ABOUT THE PRIMEIRAS SEGUNDAS ARCHIPELIGO
The Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago is a chain of 10 sparsely inhabited barrier islands and two coral reef complexes situated in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mozambique and near the coastal city of Angoche. The islands lie in two groups along the western side of the Mozambique Channel.
The five Segundas islands are in the north, separated by a stretch of open water and reefs from the five islands of the Primeiras chain to the south. The eastern sides of the islands are fringed with coral reefs, composed mainly of soft corals, with hard corals at their southern edges. Beds of seagrass are situated between the islands and the mainland, which are important habitats for sea turtles and dugongs. The southern islands support Mozambique’s largest nesting grounds for green sea turtles, and hawksbill sea turtles also use the beaches. The archipelago also hosts the most important dugong population in the western Indian Ocean.
The archipelago is currently the focus of joint conservation and development projects by CARE and the World Wildlife Fund in cooperation with the government of Mozambique and local NGOs. These projects are aimed at preserving the environment and surrounding coral reef system, restoring fisheries, protecting breeding grounds for sooty terns, dugongs and green sea turtles, and creating a better quality of life for the people of the region.
The initial goal of the projects was the creation of a 17,000 km2 area to be protected as a marine reserve. This was realized in 2012 when Mozambique established Africa’s largest protected marine zone surrounding the islands.
A continuing goal is to increase awareness among local people of how their activities affect the larger environment and their own long-term security and prosperity. Moving towards more sustainable farming and fishing methods is also a focus of educational outreach to area communities.
- Nampula province is located in the northeast of Mozambique and is the most populated province in the country. The island itself gets its name from its similarities to a volcanic “caldera.” Ilha Caldeira is encircled by a sand dune that protects the inland forested core; making it the perfect spot for an exceptional getaway.
- Getting there: Due to the secluded setting of Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira, there will be both a helipad as well as an arrival and departure jetty on the island. Guests will first fly to Nampula International Airport, ex Johannesburg, and then on to the private property at Larde before being transferred either via helicopter or boat to the island.
