1st São Tomé and Príncipe Sea Conference

On July 30 and 31, the 1st São Tomé and Príncipe Sea Conference was held in the city of São Tomé, organized by MARE, Oikos, the University of São Tomé and Príncipe and the University of Lisbon.

This event aimed to promote the discussion on the main challenges our coastal and marine ecosystems are facing, including the loss of biodiversity resulting from habitat destruction, overexploitation, pollution, climate change, among other factors.

The event was also attended by the national coordinator of the MPA's program, Ricardo Freitas (Fauna & Flora International), as well as the MPA's project officer, Manuel da Graça (Fundação Príncipe), who discussed the topic “Marine Biodiversity in São Tomé and Príncipe”.

At this conference, it was also discussed how the blue economy could offer opportunities for innovation and technological advancement and strategies to strengthen maritime governance through the effective implementation of coastal and marine management policies (including the management of marine protected areas and maritime spatial planning).