On July 13th, 2025, during the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris, the “Marine and Coastal Ecosystem of the Bijagós Archipelago” was officially inscribed on the World Heritage List. This historic milestone marks Guinea-Bissau’s first site to achieve this prestigious international recognition.
The decision acknowledges the Archipelago’s exceptional universal value, its ecological integrity, and the long-standing role of the Bijagó people in the sustainable stewardship of their territory.
SETIN is proud to have supported this journey by contributing technically to the preparation of the nomination dossier, through the development of the Integrated Land Use and Management Plan for the Bolama-Bijagós Archipelago Biosphere Reserve. This strategic document was critical in strengthening the planning and governance frameworks of the protected areas, aligned with UNESCO’s guidance and international conservation standards.
We congratulate the Government of Guinea-Bissau, the Institute for Biodiversity and Protected Areas (IBAP), and all national and international partners involved in this collective achievement. In particular, we acknowledge the leadership and dedication of Dr. Aissatu Regalla, Director General of IBAP and a biologist who coordinated the Department of Biodiversity Monitoring and Conservation throughout the nomination process. Her technical leadership and long-standing commitment were instrumental in guiding the process to success.
Above all, we celebrate the resilience, knowledge and guardianship of the Bijagó people, whose deep connection to land and sea continues to inspire models of community-based conservation rooted in traditional ecological knowledge.
The inscription of the Bijagós Archipelago as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site is not only a recognition of its outstanding biodiversity, but also a catalyst for sustainable development through responsible tourism, community empowerment, and global visibility. It is a proud moment for Guinea-Bissau, and for all those who believe in the power of nature, culture, and collaboration.
