Maputo, Mozambique – Maputo National Park has officially been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an international recognition of its extraordinary biodiversity and conservation value.
© European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique, 2025
The decision was announced during the 47th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, following a positive recommendation from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which praised the park's ecological importance and rich biodiversity.
Established in 2021, Maputo National Park combines two historic protected areas: the Maputo Special Reserve, created in 1960 and originally known as the Elephant Reserve, focused on terrestrial wildlife protection; and the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve, established to extend protection to Mozambique’s rich marine ecosystems.
Covering 1,718 km², the park uniquely combines terrestrial and marine ecosystems, home to a wide range of species, including elephants, hippos, chimpanzees, and sea turtles.
This recognition not only enhances the park’s international profile but also brings new opportunities for sustainable tourism, investment, and ecosystem protection, benefiting both local communities and Mozambique’s national economy.
EUMAM MOZ congratulates Mozambique on this significant achievement, which highlights the country's natural heritage and reinforces its commitment to environmental preservation for future generations.
