São Tomé and Príncipe will establish eight marine protected areas (MPAs) covering 93 square kilometers (36 square miles) of coastal habitats in the Gulf of Guinea.The island nation aims to protect its marine environment while improving the lives of fishing communities, who rely heavily on fish for protein.Current challenges include the decline of pelagic fish stocks and loss of biodiversity due to indiscriminate fishing practices and climate change.The law designating the MPAs is expected to be enacted in September.
The island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe has taken a significant step in marine conservation, announcing that it will establish eight marine protected areas in its coastal waters. The declaration is the country’s first formal commitment to marine protection.
The law designating the MPAs has been approved by the Council of Ministers and is expected to be published in September, João Pessoa, the government’s director of fisheries and aquaculture, told Mongabay.
“[The designation of the MPAs] is not only about protecting biodiversity. It is also about ensuring food security, preserving our traditional fishing culture, and strengthening resilience to climate change,” Pessoa said.
