Since the beginning of our work as an association, ElasmOcean has supported the Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) in its educational work in southern Mozambique.
In a country where many people must struggle daily for survival, marine conservation is often neglected. To many people – even fishers – the ocean appears as something uncanny and dangerous, as tragic accidents occur repeatedly. In the communities of Bazaruto, Vilankulo, Tofo, Morrungulo, Pomene and Zavora alone, there were a total of 24 drowning cases in 2025, including children.
However, people are only willing to protect what they know and value. This is precisely where the work of the MMF begins. With a comprehensive educational programme, the foundation addresses ignorance and prejudice: starting in primary schools, continuing through secondary schools, and extending to fairs and festive events. This is supplemented by swimming lessons as well as weekend activities featuring clean-ups, marine excursions and nature experiences. In this way, children and young people learn about the beauty of the ocean and understand why its protection is so vital.
It is particularly important to us that children can experience the ocean as what it truly is: the largest and most fascinating habitat on our planet – right on their doorstep in Mozambique.
The impressive figures of our joint work with the MMF in 2025:
• 1,414 young marine conservationists in primary and secondary schools
• 362 new swimmers
• 4,810 virtual marine experiences
• 32 graduates of the Coral Reef Club, an advanced educational programme for youth after school hours
• 100 participants in the Saturday activities, including clean-ups, marine excursions and guided visits to mangrove areas
In 2026, we will, of course, continue to support the important work of our partner organisation MMF. This includes, among other things, the reconstruction of the MMF education centre in Tofo, which was severely damaged by Cyclone Gezani in February 2026.
The full translation of the 2025 annual report can be found here:
https://elasmocean.org/mosambik-das-jahr-2025/
