Hoani

Hoani is a small coastal town situated on the island of Mohéli (also known as Mwali), one of the three principal islands of the Union of the Comoros in the western Indian Ocean. The town is modest in size but holds considerable geographical, ecological, and cultural importance. Hoani is particularly notable for its proximity to significant marine habitats and for being associated with the nesting grounds of the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), a globally endangered species. Its location, natural environment, and traditional way of life together make Hoani an important reference point in studies of island settlements, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable coastal livelihoods in the Comoros.

Geographical Setting

Hoani lies along the coastline of Mohéli, the smallest and least densely populated of the Comorian islands. Mohéli is characterised by rugged terrain, forested hills, and relatively undisturbed coastal ecosystems compared to the more urbanised islands of Grande Comore and Anjouan. The town of Hoani faces the Indian Ocean and is bordered by sandy beaches, coral reefs, and shallow lagoons, all of which contribute to its ecological value.
The surrounding marine environment is part of a broader network of coastal habitats that include seagrass meadows and coral reef systems. These features provide feeding and breeding grounds for a variety of marine species. The climate of Hoani, like the rest of the Comoros, is tropical, with a warm, humid season and a cooler, drier period, conditions that support both terrestrial vegetation and marine biodiversity.

Historical and Social Context

Historically, settlements such as Hoani developed around fishing, small-scale agriculture, and maritime trade. Mohéli has long been less exposed to external influences than the other Comorian islands, allowing traditional social structures and practices to remain relatively intact. Hoani reflects this pattern, with a community life centred on family networks, local customs, and Islamic traditions, which are predominant throughout the Comoros.
The town has traditionally relied on subsistence activities, particularly artisanal fishing and cultivation of crops such as cassava, bananas, and coconuts. These practices have shaped the social organisation of Hoani, reinforcing a close relationship between the community and its natural environment. In recent decades, conservation initiatives and eco-tourism have begun to influence local livelihoods, introducing new economic opportunities alongside traditional ones.

Ecological Importance

Hoani is widely recognised for its association with the green turtle, one of the most iconic marine species in the region. The beaches near Hoani serve as important nesting sites for green turtles, which return annually to lay their eggs in the sand. These nesting grounds are of high conservation value, as green turtle populations have declined globally due to habitat loss, illegal harvesting, pollution, and climate change.
The relatively low level of coastal development around Hoani has helped preserve the natural conditions required for turtle nesting. Quiet beaches, minimal artificial lighting, and intact dune systems are all critical factors that make the area suitable for reproduction. In addition to green turtles, the surrounding waters support other marine life, including reef fish, dolphins, and occasionally whales migrating through the Mozambique Channel.

Green Turtle Nesting Grounds

The green turtle is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, making the protection of nesting sites such as those near Hoani particularly significant. Female turtles typically come ashore at night to lay clutches of eggs, burying them in the sand above the high-tide line. After an incubation period of several weeks, hatchlings emerge and make their way to the sea.
Hoani’s beaches are part of a broader network of nesting sites across Mohéli, which is regarded as one of the most important islands for marine turtle conservation in the western Indian Ocean. Conservation programmes often involve local communities in monitoring nests, protecting eggs from poaching, and educating residents about the ecological role of turtles. In Hoani, community-based conservation has played a key role in reducing threats to turtle populations.

Conservation and Protected Areas

Mohéli is home to Mohéli Marine Park, the first marine protected area established in the Comoros. While Hoani itself is a town rather than a protected zone, its coastal and marine environments are closely linked to the objectives of the park. The marine park aims to conserve coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and endangered species, including green turtles.
Local involvement is a central feature of conservation efforts in the region. In and around Hoani, residents often participate in surveillance activities, beach patrols, and awareness campaigns. This approach has helped balance conservation goals with community needs, ensuring that environmental protection does not undermine local livelihoods but instead supports long-term sustainability.

Economic Activities and Livelihoods

The economy of Hoani is primarily based on small-scale fishing, agriculture, and increasingly, eco-tourism. Fishing remains a vital source of food and income, with traditional methods such as hand lines and small nets commonly used. The health of marine ecosystems near Hoani is therefore directly linked to the economic well-being of the community.
Eco-tourism related to turtle watching and marine biodiversity has emerged as a supplementary activity. Visitors drawn to Mohéli’s unspoilt environment may stay in or near towns like Hoani, providing income through accommodation, guiding services, and local crafts. While tourism remains limited compared to other island destinations, it represents a growing sector with potential benefits if managed responsibly.

Cultural Significance

Hoani, like many Comorian towns, maintains a strong sense of cultural identity rooted in language, religion, and communal life. Shikomori, a Swahili-based language, is commonly spoken alongside Arabic and French influences. Daily life is closely tied to religious practices, with Islam shaping social norms, festivals, and education.
The relationship between the community and the natural environment also has cultural dimensions. The presence of turtles, once exploited for meat and shells, has increasingly come to symbolise conservation and pride in local natural heritage. This shift reflects broader changes in attitudes towards wildlife, influenced by education and international conservation partnerships.