Halfway between Vilanculos and Inhambane town lies the country's smallest conservation area - Pomene National Reserve, a 50 km² reserve established in 1972 that consists of a narrow sandy peninsula, a lagoon and mangrove estuary. Pomene was originally conceived as a hunting concession, however no game species were ever introduced, so PRN continues as a reserve managed by ANAC. Its location between Inhambane and Vilanculos puts Pomene right in the middle of some of the country’s richest marine resources.


 At the time of writing, work has begun to expand the MPA south from São Sebastião through Pomene, ending in Morrungulo. This effort is spearheaded by the Milton Group and Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) is moving its main office to Pomene to assist with the efforts. The expansion of this area and creation of an expanded MPA from São Sebastião to Pomene would significantly expand Mozambique MPA network, and protect some of the richest waters in Mozambique. 


Pomene has a small but very rich, productive estuary zone, hosting a diversity of marine and terrestrial species, including coral reefs, seahorses, sea turtles, dugongs and birds. The 196,000 ha marine protection zone includes 140km of coastline and extends 10km out to sea and is home to an exceptional diversity of marine species including iconic marine megafauna such as whale sharks, manta rays, migratory humpback whales, five of the world’s 7 sea turtle species and one of the largest remaining populations of dugong in the Western Indian Ocean.


Additional information can be found in Pomene Reserve’s management plan.The main threats to the marine ecosystem arise from human settlement, unregulated subsistence activities, and the occasional stopping of a small cruise ship just off the coast. Pomene’s remote location, limited visitors, few economic activities and small local population has kept Pomene marine environment pristine; documented threats to biodiversity in the reserve are relatively minimal. 



Given the pristine environment, relative distance from urban/commercial areas, and absence of local industry, the highest potential economic activity for Pomene is ecotourism, both marine and terrestrial, particularly as there are plans to reintroduce terrestrial species to the park. Pomene is roughly 2 hours (130 kms) north of Maxixe/ Inhambane, which makes it remote and secluded. The authors were only able to identify a handful of lodges: the Pomene Hideaway74 (which closed in 2018), Paradise Beach Resort (which is north of the center of Pomene, on the other side of the estuary), the Shipwreck Lodge,75 Pomene Beach Camp, Hotel Velho (the original colonial hotel which is in disrepair, but said to be undergoing rehabilitation in 2021) and the Pomene View Lodge (which closed in 2016). 



The only scuba diving facilities are offered at Paradise Beach Lodge, though boats and sports fishing activities appear to be available for those visiting Pomene. Interestingly, MSC Cruises has an itinerary with a day stop in Pomene to enjoy various leisure activities, which helps to bring some nature- and marine-based economic activity (reserve tour, snorking, fishing, etc.) to Pomene.76 Just south of Pomene is Morrogulo, another top location for marine activities, and it was reported that Piri Piri Divers built a dive center at Casa JVC and is gearing up for operations once COVID-19 issues subsite. ANAC signed a public-private Partnership Agreement with the Milton Group (USA) and Farquhar, LCC (Mozambique) to protect and restore the terrestrial and marine ecosystems to their natural functioning state.


 The Partnership Agreement includes a real estate development program, environmental monitoring and protection, ecosystem enhancements and alternative livelihood activities for local communities. The Partnership Agreement includes a plan to reintroduce game, support habitat restoration, establish marine and terrestrial anti-poaching patrols, and community partnerships. The Milton Group is in discussions with Singita for the high-end lodge in the area.77 The Milton Group has realized other developments, such as the Karagani Game Reserve in Mozambique, Singita Kwitonda Lodge in Rwanda, Singita Serengeti House in Tanzania as well as other successful high end lodges in the region.


 The Marine MegaFauna Foundation (MMF) has begun to work with the Milton Group and Farquhar LLC on marine conservation activities. The Milton Group produced a great video that will give the reader a nice visual overview of Pomene (see link in footnote below).8 Conservation International (CI) is planning on undertaking a rapid fisheries assessment from the Save River to Pomene.