In 2008, Lúrio University (UniLúrio) started in Pemba with the Faculty of Natural Sciences (FCN). Currently, FCN runs an undergraduate course in Biological Science and two Master Programs: Applied Ecology and Organizational Management and Social Corporate Development. In total, FCN has 173 undergraduate students, 76 Master students and 37 lecturers/researchers. Of these lecturers, there are only 1 PhD and 20 Masters. The remaining 16 are undergraduate lecturers, however, 12 of them are Masters students and 6 are PhD students. In total, the faculty employs 53 people working as teachers/researchers and/or within administration Staff.

FCN regularly attends scientific meetings of WIOMSA (Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association), ICRS (International Society Reefs Studies and BES (British Ecological Society). The Faculty also have collaborating projects with different Universities in Sweden, France, South Africa, Italy and Portugal. The projects can be simple exchange of researchers and/or students on research or conservation projects. We also have joint projects with NGOs like the ZSL (Zoological Society of London), WWF (Wild Wide Fund), WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society), CORDIO East Africa (Coastal Ocean Research and Development for Indian Ocean), IUCN (International Union for Conservation Nature), Instituto-Oikos and local AMA (Associação do Meio Ambiente). The faculty also delivers services such as environmental and monitoring consultancies for companies like Geoteam, Fugro, Syran and Biodinamica.