Ponta do Ouro’s Cleanup Efforts

Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique - Stunning beaches, vibrant marine life, enchanting dolphins and majestic migrating whales rely on a clean coastal environment. Since the humble beginnings of nature-based tourism in the mid-1990s, the area has transformed into a tourist hub which sees both international and local tourists flock to the beaches and ocean; during peak seasons, visitor numbers increase and so do the rubbish numbers.

Ponta do Ouro: 2005 (sorry for the clouds) and 2024

In 2009, the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve (now Maputo National Park) was established, which saw the birth of partnered beach clean-up events that included operators, the community and visitors. Since then, 90 beach clean-ups have been undertaken and 108 micro-plastic surveys have been done.

Microplastic was first detected in the early 2000's and the term "microplastic" was coined by a marine biologist named Richard Thomson in 2004!

In 2018, with the opening of the Maputo Katembe Bridge, all hell broke loose; busloads of visitors and droves of cars arrived, and when everyone left, our little village looked like a rubbish dump. It was time for a permanent solution!

This is when expat Suzi Steyn and owner of Magenta Moon, stepped in and so saw the birth of the Keep Ponta Clean Project.

KEEP PONTA CLEAN - Since 2018, the Keep Ponta Clean KPC initiative has been making sure both the village and beach are kept clean daily for visitors and locals alike, but with limited funding, these efforts face closure, and without support, Ponta do Ouro’s village and beach will pay the price.

The KPC project requires ongoing funding in the amount of ±Mtn65 000 / R20 000 / US $ 1 000 p/month to cover basic costs like salaries, insurance, uniforms, upkeep of bin maintenance etc.

Both once-off and monthly donations are critical to sustain this vital work, and your contribution can turn the tide. By becoming a supporter, you help preserve Ponta do Ouro’s village, ecosystem, and beaches for generations to come.

Pledge a donation today to keep this clean-up initiative alive - For the Love of Ponta!

BANK: BCI Mozambique

Account Name: Associação  Khanimambo 

Account no: 7141 2080 10003

Branch Name: Agencia da Ponta do Ouro

BIC (Bank id/Nib) 0008 0000 7141 2080 10374

IBAN: MZ59 0008 0000 7141 2080 10374

SWIFT/BIC: CGDIMZMA

BANK: Capitec South Africa

Account Name: SA Steyn

Account no: 2103 209 814

Branch Name: 

Branch Code:

SWIFT/BIC: CABLZAJJ

• Elaine from Underwater Explorers has kindly offered to organise some fundraising for Keep Ponta Clean. Please contact her directly for any assistance on WhatsApp. +27 742 341 909.