It is the first biosphere reserve designated by UNESCO in the Comoros.

Since 2001 and the creation of the Marine Park of Mwali, UNESCO and the United Nations Programme for Development (UNPD) have been working towards this, at the request of the Comorian authorities.

Nominated during the 32nd session of the International Coordinating Council of the MAB Programme, in October 2020, the Mwali Biosphere Reserve was recognised for its exceptional biodiversity, marine and terrestrial, as well as for the efforts of the Comorian people and government in their endeavours to strengthen, conserve, and restore this biodiversity, while ensuring sustainable development of the communities.

Particularly well preserved, Mwali Island is home to an exceptional biodiversity of regional and global significance with high rates of endemism among different groups of flora and fauna, both on land and in the sea ...