Miguel Gonçalves
We welcome you, Miguel
For over 15 years, Miguel Gonçalves has been Park Warden of the Maputo National Park in Mozambique, which encompasses the well-established Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve, an area known for its healthy shark and ray populations. Having a strong connection with nature and wildlife since childhood, Miguel has a strong understanding of both ecological and social systems, considering both as integral components in the successful management of a protected area. Miguel’s incredible efforts and successes within this Park have been recognized through several awards, including the African Ranger Award in 2018 – a prestigious award for rangers in Africa who “go beyond the call of duty in the battle against wildlife crime” and the 2022 prestigious Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa in recognition of his “outstanding contribution to conservation”. Miguel’s knowledge, experience, and dedication to managing a successful Park, place him perfectly to deliver a keynote presentation at the 8th Southern African Shark and Ray Symposium, particularly under the theme of Spatial management of sharks and rays. Miguel is based in Maputo National Park, Mozambique.
Protecting sharks and rays in Maputo National Park: Policy pathways for sustainable marine conservation
Sharks and rays are globally recognized as priority species for marine conservation due to their ecological importance and high vulnerability to overexploitation. In Mozambique, unsustainable fishing, bycatch, and illegal trade pose major threats to their survival. Maputo National Park, a recently established marine and terrestrial conservation area in southern Mozambique, holds significant potential as a refuge for threatened elasmobranchs with its mosaic of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves, providing essential habitats for these species and offers a unique opportunity to establish a stronghold for their protection. Safeguarding sharks and rays in the park requires policy measures that integrate effective marine spatial planning, strict enforcement of fishing restrictions, and the establishment of no-take zones. Equally critical is the involvement of coastal communities through sustainable livelihood programs, capacity building, and benefit-sharing mechanisms linked to eco-tourism and conservation initiatives. Regional cooperation with neighbouring countries is also necessary to protect migratory species beyond park boundaries. Strengthening shark and ray protection in Maputo National Park will not only secure biodiversity but also contribute to sustainable development, climate resilience, and Mozambique’s commitments under international conservation agreements.