Por Ricardo Faustino de Lima (cE3c - Tropical and Mediterranean Biodiversity).

The forests of the oceanic islands of São Tomé and Príncipe are a global priority for the conservation of biodiversity, mainly due to the high number of unique species. Their avifauna is particularly rich in endemic and threatened species, and it is well studied, hence it has been used as a flag for conservation. The forests of these islands changed deeply since human arrival, most of which being replaced by anthropogenic ecosystems. Understanding how these changes affected island biodiversity is key to define conservation strategies and ensure their protection in the long-term. For these strategies to work, however, islanders have to become aware of the unique value of their biodiversity and their needs have to be assessed, to find a development model that is truly sustainable. Based on specific examples, I will show how my scientific work has contributed to the conservation of terrestrial biodiversity in São Tomé and Príncipe.