Bissau, July 6, 2025 (Lusa) - Guinean environmentalists believe that the recognition of Bijagós as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site will enhance connectivity between the archipelago and the rest of Guinea-Bissau, bringing the populations of the 23 inhabited islands closer together.

Cultural and environmental activist from the Bijagós Islands, Fernando Saldanha gave Lusa the example of the islands of Uno and Orango, which boat travellers can cross in a fast boat in seven minutes, but it can take 30 days to get transport from one to the other.

“The recognition will help us create conditions that mitigate (…) these difficulties,” said the environmentalist and coordinator in Guinea-Bissau of Rede Luso (Lusophone Network of Environmental Educators).

For Fernando Saldanha, the recognition of the Bijagós Islands as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site is the result of the work of our ancestors.

The coordinator of the non-governmental organisation (NGO) ASAD (Associación Solidária Andaluza de Desarrolo) in Guinea-Bissau, Nadir Faria, stresses that the recognition of the Bijagós will allow “greater international visibility, which may facilitate the mobilisation of new support and strategic partnerships”.

Faria believes, however, that recognition implies “more responsibilities” in the protection and sustainable management of natural resources, which “will require strengthening the environmental component of the NGO’s projects”.

The ASAD official anticipates an increase in tourist flows and external interest, which will require preparation of the communities to ensure that development is “inclusive, respectful and sustainable”.

Artemisa Martins, focal point in the Bijagós Islands for the Coastal project, promoted by the Guinean government in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which works to train riverside populations on climate change, says that recognition “is a guarantee that development and conservation [can] go hand in hand with social justice and inclusion" for local communities.

“I feel that this distinction is a historic milestone, and it calls for vigilance, commitment and social innovation. I am the guardian of a delicate balance between environmental conservation and social justice,” Artemisa Martins told Lusa in writing.

Martins believes that with UNESCO recognition, we must ensure that the Bijagós archipelago becomes “more than” a World Heritage Site, serving also as “a global example of sustainable coexistence and respect for cultural diversity.”

Nadir Faria, from the NGO ASAD, notes that the recognition “is also a sign that commitment” and community work, environmental protection and the “valorisation of local knowledge” are having a “positive and lasting impact”.

Environmentalists emphasise that improving transport to the islands, along with access to the internet, electricity, drinking water, health services and sanitation, will enhance connectivity and living conditions.

Artemisa Martins said that, within a challenging context, working in the Bijagós Islands fosters “creative solutions and strengthens resilience.”

“Working in the Bijagós is also learning from the rhythms of nature, the strength of women and the wisdom of communities that have lived in balance with the ecosystem for centuries,” she said.

Victor Madrigal, from the Spanish NGO AIDA (Ayuda, Intercambio y Desarrollo), which provides health support to communities in need, considers the recognition “is a significant achievement” that opens up opportunities for long-term protection.

Madrigal also said that the decision increases motivation to continue working on the islands.

“The conservation of these islands, with their rich biodiversity, is fundamental not only for global ecological balance, but also to ensure that future generations can enjoy this unique heritage,” he argues.

The islands, considered a natural and cultural treasure, are among the 32 sites around the world nominated for World Heritage status, and UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, will announce its decision on 11 July in France.

The 47th meeting of the World Heritage Committee is taking place between today and 16 July at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France.

MB/ADB // ADB.

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