From coastal forests and savanna woodlands to mangroves and coral reefs, East Africa's coastline is one of the continent’s most biologically diverse areas. WWF is working to conserve these important habitats, which are home to abundant wildlife and sustain the livelihoods of millions of people.
East African Coast
A box fish caught in the experimental stationary net, Mafia Island, Tanzania
The coasts of Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique offer a rich mosaic of coral reefs, mangroves, lowland forests and savanna woodlands.
On shore, one finds elephants, black rhinos and red colobus monkeys. At sea, one finds whales, marine turtles, dugongs and large fish populations.
Though many pristine areas remain intact, overfishing, unchecked development, demand for timber and the rapid increase in coastal populations are having a significant impact on the region.
Though many pristine areas remain intact, overfishing, unchecked development, demand for timber and the rapid increase in coastal populations are having a significant impact on the region.
Coastal conservation
WWF is working with partners at the local, national and regional level to secure a healthy environment along the coast of East Africa.
This will be achieved by:
- helping coastal communities sustainably manage natural resources for their own benefit;
- strengthening national legislation and management systems for sustainable fisheries and logging operations;
- improving habitat and species conservation; and
- developing effective marine protected areas.
Bazaruto Archipelago
Bazaruto Archipelago, a group of five islands off the southern coast of Mozambique, is a marine protected area.
The warm shallow waters between the archipelago and the mainland support the most important population of dugongs in the Western Indian Ocean. Dolphins and whales are found in deeper waters and several marine turtles breed on the islands pristine beaches.
In an effort to reduce threats to Bazaruto’s fragile environment, WWF is working with community organizations, including fishermen associations, to actively participate in the protection, management and sustainable use of the area’s natural resources.
The warm shallow waters between the archipelago and the mainland support the most important population of dugongs in the Western Indian Ocean. Dolphins and whales are found in deeper waters and several marine turtles breed on the islands pristine beaches.
In an effort to reduce threats to Bazaruto’s fragile environment, WWF is working with community organizations, including fishermen associations, to actively participate in the protection, management and sustainable use of the area’s natural resources.
Starfish, Bazaruto Island, Mozambique.
Where is the East African coast?
The East African coast is highlighted in blue.
View WWF Critical Regions of the World on a larger map
View WWF Critical Regions of the World on a larger map
