Lindo (Manuel Gomes) won the Marsh Award for Marine Conservation

Lindo (Manuel Gomes) won the Marsh Award for Marine Conservation! We couldn't be prouder! Lindo is the perfect example of how engaging local communities in nature conservation is essential for projects sustainability.

Since he was 10 years old, Lindo started fishing and hunting turtles for his family's livelihoods. But everything changed when it was engaged in conservation of these species and the importance of protecting them.

Since 2011, he was integrated into the Príncipe's sea turtle monitoring teams, having been Supervisor of Fundação' Sea Monitors Team from 2015 until 2019, when he was invited to join the Omali Vida Nón project, to create the first network of protected marine areas (AMP) in São Tomé e Príncipe.

Today, aged 51, Lindo plays the key role of engaging local communities - fishermen and Fish traders - in the participatory process of setting up the first AMP network in the country.

Lindo is undoubtedly one of the driving forces of marine conservation on Príncipe Island, and this award is beyond deserved! Training and empowerment of our team is one of the pillars of the Fundação Príncipe and this international recognition only confirms that we are on the right track! Thanks to our partner Fauna & Flora International, who made this dream possible!