Community-Based Mangrove Restoration on Príncipe Island

A preliminary characterisation of Praia Salgada mangrove in Principe Island, Democratic Republic of São Tomé e Príncipe, was carried out to establish a baseline for intervention in restoring the mangrove habitat and support the development of sustainable tourism activities as an alternative income to the local community. The general characterisation of the mangrove of Praia Salgada included the identification of different types of vegetation cover, the recording of 24 species of birds, 13 species of molluscs, 11 species of crustaceans and 13 species of fish. The physicochemical parameters measured were pH, oxygen, salinity, turbidity and temperature. The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve promoted the presentation and discussion of the results with the community, which resulted in the willingness to promote the restoration of the mangrove and the exploitation of the area to promote nature tourism activities, namely hiking trails and bird and plant watching. In this way, the community benefits from the availability of mangrove ecosystem services to improve their economic income and alternative jobs. It strengthens their commitment and involvement in the ecological restoration of this vital ecosystem.