São Tomé and Príncipe has achieved a historic milestone: becoming the first country in the world to have its entire territory designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2025.
The first country in the world to have its entire territory designated as Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2025.
Bio Reserve
Rising from the Gulf of Guinea, the Ilha de São Tomé Biosphere Reserve includes volcanic peaks, lush forests, coastal ecosystems, and fertile agricultural lands. At its core is the Obô Natural Park, encircled by buffer and transition areas that integrate marine islets, agro-forestry zones, and community landscapes. It forms part of the Congo Basin forest system, one of the planet’s most important ecological regions. Together with Príncipe Biosphere Reserve, it forms the first ever whole-country biosphere reserve.
Unique Species
The biosphere reserve shelters around 1,200 plant species, with 148 endemics unique to the island. Its emblematic fauna include the dwarf ibis (Bostrychia bocagei, CR), the São Tomé shrew (Crocidura thomensis), and a wide diversity of endemic amphibians and reptiles. Four marine turtle species nest on its beaches, while marine buffer zones include islets such as Ilhéu das Cabras, Ilhéu Santana, and Ilhéu das Rolas, important for coral reefs, seabird colonies, and cetaceans.
Sustainable Agriculture
The island’s communities sustain traditional livelihoods: artisanal fishing, cocoa and coffee cultivation, coconut oil processing, and vibrant local markets. São Tomé’s organic cacao is internationally recognized as a symbol of sustainable agriculture. Cultural traditions are expressed through gastronomy, handicrafts, and the historic roças (plantations), which blend heritage with productive landscapes.
This recognition evidences the country’s exceptional biodiversity and the importance of its ecosystems on a global scale. The designation also reflects ongoing efforts to balance environmental conservation with sustainable socio-economic development.
This recognition further positions São Tomé and Príncipe as a leader in sustainable development and environmental stewardship within the region and across the globe.