Guinea-Bissau, a small country located in West Africa, is a prime example of ecological richness and biodiversity, occupying only a small fraction of the world’s total land area. The country’s diverse ecosystems range from the mangrove-lined Atlantic coastline to the savanna and forested regions inland. This variety of habitats supports a wide array of wildlife and plant species, underlining Guinea-Bissau’s status as a significant ecological hub.

The country is particularly noted for its extensive wetlands, which include the Bijagós Archipelago—a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. These wetlands are crucial for the breeding and nesting of numerous bird species, both migratory and resident, making Guinea-Bissau an important bird area on the global map. Additionally, its coastal and marine ecosystems are rich in biodiversity, hosting various species of turtles and fish, which are vital for both local communities and the overall ecological balance.

	Score	Rank	Change
Total Score – NCI 2024	56.71	72	N/A
Land Management	63	44	N/A
Protected Areas (Terrestrial)	91	46	N/A
Ecological Representativeness of Terrestrial Protected Areas	100	1	N/A
Connectedness of Terrestrial Protected Areas	46	120	N/A
Protected Areas (Marine)	22	51	N/A
Pristine Habitat (Converted Land)	100	1	N/A
Sustainable Nitrogen Management (Soil Pollution)	22	138	N/A
Sustainable Pesticide Use	62	44	N/A
Threats to Biodiversity	66	65	N/A
Threatened Species (Terrestrial)	93	29	N/A
Threatened Species (Marine)	37	135	N/A
Threatened Species’ Coverage by Protected Areas	95	67	N/A
Species Coverage by Marine Protected Areas	86	94	N/A
Species with Declining Populations (Terrestrial)	47	24	N/A
Species with Declining Populations (Marine)	0	10	N/A
Depleted Fisheries	18	35	N/A
Fishery Pressure in the High Seas	100	54	N/A
Invasive Species Pressure	99	23	N/A
Capacity and Governance	56	143	N/A
Total Management Cost	98	64	N/A
Conservation Culturomics	20	168	N/A
Conservation Legislation	68	12	N/A
Ratification of CBD	100	1	N/A
Ratification of CITES	100	1	N/A
Political Stability and Absence of Violence	50	63	N/A
Control of Corruption	30	141	N/A
Government Effectiveness	20	167	N/A
Future Trends	42	89	N/A
Climate Change Mitigation	42	89	N/A

Four pillars elaborated:

Land Management

Guinea-Bissau has a diverse network of protected areas, covering about 15% of the country. These areas play a crucial role in safeguarding the country’s rich biodiversity, including Orango National Park, Urok Islands Community Marine Protected Area, Boé National Park, and Cantanhez National Park. The legal framework for these areas is established by Decree-Law No. 3/97.

Threats to Biodiversity

Guinea-Bissau faces significant challenges in protecting its natural resources. Protected areas are inadequately monitored, leading to illegal exploitation and poaching. Women’s involvement in managing these areas is minimal. Terrestrial ecosystems have deteriorated due to traditional agriculture, overexploitation of forests, poaching, bushfires, and mining. Laws surrounding forests and wildlife need updating and better implementation. Marine resources are under constant pressure from illegal fishing activity. Invasive species are not yet a concern, though there is a need for capacity development in biodiversity planning. Extreme poverty poses a significant threat to the sustainable use of natural resources.

Capacity and Governance

Guinea-Bissau has made strides in biodiversity conservation with the adoption of various laws and plans, including the Framework Environment Law and National Action Plans for combating desertification and climate change. The country emphasizes community involvement in managing protected areas and has established the Bioguiné Foundation to enhance sustainable financing mechanisms. Despite integration of biodiversity considerations in legislation and plans, coordination among stakeholders remains a challenge.

Guinea-Bissau engages in regional cooperation through memberships in programs like the Subregional Fisheries Commission and West African Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Network. Efforts include extensive research on indigenous species, conservation measures for various wildlife, and robust education and awareness programs led by NGOs and schools, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to biodiversity preservation.

Future Trends

To conserve and sustainably manage Guinea-Bissau’s rich biodiversity, the country has developed a Strategy and National Action Plan. The plan aims to restore degraded ecosystems, establish protected areas, and promote sustainable use of natural resources. It focuses on seven key goals, including equitable access to natural resources and sustainable management of agriculture, aquaculture, and forests.

Biodiversity

Guinea-Bissau’s lengthy Atlantic coastline nurtures vibrant marine ecosystems, featuring mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs that provide critical habitats for an array of marine life including fish, crustaceans, and marine mammals. The country is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, as its wetlands, estuaries, and forests are crucial stopover points for migratory birds and habitats for endemic species. Notably, the Bijagós Archipelago, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, hosts over 300 bird species and is a sanctuary for the rare saltwater crocodile and the vulnerable African manatee.

Additionally, Guinea-Bissau’s diverse landscapes, including savannas, forests, and wetlands, are teeming with wildlife such as hippopotamuses, monkeys, and antelopes. The Bijagós Islands are particularly notable for their unique flora and fauna, including endemic reptiles and rare orchids.

In the table below are the number of known species in several main groups, how many of these species are Threatened with extinction, and how many of them are Endemic (unique to Guinea-Bissau only):