Operation Moheli: linking conservation of marine flagship species with sustainable development, Comoros

Fouad Abdou Rabi

Moheli Marine Park harbours internationally-significant nesting sites for endangered sea turtles and one of the last havens for the vulnerable dugong. The Park is managed by 'ecogardes' elected by each village but there is currently a severe lack of technical and financial capacity which is hindering conservation efforts. This project will (i) gather baseline data on these species and habitat, design an appropriate low-cost monitoring programme (ii) provide training in surveying for the ecogardes and (iii) analyse opportunities for the currently under-exploited ecotourism market, promoting these flagship species as a means to generate funds for conservation and development on the island.