Sao Tome and Principe Factsheet -Environment & Biodiversity, Obo national Parks
Environment & Biodiversity
Volcanic origin and protected areas
The islands are of volcanic origin, part of the Cameroon volcanic mountain line, featuring steep mountainous relief with dramatic peaks (Pico de São Tomé 2,024 m; Pico do Príncipe 948 m) and iconic volcanic plugs (Pico Cão Grande).
Protected areas: Obô Natural Parks on both islands cover ≈30% of the country's land area (São Tomé: 235 km²; Príncipe: 65 km²). Additional marine protected areas expanded in 2025 (8 new zones, ~93 km²).
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status
- Príncipe Island: Designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2012.
- São Tomé Island: Officially recognized in 2025.
- Entire national territory (land + territorial waters): In 2025 São Tomé and Príncipe became the first country in the world to have 100% of its territory inscribed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – a global milestone.
Endemic species and conservation
- Known as the "Galápagos of Africa" due to exceptionally high endemism.
- Birds: 28 endemic species (e.g., São Tomé Grosbeak, Dwarf Olive Ibis, São Tomé Oriole, São Tomé Short-tail).
- Amphibians: All 8 native species are endemic.
- Flora: ≈148 endemic plant taxa; historically covered in primary rainforest, now reduced by colonial plantations and invasive species.
- Other: Critically endangered São Tomé shrew, unique reptiles, and invertebrates.
- Conservation efforts: Obô Parks, reforestation (e.g., TRI/GEF project), community-based ecotourism, and strict protection of key nesting sites for marine turtles.
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Insight: Obô Natural Parks – São Tomé and Príncipe
Obô Natural Park of São Tomé
Size: ≈ 235–295 km² (23,500–29,500 ha) – covers ~30–34% of São Tomé island (859 km²).
Characteristics:
- Largest remaining tract of primary/obô rainforest in the Gulf of Guinea.
- Divided into two zones: northern (around Lagoa Amélia, Bombaim) and southern (Caué/Porto Alegre).
- Extremely rugged, steep volcanic terrain with deep ravines, cloud forest above 1,400 m, and montane grasslands.
-Home to the highest concentration of endemic species in Africa: 28 endemic birds (e.g., São Tomé Ibis, Giant Sunbird), all 8 native amphibians endemic, ~148 endemic plants.
- Key sites: Cascata São Nicolau, Lagoa Amélia crater lake, Roça Bombaim, starting points for Pico de São Tomé climb.
- Access: Mainly via EN-2 mountain road; many trails require licensed guides (obligatory since 2018).
- Status: Core zone of the 2025 UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Obô Natural Park of PríncipeSize : ≈ 65 km² (6,500 ha) – covers ~46% of Príncipe island (142 km²), making it one of the most protected islands in the world.
Altitude range : Sea level to 948 m (Pico do Príncipe).
Characteristics:
- Denser, more intact primary rainforest than São Tomé due to lower historical human pressure.
- Iconic phonolite towers (Pico Papagaio, Pico Mencorne) rising dramatically from the jungle.
- Extremely high endemism: 7 strictly endemic bird species (e.g., Príncipe Kingfisher, Príncipe Speirops), unique subspecies, and the critically endangered Príncipe thrush.
Key sites:
Roça Sundy (1919 Einstein eclipse site), Praia Banana (voted one of world's most beautiful beaches), O Quê Pipi waterfall, southern bays with giant baobabs.
Access: Trails from Santo António or Belo Monte; most of the park is reachable only on foot or 4×4.
Status: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2012; core zone of the full-country Biosphere Reserve (2025).
Climate vulnerability
- Highly exposed Small Island Developing State (SIDS): sea-level rise, coastal erosion, increased storm intensity, and changing rainfall patterns threaten low-lying settlements, infrastructure, and agriculture.
- Rainfall variability already affects cocoa production; projected temperature rise of 1.5–2 °C by 2050 will intensify droughts and floods.
- Ranked among the most climate-vulnerable nations globally; adaptation integrated into 2025 updated NDC and blue-economy strategies (mangrove restoration, coral reef protection, renewable energy transition).
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