São Tomé has long been identified as a global priority for the conservation of biodiversity, primarily due to its extraordinary number of endemic species. Land-use change is considered the greatest threat to the island’s biodiversity, so during my PhD I investigated how the endemic-rich bird and tree assemblages respond to land-use change. The aim of the current project is to translate, make available and publicize the knowledge I have gathered to key stakeholders on the island, so that biodiversity considerations can be integrated into policies and practices.

I will contact key stakeholders in matters concerning São Tomé‘s environment, agriculture and forestry, including government departments, non-governmental organisations, companies and rural communities. Many of which are currently lacking knowledge on the value of biodiversity for human well-being, and on the existing agricultural and forestry (mal)practice and their consequences for the long-term sustainability of the island ecosystems. The discussion of the findings of my research, complemented with specific management recommendations, will raise awareness about the threats faced by the island’s unique natural heritage and empower Santomeans to improve land-use management for São Tomé’s endemic-rich biodiversity.

Finally, I will use the local media to reach the general public with information on the multiple values of Santomean forests, and on the threats that they are currently facing. In doing so, I will increase environmental awareness, namely about the island’s unique biodiversity, and promote a wider discussion around this topic that, despite its relevance, has been chronically under-debated in the country.