Príncipe’s first recycling cooperative (CVR) began in 2016 with the objective of generating income for women from products made from waste materials. Through a partnership with the Songor Biosphere Reserve in Ghana the group have learned to make jewellery from glass bottles, and also produce compost from organic waste in a partnership with the Regional Government.

Today, the cooperatives workshop in Porto Real is one of the most visited tourist spots on the island, where visitors can purchase the unique glass jewellery made by the women of Príncipe, and the island's farmers can purchase quality organic compost.

Through this project, 10 families in Príncipe have a reliable source of income from products that are reducing the pressure on natural resources.

Context:

In 2016, a group of 10 women from the Porto Real community contacted the Príncipe Foundation because they wanted to establish a business that would be good for the Príncipe Biosphere Reserve. The community is situated close to the buffer zone of Príncipe’s Natural Park, and there was concern that previous income generating activities such as collecting gravel for construction and harvesting giant snails for food could have a negative impact on the park. The Foundation were keen to support this initiative, especially because working with women would improve the living conditions for children, as women are principally responsible for their livelihood, education and health.

Once the ideas of producing glass jewellery and compost began to take shape, an exchange programme was organised with an established cooperative in Ghana to gain knowledge and technical training. A partnership was also established with the Regional Government, which provided a composting space and the building for the jewellery workshop.

In 2018 the group received a Yves Rocher Foundation award, and with this it was possible to purchase a van to help with the collection of glass and organic waste from across the island.

From 2019 the cooperative’s jewellery became internationally available through the online DOME Ethical Store, and in 2020 the beads were selected by designer Joana Duarte for her collection at the Lisbon 2020 fashion week.

Main activities include:

Technical training for cooperative members from local communities;
Supporting the management of the composting centre;
Creation of a workshop for the process of transforming glass bottles into jewellery;
Provision of free compost to schools;