The Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe is an island state in the Gulf of Guinea with rich biodiversity, characterised by ecosystems typical of island environments and a high rate of endemism. The flora there is particularly diverse, occupying habitats subject to highly localised climatic conditions. Humans have placed strong pressure on it, sometimes with irreversible consequences for its biodiversity, through the introduction of exotic plants and the destruction of vegetation cover to make way for agriculture.
Yet these practices are not inevitable. They are partly due to limited understanding of the flora and the interdependent relationships that govern it.
The project aims to help improve knowledge of São Tomé’s biodiversity through the development and enhancement of ex situ conservation efforts for the archipelago’s plant species.