AGP Executive Report

Marine Protection: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas off its coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—aimed at safeguarding mangroves, nesting beaches, reefs, and key habitats for marine turtles, seabirds, and other biodiversity, including no-take zones and regulated artisanal fishing. Wildlife Protection: On Príncipe, former sea turtle poacher Manuel “Lindo” Gomes is now helping protect endangered turtles, shifting from hunting to patrolling nesting sites and supporting community-led conservation and marine protection. Water Access: A new global mapping effort highlights where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, showing huge gaps between high-access regions and low-income countries where contamination and unreliable supply remain major problems. Climate & Earth Systems: Scientists report a mysterious 26-second “heartbeat” microseism linked to the Gulf of Guinea, offering fresh clues about how ocean dynamics and Earth’s crust interact. Sustainable Culture & Materials: A Lusophone handicraft exhibition in São Tomé showcases natural-fibre textiles and other crafts tied to local environments across Portuguese-speaking countries, spotlighting sustainability through traditional production.

Marine Protection: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas off its coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—aimed at safeguarding mangroves, nesting beaches, reefs and key fishing grounds, with no-take zones protecting threatened species like marine turtles and seabirds. Water Access Mapping: A new global data map highlights where safe drinking water is still out of reach, showing that while many wealthy regions exceed 99% access, several low-income countries remain below 20%. Sea Turtle Recovery: On Príncipe, Manuel “Lindo” Gomes—once a sea turtle poacher—now protects endangered turtles by patrolling nesting sites and supporting community-led conservation and marine protection efforts. IMF Support for Resilience: The IMF’s new Africa chief says Middle East conflict is worsening trade, energy and fertilizer disruptions, and notes additional financing already approved for São Tomé and Príncipe to help countries weather the shock. Reparations Push: African and Caribbean leaders meeting in Ghana backed a UN-linked reparations plan calling for apologies, debt relief and a Global Reparations Fund—an issue tied to broader justice and accountability debates across the region.

Marine Protection: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas off its coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—covering mangroves, nesting beaches, reefs and key fishing grounds, with no-take zones protecting marine turtles, seabirds and other biodiversity. Water Access Mapping: A new global map highlights how safe drinking water remains out of reach for billions, with access below 20% in several low-income countries despite near-universal coverage in many wealthy regions. Sea Turtle Recovery: On Príncipe, a former sea turtle poacher turned protector, Manuel “Lindo” Gomes, is now helping defend nesting sites and build community support for conservation and marine protection. IMF Support: The IMF’s new Africa chief says Middle East conflict disruptions could keep hitting trade, energy and fertilizer supplies for months, while noting added financing support already approved for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe. Reparations Push: African and Caribbean states meeting in Ghana backed a slavery reparations plan calling for apologies, a Global Reparations Fund, debt relief and restitution of looted cultural property. Cultural Week: A Lusophone handicraft exhibition opened in São Tomé, showcasing natural-fibre textiles and other crafts from Portuguese-speaking countries, including local works from the islands.

Marine Protection: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—adding no-take zones and protections for mangroves, nesting beaches, reefs, and threatened species like marine turtles and seabirds. Water Access: A new global mapping look shows safe drinking water is still out of reach for billions, with access below 20% in several low-income countries—an urgent reminder for island states where infrastructure gaps can be life-changing. Wildlife Protection: On Príncipe, a former sea turtle poacher turned protector, Manuel “Lindo” Gomes, is now helping defend nesting sites and build community support for marine protection. Climate & Earth Science: Scientists report Earth’s faint 26-second “heartbeat” microseism, traced to the Gulf of Guinea, with ocean waves and volcanic activity among leading explanations. Policy & Finance: The IMF’s new Africa chief warns Middle East conflict could keep disrupting trade and fertilizer supplies, while noting added financing support that includes São Tomé and Príncipe.

Water Access Gap: A new global map highlights how safe drinking water remains out of reach for over 2 billion people, with access below 20% in several low-income countries and near-universal coverage in much of Europe, North America, and Australia. Sea Turtle Protection in Príncipe: On Príncipe, a former sea turtle poacher, Manuel Gomes (“Lindo”), now helps defend endangered turtles through monitoring, marine protected areas, and community outreach against illegal hunting, habitat loss, plastic pollution, and climate pressures. Fisheries Policy Link to São Tomé and Príncipe: Cyprus’ EU presidency reported progress on the future of EU fisheries policy, including sustainable fisheries partnership agreements that explicitly include São Tomé and Príncipe. IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: The IMF’s new Africa chief warned that Middle East conflict could keep disrupting trade, energy, and fertilizer supplies for months, while noting augmented financing already approved for São Tomé and Príncipe. Global Reparations Push: African and Caribbean states backed a reparations plan after a Ghana conference, calling for apologies, debt relief, a global reparations fund, and restitution of cultural property—an issue that also surfaced alongside “climate justice” proposals.

Water Access Gap: A new global map shows where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, with over 2 billion people lacking safe water at home and access staying below 20% in several low-income countries. Sea Turtle Protection in Príncipe: Former sea turtle poacher Manuel Gomes, now a protector, is helping defend nesting sites and build marine protection on Príncipe as illegal hunting, plastic pollution, habitat loss and climate change threaten the species. IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: IMF’s new Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict could keep disrupting trade, energy and fertilizer supplies for months, but the fund has already agreed added financing for São Tomé and Príncipe (alongside Burkina Faso and The Gambia). Biodiversity & Ocean Signals: Scientists report a mysterious “heartbeat” microseism linked to the Gulf of Guinea, pointing to ongoing ocean and geological motion that could refine how we understand regional Earth dynamics. Fisheries Policy Link: Cyprus’ EU presidency highlights progress on future EU fisheries rules and notes sustainable fisheries partnership work that includes São Tomé and Príncipe.

Marine Wildlife Protection: On Príncipe, former sea turtle poacher Manuel Gomes (“Lindo”) is now helping protect endangered turtles—patrolling nesting sites, supporting marine protected areas, and pushing coastal communities to safeguard the wildlife he once hunted. Climate & Earth Science: Researchers report a mysterious 26-second “heartbeat” microseism traced to the Gulf of Guinea, with leading explanations pointing to ocean waves and/or volcanic activity—useful for understanding how Earth and oceans stay in constant motion. Fisheries Policy: Cyprus’ EU presidency says it advanced the future of the Common Fisheries Policy, including sustainable fisheries partnership progress with São Tomé and Príncipe and steps on post-2027 funding and fisheries control. IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: The IMF’s new Africa chief, Zeine Zeidane, says Middle East conflict disruptions could last months, but highlights added financing support already agreed for São Tomé and Príncipe. Trade & Environment-Linked Livelihoods: A look at Africa’s most valuable agro-exports shows cocoa, coffee, cashews and other crops driving foreign-exchange earnings—an angle that matters for sustainability and rural resilience.

Sea Turtle Protection on Príncipe: Manuel Gomes, once a sea turtle poacher on Príncipe, is now helping defend endangered turtles—patrolling nesting sites, supporting marine protected areas, and pushing coastal communities to protect the wildlife they once hunted. IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: The IMF’s new Africa chief, Zeine Zeidane, says Middle East conflict is disrupting trade, energy and fertilizer supplies, and the fund has already approved augmented financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe, with more support for Ethiopia. EU Fisheries Cooperation Touches São Tomé and Príncipe: Cyprus’ EU presidency reported progress on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy, including sustainable fisheries partnership agreements with São Tomé and Príncipe, alongside work on funding and fisheries control measures. Reparations Push with Climate Justice Links: African and Caribbean leaders meeting in Ghana backed a 19-point slavery reparations plan calling for formal apologies, a Global Reparations Fund, debt relief, restitution of cultural property, and climate justice financing—São Tomé and Príncipe was among the participants.

Marine Wildlife Protection: On Príncipe, former sea turtle poacher Manuel Gomes (“Lindo”) is now helping protect endangered turtles—patrolling nesting sites, supporting marine protected areas, and pushing local communities to stop illegal hunting and reduce threats like habitat loss and plastic pollution. Climate & Earth Science: Scientists report a mysterious 26-second “heartbeat” microseism linked to the Gulf of Guinea, likely driven by ocean waves and/or volcanic activity—an ongoing clue to how Earth and oceans constantly move. Fisheries & Blue Economy: Cyprus’ EU presidency highlighted progress on the future of European fisheries, including sustainable fisheries partnership agreements with São Tomé and Príncipe, plus work on the post-2027 Common Fisheries Policy and funding for control and data collection. Energy & Environmental Risk: Petrobras signed an MoU with Mexico’s Pemex to explore in the Gulf of Mexico, including deepwater and ultra-deepwater areas—raising the stakes for marine environmental safeguards as exploration expands. Food Security & Resilience: The IMF’s new Africa chief, Zeine Zeidane, says Middle East conflict could keep disrupting trade, energy and fertilizer supplies for months, with augmented financing already approved for São Tomé and Príncipe.

Fisheries & Blue Economy: Cyprus’ EU presidency says it has advanced the future of European fisheries policy, including sustainable fisheries partnership progress with Seychelles and São Tomé and Príncipe, plus steps toward the next Common Fisheries Policy framework beyond 2027. Macroeconomy & Food Security: The IMF’s new Africa chief, Zeine Zeidane, warns Middle East conflict could keep disrupting trade, energy and fertilizer supplies for months, while noting the IMF has already approved augmented financing for São Tomé and Príncipe. Geology & Ocean Signals: Scientists report a mysterious 26-second “heartbeat” microseism traced to the Gulf of Guinea, with leading ideas pointing to ocean waves and/or volcanic activity—useful for understanding crust and ocean dynamics. Geopolitics & Information: Ukraine’s intelligence says Russia plans new “Russian Houses” in eight African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader influence push. Trade & Agriculture: A week’s coverage highlights how Africa’s most valuable agro-exports—like cocoa, coffee and cashews—are driving foreign-exchange earnings and attracting investment.

IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: The IMF’s new Africa chief, Zeine Zeidane, says Middle East conflict is disrupting trade, energy and fertilizer supplies, and the fund has already agreed augmented financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe, with Ethiopia’s support accelerated by about $200 million. EU Fisheries Cooperation: Cyprus’ EU presidency highlighted progress on the future of European fisheries, including sustainable fisheries partnership agreements with São Tomé and Príncipe, plus work on the Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027 and next-budget support for fisheries control and data. Russian Influence Push: Ukraine’s military intelligence reports Russia is planning new “Russian Houses” in eight African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader effort to expand influence and propaganda networks. Africa Agro-Exports Drive Trade Growth: A new look at Africa’s most valuable farm exports points to cocoa, coffee, cashews, tobacco, olive oil, tea, cotton, sesame, sugar and horticultural products as major foreign-exchange earners, with Nigeria’s cocoa leading in early 2026 data. Reparations Conference Links to Climate Justice: African and Caribbean leaders backed a 19-point slavery reparations plan in Ghana, calling for debt relief, a Global Reparations Fund, restitution of cultural property, and climate justice financing—delegates included São Tomé and Príncipe.

Marine Protection Push: West African states are urging the Eastern Atlantic to be included in the first wave of marine protected areas under the high-seas treaty, spotlighting the Convergence Zone of the Canary and Guinea Currents—an important migration corridor and nursery that runs down to São Tomé and Príncipe. Ocean Conservation & Livelihoods: Senegal and partners also announced joint regional marine protected areas to protect resources tied to coastal community livelihoods, aiming to support the 30% protection goal by 2030. IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: The IMF’s new Africa chief warned Middle East conflict could keep disrupting trade, energy and fertilizer supplies for months, while noting augmented financing already agreed for São Tomé and Príncipe. Geology & Climate-Relevant Science: Scientists say Earth’s faint 26-second “heartbeat” microseism is traced to the Gulf of Guinea, with ocean waves and volcanic activity among leading explanations. Governance & Finance: A local focus story explains why São Tomé and Príncipe’s licensing and supervisory functions are kept separate in modern financial systems.

Earth & Oceans: Scientists report a faint “heartbeat” microseism repeating about every 26 seconds, traced to the Gulf of Guinea, with likely drivers ranging from ocean waves to volcanic activity—an important clue for understanding how the crust and ocean dynamics keep Earth in constant motion. IMF Support for STP: IMF’s new Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict is disrupting trade, energy and fertilizer flows, but the fund is already backing São Tomé and Príncipe with augmented financing as shocks could last for months. Marine Protection: West African states are pushing to include the Eastern Atlantic—covering the Canary-Guinea currents and the migration corridor down to São Tomé and Príncipe—in the first wave of marine protected areas under the high-seas treaty, aiming for 30% ecosystem protection by 2030. Geopolitics & Influence: Ukraine’s intelligence says Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” across Africa, with plans for São Tomé and Príncipe among eight countries, using a mix of diplomacy and information operations. Oil & Environment Watch: Petrobras signed a deal with Mexico’s Pemex to explore mature and deepwater/ultra-deepwater areas in the Gulf of Mexico, a reminder of how offshore expansion can raise future pressure on marine ecosystems. Reparations & Climate Justice: African and Caribbean leaders backed a 19-point reparations plan from Ghana that includes debt relief, a global reparations fund, return of cultural property, and climate justice financing—featuring São Tomé and Príncipe among participating states.

Ocean Protection Push: West African states are urging the Eastern Atlantic—linking Cape Verde to Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe—to be included in the first wave of marine protected areas under the new high-seas treaty, highlighting the region as a key migration corridor and nursery for marine life. Ocean Funding for Resilience: The UK’s Blue Planet Fund announced new support for ocean health and climate resilience, backing initiatives aimed at protecting coastal communities, improving marine ecosystems, and tackling plastic pollution. IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: IMF’s new Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict is worsening trade, energy, and fertilizer disruptions for sub-Saharan Africa, but the IMF has already approved augmented financing for São Tomé and Príncipe and others. Reparations and Climate Justice: African and Caribbean leaders meeting in Ghana adopted a 19-point reparations plan calling for formal apologies, debt relief, compensation, restitution of cultural property, and climate justice financing—an agenda that includes São Tomé and Príncipe. Geopolitics and Influence: Ukraine’s intelligence reports Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” across Africa, with planned centres including São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader influence campaign. Governance Note (Local): A piece on São Tomé and Príncipe’s Neves Licensing Authority explains why licensing and supervision are often kept separate in modern financial systems.

IMF Support for Food and Energy Shocks: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict is disrupting trade, energy and fertilizer supplies for sub-Saharan Africa, with effects that could last months; the IMF has already agreed extra financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe, and accelerated about $200m for Ethiopia. EU Fisheries Cooperation: Cyprus’ EU presidency highlighted progress on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027, including sustainable fisheries partnership work that involves São Tomé and Príncipe, plus steps on funding, control, and data collection for fisheries and aquaculture. High Seas Protection in the Gulf of Guinea: West African states are pushing to include the Eastern Atlantic in the first wave of marine protected areas under a new high-seas treaty; the Convergence Zone of the Canary and Guinea Currents—linking Cape Verde/Senegal to Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe—is flagged as a key migration corridor and nursery. Ocean Funding for Resilience and Pollution: The UK’s Blue Planet Fund announced new investment via PROBLUE, ORRAA and GPAP to boost coastal resilience, marine ecosystem health, and tackle plastic pollution. Russian Influence Campaign: Ukraine’s intelligence reports Russia plans to expand “Russian Houses” in multiple African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader push for influence.

IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: The IMF’s new Africa chief, Zeine Zeidane, says Middle East conflict fallout is still disrupting trade, energy and fertilizer supplies, with effects that could last months; he notes the IMF has already agreed augmented financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe, and accelerated about $200 million for Ethiopia. Ocean Protection in the Gulf of Guinea: West African states are pushing to include the Eastern Atlantic—linking Cape Verde, Senegal, Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe—into the first wave of marine protected areas under a new high-seas treaty, aiming to safeguard migration routes and marine nurseries. Russian Influence Meets Environmental Geography: Ukraine’s intelligence reports Russia plans “Russian Houses” in eight countries including São Tomé and Príncipe, blending cultural outreach with influence efforts—an indirect pressure point for regional stability and coastal communities. EU Fisheries Ties: Cyprus’ EU presidency highlights progress on the Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027, including sustainable fisheries partnership work with São Tomé and Príncipe.