Marine natural park of Glorioso Islands, Marine protected area in northern Mozambique Channel, Indian Ocean.
The Parc naturel marin des Glorieuses is a marine protected area centered around the Glorioso Islands in the Indian Ocean north of Mozambique. It encompasses vast coral reef systems and shelters diverse marine life ranging from fish to sea creatures and microorganisms.
This marine protected area was established by the French government in 2012 as part of expanding ocean conservation efforts in overseas territories. It represents an important step in safeguarding Indian Ocean ecosystems from escalating human pressures.
The park's name comes from the Glorioso Islands at its centre, an archipelago of Grande Glorieuse, Île du Lys, the Roches Vertes and Rocher du Sud. Since 2021 it has been the Réserve naturelle nationale de l'archipel des Glorieuses, created by decree on 8 June 2021, which repealed the 2012 park decree. Its board of 20 appointed members is chaired by Bernard Cressens.
Access to this protected zone is restricted and primarily reserved for scientific research teams and authorized conservation work. Those interested in learning about the park's ecosystems and conservation efforts can contact the managing authorities for information.
The park's reef is 17 kilometres long and covers 165 square kilometres, and 1,435 species have been recorded around the Glorioso Islands, including 349 coral reef fish and more than 150 cnidarians. About 11% of these species appear on the IUCN Red List or in international conservation convention appendices. Humpback whales breed in these waters.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,161 contributors worldwide.