The Bolama Bijagós Archipelago Biosphere Reserve (RBABB) on the West African coast, in Guinea-Bissau. The archipelago is made up of 88 islands and islets covering a total surface of 1 046 950 hectares. The RBABB includes several protected areas, such as the Urok Islands Community Marine Protected Area (AMCIU), Orango Islands National Park (PNO) and João Vieira and Poilão National Marine Park (PNMJVP).
The Bolama Bijagós archipelago is particularly known for its extensive mangrove forests, the population of hippos that roam free on Orango, the important breeding site for the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), and the culture of the local communities which is strongly influenced by local wildlife. Due to this high diversity in ecosystems and the Indigenous knowledge and culture of the Bijagós, it is not surprising that the archipelago is a biodiversity hotspot and hosts many endemic species.
SETIN was recently contracted for the elaboration of the “Development and Integrated Management Plan for the RBABB”. On October 5th we had the kick-off meeting with the Competent Environmental Assessment Authority (AAAC) and with the Institute of Biodiversity and Protected Areas (IBAP).
