship remains uniquely symbiotic.
Co-Management and Daily Engagement
This partnership is strengthened through regular interaction between management, homeowners, lodge operators and community members. Practical collaboration supports community initiatives and creates a stable foundation for long-term cooperation and shared responsibility.
Liaison Officers
Liaison officers are an integral part of The Sanctuary team. They understand local context and help keep communication open, respectful and continuous between management and the different communities connected to The Sanctuary.
Traditional Leadership Dialogue
Ongoing discussion and negotiation with traditional leaders helps ensure that the interests of all stakeholders are upheld. This supports balanced decision-making and helps preserve both community priorities and conservation objectives.
Queuene Community Structure
Our neighbouring communities, collectively known as Queuene, consist of several distinct zones. Chiefs represent each zone, providing clear points of leadership and coordination for matters that affect both community life and the conservation area.
Chiefs’ Meetings and Shared Decisions
Regular meetings between The Sanctuary’s management and all chiefs enable true co-management of resources. These discussions cover matters affecting the conservation area and the communities, including fair access to employment across the different zones.
Livelihoods. Farming and Fishing
Agriculture and fishing are the main means of support. Typical crops include cassava, maize, wheat, beans and peanuts. Coastal communities and some migratory inland communities have fished for centuries, with trade and barter supporting a balanced diet that continues today.
Health and Education Support
A clinic has been built by The Sanctuary and is staffed by Government to provide needed medical care. Malaria prevention and treatment are a high priority, and the Department of Health and The Sanctuary regularly spray to control mosquito numbers. Five primary schools with 1,486 students fall within the main area of responsibility, with added input on conservation and tourism.
