The project involves extensive botanical exploration to document and conserve the arboreal, medicinal and orchid species of Príncipe Island.

Our approach is to gather taxonomic and ecological knowledge to assess the conservation status of rare or unknown species. We also provide training to technicians from local government institutions, guide associations and other elements of civil society, to encourage the conservation and sustainable use of local biodiversity.

 

Vasco Pissarra © Fundação Príncipe

Context:

The forests of São Tomé and Príncipe Islands are considered among the 200 most important biodiversity areas in the world, and the entire island of Príncipe was designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2012.

However, despite this significance, the flora of Príncipe’s forests has remained largely unexplored, and many of its rarest species are undocumented and/or poorly understood.

Through botanical training and systematic surveys of the Island’s flora, we are establishing action plans to better protect the island's plant life.

 
 

Main activities include:

  • Local technicians (x13) trained in plant identification and herbarium techniques;

  • More than 30 research expeditions carried out on the Island;

  • Creation of a Herbarium and Orchidarium for the Príncipe Natural Park;

  • Floral species inventories that have increased the total number of known plant species by more than 12.5% and include 8 tree species that are new to science;

  • IUCN Red List assessments of 21 endemic or rare species;

 

Funders & Partners

 

Click here to visit the official website of the Project “Endangered Flora of São Tomé and Príncipe”