Comoros to create five new national parks

by Brett Strizich

The archipelagic nation of Comoros off Africa’s east coast has begun expanding its network of protected areas from one to six, according to Mongabay. Of the five new national parks, three of them will protect marine areas. The new parks will model a co-management system that prioritizes the biological, economic, cultural, and political concerns of local communities. 

Comoros is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the Indian Ocean and is home to many endangered species including the Livingstone’s fruit bat and the green sea turtle. Before the island’s first protected area in 2001, upwards of 20 sea turtles were being captured a day. Since the creation of the parks, Comoros has drawn thousands of tourists a year for the turtle festival where islanders and visitors celebrate the thousands of new turtle hatchlings. 

The addition of these national parks will have a long-lasting effect not only on the ecosystems of Comoros but also on its economic well-being.