Children at the Heart of Marine Conservation

The “Mugumbe Festival” was held on August 30, 2025, in Mayotte, bringing together the general public and associations dedicated to humpback whales and marine mammals. Faré Beach, in Petite-Terre, hosted educational booths, immersive activities, and conferences to raise visitors’ awareness of the island’s marine richness.

The region is home to twenty-six species of marine mammals. The organizers of Ceta’Maore wanted to showcase this unique biodiversity, representing a quarter of the world’s diversity. Located in the heart of the Mozambique Channel, the island offers an ideal setting for observing dolphins and humpback whales.

The name of the festival, Mugumbe, means “whale” in Shimaoré and recalls the local culture as well as the cetacean breeding season. Every year, these migrations attract locals and enthusiasts from around the world.

Faré Beach has been transformed into a veritable educational village. Associations, scientists, and enthusiasts offered activities on the marine heritage of Mayotte and the Indian Ocean. The public learned about the life cycle of humpback whales, local monitoring methods, and the research conducted by the Mayotte Marine Natural Park.

The Mayotte Bird Study and Protection Group (GEPOMAY) raised awareness about seabirds for young and old, while the Mayotte Naturalists offered a virtual dive to observe marine mammals, including the dugong. REMMAT presented how to manage alerts for animals in distress, and the Bahari association explained the richness of the lagoon habitats and the geological formation of the island.

Freediving enthusiasts met with the Les Palmes Longues association. The Surfrider Foundation led discussions on coastal and wave protection. From Réunion Island, Globice shared its expertise on the study and preservation of marine mammals. The festival also offered drawing and coloring workshops for children.

Sports clubs, schools, and visitor centers in Petite-Terre participated in introducing young people to these fascinating species. The ACHM sailing school hosted lectures and discussions, highlighting the importance of marine mammals in Mayotte’s natural and cultural heritage.