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Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in the world, ranked 185 out of 187 countries in the 2013 Human Development Index. 52% of the population are under 18 and the education system struggles to create good learning opportunities, especially on cross-cutting topics such as conservation. The country also has one of the world’s longest and most biodiverse coastlines. Despite being illegal, unsustainable fishing practices are very common and pose a threat not only to wildlife but also to the livelihoods of hundreds of communities. 

Creating the ocean protectors of tomorrow 

This is one of the reasons why manta ray specialist Andrea Marshall and whale shark conversation expert Simon Pierce decided to set up the Marine Megafauna Foundation. In Mozambique, its educational arm has a clear goal: raise a generation of guardians who understand and cherish the ocean through community engagement. The pilot education project reached over 2300 young Mozambicans, and 7 schools have adopted an integrated marine conservation curriculum since 2012. 

In January 2018, the Coral Reef Club for 16–21-year-olds was launched to provide vocational internships with local businesses and skills training for employment. 

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