Island of Príncipe Biosphere Reserve, Biosphere reserve on Príncipe Island, São Tomé and Príncipe
The Island of Príncipe Biosphere Reserve covers the entire island, featuring dense tropical forests, palm woodlands, river systems, and mountain ridges that rise to around 950 meters. The protected area integrates conservation of these varied habitats with sustainable use by local communities.
The reserve was established in recognition of the island's ecological importance for global conservation. In 2012 it received official UNESCO designation under the Man and Biosphere Programme, marking a commitment to both protection and sustainable development on the island.
Local people grow cocoa and coffee using traditional farming methods passed down through families, while coastal communities continue fishing practices rooted in their heritage. These ways of life blend naturally with the island's environment and seasonal patterns.
The main town of Santo António serves as the entry point for visits, where local guides provide information about protected zones, wildlife viewing locations, and permitted activities in different areas. Access conditions vary depending on which part of the reserve you wish to explore.
The Tinhosas islands off the coast function as vital nesting sites for rare seabirds and house species found nowhere else on Earth. These remote outcrops support bird populations that cannot be seen on the main island.
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