In Nuarro, Mozambique, a Partnership for People and Oceans

On the coast of Mozambique lies Nuarro Lodge, which sits on a clear, protected swath of beach and harbor, and caters to Mozambican, European and American tourists. Nuarro Lodge was built with the full participation of the community who shares the land. It offers insight into how the needs of people and wildlife can both be met, something WWF strives to do in our work.

Residents of Nuarro village live and work around and at the lodge, and it has an atmosphere of joint effort and reward.

  • Underwater off the coast of Nuarro, Mozambique

    The waters off the coast of Nuarro, Mozambique, are home to diverse species including corals, marine turtles, and sea birds. Local communities also depend on them for food and livelihoods.

  • Nuarro Lodge

    Nuarro Lodge was designed in partnership with the community to protect the natural landscape, including mangroves, beach vegetation, and the waters and wildlife in the cove. In addition to preserving the environment, the lodge employs many local community members.

  • Nuarro Lighthouse

    The view from the Nuarro lighthouse, a short ride away from Nuarro Lodge, shows local fishermen working in the waters.

  • Residents visit a well created by the Nuarro lodge

    Residents visit one of two local wells created by the lodge as part of their partnership with the community. Developed in collaboration with community leaders, the wells are placed on shared lodge-community grounds.

  • Nuarro villagers fish freely in half of the cove

    Nuarro villagers fish freely in half of the cove, while spear fishing and the use of nets is prohibited in the other half, which fronts the Lodge. There is an agreement between the lodge owners and the community to protect the cove that they share, for the good of everyone living there.

  • A Nuarro fisher shows off his catch

    Lodge owners say the community is invested in protecting the area around the lodge because it improves the amount of fish caught in their zone. Here, a local fisher shows off his catch.

  • A Nuarro boy shows off his method for catching fish

    A local boy shows off his method for catching fish: catching baby shrimp with his hands and then using them as bait.

  • Boys fishing in Nuarro cove

    The agreement between Nuarro Lodge and locals to preserve the cove is voluntary. Both sides see the benefit of preservation of their environment for future generations.