Fundacao Principe: Principe Island

Fundação Príncipe focuses on biodiversity conservation and the social and economic development of the communities of Príncipe Island, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Africa. The foundation’s mission is to create economic and social development opportunities, inspiring both current and future generations through, and for, biodiversity conservation to achieve a pristine Principe for the future of all Principeans, in the heart of the world.

The project aims to address plastic pollution as one of the major threats to sea turtles, which is currently preventing Príncipe from reaching its aim of becoming a sanctuary for these species, especially for the critically endangered hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata). The project’s approach is to reinforce two women-led Civil Society Organizations (CSO) from two Príncipe Island communities with a direct link to two threats in turtle conservation – plastic waste in Picão and poaching in Tchada. By supporting these alternative income initiatives, we will reduce the pressure on turtle poaching and plastic consumption on the island: Picão with the collection and repurposing of the plastic that is washed ashore on main the nesting beach of the island, recycling plastic flip-flops into jewelry and plastic bags into rugs; Tchada with the production of reusable menstrual pads reducing as well the local use of disposable products and supporting menstrual poverty eradication.