The small island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe is often referred to as the ‘Galapagos of Africa’ due to its rich and diverse forest ecosystems. However, these forests face significant threats from agricultural expansion and overexploitation. The Restoration Initiative (TRI) is working to address these challenges by implementing the first large-scale Forest and Landscape Restoration (FLR) programme in the country. By fostering partnerships with local cooperatives and enhancing the capacity of local institutions, TRI is promoting sustainable forest management and creating new value chains that benefit the local economy.
Restoration and Resurrection
TRI’s project in São Tomé and Príncipe represents a significant step forward in the country’s restoration efforts. Historically, reforestation and restoration activities were scattered and lacked a cohesive strategy. However, with the introduction of the first large-scale Forest and Landscape Restoration (FLR) programme in 2019, the project set forth ambitious goals to restore significant patches of the country’s landscape. The project involves a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and the private sector, all working together to guide and promote restoration activities.
Bounds and Strides
TRI has made remarkable progress in restoring degraded landscapes in São Tomé and Príncipe. 9,683 hectares of degraded secondary forest and agroforestry land have been brought under restoration, and 23,226 hectares of land have been brought under improved management. In 2023 alone, 91,401 seedlings belonging to 61 different tree species were produced by a network of public and private nurseries. These restoration efforts have significantly enhanced the ecological health of the region, providing essential ecosystem services such as improved soil productivity, increased biodiversity, and enhanced carbon sequestration.
The project has impacted the lives of 16,439 beneficiaries, including recipients of training on FLR and seedling production, as well as individuals directly involved in restoration activities. Another notable achievement of the TRI project in São Tomé and Príncipe has been its contribution to policy development. The project has facilitated the creation of the National FLR Plan and four Landscape FLR Plans, covering approximately 38,000 hectares. These plans have provided a robust framework for the sustainable management and restoration of forest ecosystems, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project’s positive impacts.
Considering the massive sum of seedlings yielded in 2023 alone, the initial need for a steady and timely supply of seedlings was a necessity. Adapting to local conditions has also proved to be a challenge, however the team settled in soon after the project was underway. To address these obstacles, TRI – supported by international experts – has developed a detailed seedling production plan. This plan included an assessment of current capacity, identification of gaps and needs, and a cost estimation. Partnerships were established with national cooperatives engaged in the production of organic cocoa and coffee, whose plantations are targeted by the FLR programme.
Future Directions for São Tomé and Príncipe’s Forests
In order to sustain and maintain restoration efforts in STP, TRI worked alongside the Association of Banks and the Central Bank of São Tomé and Príncipe and advanced a comprehensive programme that included policy reforms, capacity building, and the development of specifically tailored financial instruments. This effectively channeled both public and private investments into restoration and sustainable land management. Furthermore, the project pioneered the country’s inaugural Payment for Ecosystem Services scheme, which generated verified carbon claims and carbon credits for the global voluntary carbon markets. This strategy not only supported ecological restoration but also opened new avenues for economic growth, ensuring a sustainable future for the vibrant ecosystems and communities of São Tomé and Príncipe. With regards to what’s in store in the future, STP has submitted a new project proposal under the GEF-8 Ecosystem Restoration Integrated Program to continue with the impact of TRI.
