São Tomé and Príncipe, an archipelago off the west coast of Central Africa, is a hidden gem renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. This tropical paradise, consisting of two main islands and several smaller islets, offers a captivating blend of lush rainforests, volcanic mountains, and pristine beaches.

Located in the Gulf of Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe lies close to the equator, giving it a warm and humid tropical climate. The islands are volcanic in origin, featuring rugged terrain with towering peaks, fertile valleys, and extensive coastlines. The highest point is Pico de São Tomé, which rises to 2,024 meters (6,640 feet) above sea level. The climate is characterized by a wet season from October to May and a dry season from June to September, providing a perfect environment for diverse ecosystems to thrive.

	Score	Rank	Change
Total Score – NCI 2024	51.1	141	N/A
Land Management	57	74	N/A
Protected Areas (Terrestrial)	100	1	N/A
Ecological Representativeness of Terrestrial Protected Areas	53	91	N/A
Connectedness of Terrestrial Protected Areas	55	88	N/A
Protected Areas (Marine)	98	7	N/A
Pristine Habitat (Converted Land)	0	136	N/A
Sustainable Nitrogen Management (Soil Pollution)	31	119	N/A
Sustainable Pesticide Use
Threats to Biodiversity	56	143	N/A
Threatened Species (Terrestrial)	77	143	N/A
Threatened Species (Marine)	44	108	N/A
Threatened Species’ Coverage by Protected Areas	100	1	N/A
Species Coverage by Marine Protected Areas	84	100	N/A
Species with Declining Populations (Terrestrial)	17	136	N/A
Species with Declining Populations (Marine)	0	10	N/A
Depleted Fisheries	0	39	N/A
Fishery Pressure in the High Seas	100	107	N/A
Invasive Species Pressure	78	146	N/A
Capacity and Governance	54	154	N/A
Total Management Cost
Conservation Culturomics	18	169	N/A
Conservation Legislation	36	110	N/A
Ratification of CBD	100	1	N/A
Ratification of CITES	100	1	N/A
Political Stability and Absence of Violence	70	3	N/A
Control of Corruption	56	57	N/A
Government Effectiveness	34	134	N/A
Future Trends	39	108	N/A
Climate Change Mitigation	39	108	N/A

Four pillars elaborated:

Land Management

São Tomé and Príncipe has established several protected areas to conserve its natural heritage. The Obo National Park, which spans both islands, is a significant conservation area that protects a variety of ecosystems, from lowland rainforests to montane forests. The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with many endemic bird species residing within its boundaries. Conservation efforts on the islands are supported by both the government and international organizations, focusing on sustainable practices and community involvement to preserve the unique biodiversity.

Threats to Biodiversity

The primary pressures on biodiversity include habitat loss and degradation due to large-scale agricultural development, infrastructure projects, subsistence farming, exploitation of wood resources, and palm wine production. Additional disturbances arise from hunting, snail harvesting, and deforestation. The impact of alien invasive species, predation by introduced species, misuse of chemical products, and the degradation of marine and coastal ecosystems further exacerbate the situation. Indirect drivers are connected to socioeconomic development processes and the effects of climate change.

Capacity and Governance

São Tomé and Príncipe’s Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan 2015-2020 outlines the nation’s commitment to conserving its rich biodiversity by focusing on protecting endangered species, restoring degraded ecosystems, and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources. Building on this, the Strategic Plan for São Tomé & Príncipe 2021-2030 sets ambitious goals for the next decade, aiming for a 10% increase in forest cover, a 20% reduction in marine pollution, and a 50% increase in the number of protected areas.

Additionally, the 2030 Sustainable Development Plan for the Autonomous Region of Principe, developed in collaboration with UN-Habitat, targets sustainable development for the island of Principe with goals for protecting biodiversity, promoting renewable energy, and improving waste management.

Future Trends

The government of São Tomé and Príncipe, in collaboration with international and local partners, is actively working to protect and conserve the country’s unique biodiversity through several key initiatives. These include projects aimed at understanding and conserving forests and marine habitats, with extensive biodiversity surveys and 3D mapping to guide efforts. There is a strong focus on protecting endemic species, such as the critically endangered Príncipe thrush, through research, population stabilization, and reducing illegal hunting.

Co-managed marine protected areas are being established to promote sustainable marine resource use, engaging local stakeholders and coastal communities. Efforts to combat coastal erosion and pollution include promoting sustainable fishing practices, proper waste management, and environmental education. Additionally, multi-stakeholder initiatives are underway to preserve coastal and marine ecosystems, particularly for endangered migratory species, supported by international financial and technical assistance. These comprehensive efforts reflect a commitment to preserving São Tomé and Príncipe’s rich natural heritage for future generations.

Biodiversity

The primary rainforests of São Tomé and Príncipe are among the most biodiverse in the world. These rainforests support a wide array of plant species, many of which are endemic. The islands’islands’ flora includes unique species such as the São Tomé begonia and various orchids. These forests are also home to a variety of wildlife, including the São Tomé shrew, the São Tomé grosbeak, and the giant sunbird, all of which are found nowhere else on Earth. The dense forest canopy and rich undergrowth provide habitats for numerous insects, amphibians, and reptiles, contributing to the islands’islands’ overall biodiversity.

The coastal areas and surrounding waters of São Tomé and Príncipe are equally rich in biodiversity. The islands’ beaches, mangroves, and coral reefs support diverse marine life, including various fish species, sea turtles, and marine mammals such as dolphins and humpback whales. The coral reefs around the islands are particularly significant for their ecological richness, providing essential habitats for marine organisms and contributing to the health of the marine environment.

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 Sao Tome and Principe only):

	Species (World rank)	Threatened	% Threatened	Endemic	% Endemic
Mammals
Birds	90 (#197)	14	15.6%	29	32.2%
Reptiles	17 (#167)	5	29.4%	15	88.2%
Amphibians	9 (#141)	3	33.3%	7	77.8%
Fishes	357 (#142)	45	12.6%	4	1.1%
Plants	895 (#180)	49	5.5%	37	4.1%