Quirimbas Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 2018, in Mozambique. Located in Cabo Delgado Province in the north of the country, the site consists of 11 islands. It combines marine parks and a freshwater system, including the Montepuez River and Lake Bilibiza, a bird sanctuary. The islands support 3,000 floral species, of which 1,000 are endemic. They also support a rich fauna that includes 23 species of reptiles, 447 species of birds and 46 species of terrestrial mammals, including four of the Big Five: elephant, lion, buffalo and leopard. There are also eight species of marine mammals, including whales and dolphins. The main economic activities are fishing, animal husbandry, tourism, arts and crafts, and sea transport.