Maputo, June 12, 2025 (Lusa) - The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has chosen the Mozambique Channel and the recovery of its corals as one of three international success stories in marine ecosystem restoration, it was announced on Thursday.
According to a series of statements released by UNEP and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) during the 3rd UN Conference on Oceans, taking place in Nice and co-organised by France and Costa Rica, this distinction specifically covers the recovery of a "coral-rich" area between the Comoros, Madagascar, Mozambique and Tanzania.
In addition to the northern region of the Mozambique Channel, more than 60 islands in Mexico and the Mar Menor region in Spain have also been classified.
According to the statement, the northern region of the Mozambique Channel is home to 35% of the coral reefs found in the entire Indian Ocean and is considered its nursery and cradle; however, it is threatened by agricultural practices, predatory fishing, and climate change.
It added that the four countries are working on the management, protection and restoration of almost 87,200 hectares of interconnected terrestrial and marine landscapes, benefiting both nature and people.
It also points out that with "adequate funding", 4.85 million hectares of this area "could be restored by 2030", leading to a 30% increase in the income of local populations and the creation of 2,000 jobs and 12 community enterprises, "integrating traditional practices".
"After decades of taking the ocean for granted, we are witnessing a major shift towards restoration. But the challenge ahead is significant and we need everyone to do their part," said Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director, quoted in the statement.
"To achieve the restoration goals, our ambition must be as big as the ocean we need to protect," she added.
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu said that the climate crisis, unsustainable exploitation practices and the depletion of natural resources are affecting blue ecosystems, "harming marine life and threatening the livelihoods of dependent communities."
According to the leaders, key environmental restoration projects demonstrate that reversing degradation is not only possible but also beneficial for the planet and people. These actions include restoring “blue and green” forests, with interconnected restoration corridors, mangroves and coral reef ecosystems, as well as improving fisheries management, efforts that UN agencies and the WWF should promote.
PVJ/ADB // ADB.
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