AGP Executive Report

Slavery Reparations Push: African and Caribbean leaders adopted a 19-point reparations framework in Ghana, calling for financial compensation, debt cancellation, formal apologies, a Global Reparations Fund, restitution of looted cultural property and ancestral remains, and reforms to international financial institutions—alongside climate justice financing and support for diaspora right-of-return pathways. Ocean Protection & Biodiversity: West African states backed early inclusion of the Eastern Atlantic in the first wave of marine protected areas under the high seas treaty, highlighting the Canary–Guinea Currents “convergence zone” as a key migration corridor and nursery, while also announcing a joint regional marine protected area to safeguard resources for coastal livelihoods. Coastal Climate Resilience Funding: The UK’s Blue Planet Fund announced new investment at the Our Ocean Conference to support ocean health and climate resilience, including work to cut coastal risks and tackle plastic pollution through major international programmes. Russian Influence in the Gulf of Guinea: Ukraine’s intelligence says Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” across Africa, with plans including São Tomé and Príncipe, using cultural and information outreach alongside broader influence efforts.

High Seas Protection: West African nations are pushing to include the Eastern Atlantic—covering the Canary and Guinea Currents convergence zone, a key migration corridor—into the first wave of marine protected areas under a landmark high-seas treaty, with Senegal’s environment minister calling it a step toward protecting 30% of ecosystems by 2030. Ocean Funding & Pollution: The UK announced new ocean investment via its Blue Planet Fund to back PROBLUE, ORRAA and the Global Plastic Action Partnership, aiming to strengthen coastal resilience, improve marine ecosystem health and tackle plastic pollution. Local Relevance (São Tomé & Príncipe): The same Eastern Atlantic corridor explicitly includes São Tomé and Príncipe, placing the country in the spotlight for future marine protection and climate-resilience work. Governance & Finance (Context): A separate piece discusses São Tomé and Príncipe’s licensing authority and why modern financial systems separate licensing from supervision—useful background for transparency and oversight. Geopolitics (Non-environment): Ukraine-linked reporting says Russia plans “Russian Houses” in São Tomé and Príncipe as part of an influence campaign, though it’s not directly tied to environmental policy.

High Seas Protection: West African nations are pushing to include the Eastern Atlantic—covering the Canary-Guinea currents and a key marine migration corridor that runs down to São Tomé and Príncipe—in the first wave of marine protected areas under a new high-seas treaty, with ministers meeting in Mombasa to back the move and a regional joint MPA planned to safeguard resources for coastal livelihoods. Ocean Funding & Pollution: The UK announced new ocean investment via its Blue Planet Fund to support climate resilience, marine ecosystem health, and action against plastic pollution, backing programs like PROBLUE and ocean risk financing efforts that target coastal erosion and stronger storms. Russian Influence in the Region: Ukraine’s intelligence reports Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” across Africa, including São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader influence campaign aimed at shaping public opinion and drawing youth toward Russia, coordinated through Rossotrudnichestvo and a 2024-linked diplomacy group. Reparations Push (Climate Justice Angle): African and Caribbean states endorsed a 19-point reparations plan calling for formal apologies, debt relief, compensation, restitution of cultural property, and climate justice financing—while also urging preservation of coastal forts and castles as memorials.

Ocean Protection & Biodiversity: West African nations are pushing to include the Eastern Atlantic—covering the Canary–Guinea Currents convergence zone, a key marine migration corridor—into the first wave of marine protected areas under a new high-seas treaty, aiming to protect at least 30% of ecosystems by 2030 and to support reefs and species that face pressure from climate impacts and planned oil and gas. Climate Finance & Plastic Pollution: The UK’s Blue Planet Fund announced new ocean investment via PROBLUE, ORRAA and GPAP, targeting coastal resilience, marine ecosystem health and plastic pollution in countries exposed to sea-level rise and stronger storms. Local Environment Context: A travel feature spotlights São Tomé and Príncipe’s low tourist numbers and accessibility challenges, while describing coastal life and fisheries—useful background for readers thinking about sustainable tourism. Geopolitics & Influence (Indirect Eco Risk): Ukraine’s intelligence reports Russia plans “Russian Houses” in São Tomé and Príncipe and other countries, raising concerns about foreign influence campaigns that can distract from or complicate governance and environmental priorities. Reparations Push (Broader Justice Link): African and Caribbean states backed a reparations plan calling for climate justice financing and debt relief—relevant to long-term funding for climate adaptation.

Marine Protection & Biodiversity: West African nations 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, citing the region as a key migration corridor and nursery for hundreds of species. Ocean Climate Resilience & Pollution: The UK announced fresh ocean funding via its Blue Planet Fund to back projects aimed at coastal resilience, healthier marine ecosystems, and cutting plastic pollution, with work spanning initiatives like PROBLUE and the Global Plastic Action Partnership. Coastal & Ocean Security: The same Our Ocean Conference push highlights how vulnerable coastal regions face rising sea levels, stronger storms and erosion—issues that directly affect island states like São Tomé and Príncipe. Geopolitics & Influence: Ukraine’s military intelligence says Russia plans to open “Russian Houses” in several African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader campaign mixing cultural outreach with influence operations.

High Seas Protection for West Africa: Six months after the high-seas treaty took effect, West African governments 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, citing the zone as a key migration corridor and nursery for hundreds of species. Regional Marine Safeguards: The Gambia, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal also announced a joint regional marine protected area aimed at protecting resources tied to local livelihoods. UK Ocean Funding: At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, the UK revealed new investment via its Blue Planet Fund to back projects on coastal resilience, marine ecosystem health, and plastic pollution. Coastal Conservation Pressure: The push comes as groups warn that planned oil and gas expansion could further stress marine life and reefs, even as some reefs show potential to recover if protected. Eco-Travel for Kids: Pelorus launched “Curious Minds,” family travel experiences designed to reconnect children with nature through conservation and wildlife-focused learning. Tourism Promotion via Sport: Uganda plans to use the 2026 Africa Nations Cup UK to spotlight wildlife and landscapes to UK and diaspora audiences.

High Seas Protection Push: Six months after the high seas treaty took effect, West African governments are urging that the Eastern Atlantic—linking the Canary and Guinea Currents, from Cape Verde and Senegal down to Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe—be included in the first wave of marine protected areas, calling it a vital migration corridor and nursery for hundreds of species. Regional Ocean Cooperation: The Gambia, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau and Senegal also announced a joint regional marine protected area to safeguard resources for coastal livelihoods. UK Ocean Funding: At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, the UK revealed new support via its Blue Planet Fund for projects aimed at climate resilience, ocean health and plastic pollution, including work through PROBLUE and ORRAA. Marine Life Under Pressure: Environmental groups warn that planned oil and gas expansion could threaten sea life and reefs, even as studies suggest some reefs can recover if protection improves. Info Warfare, Not Ecology: Separate reporting alleges Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” across Africa to influence public opinion—an issue with indirect governance impacts for environmental policy.

Ocean Protection Funding: The UK announced new investment at the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, delivered through the Blue Planet Fund, to back three ocean initiatives (PROBLUE, ORRAA, and GPAP) aimed at strengthening coastal resilience, improving marine ecosystem health, and cutting plastic pollution. Coastal Climate Risk: The funding is designed to deliver benefits for both people and nature in places hit hardest by sea-level rise, stronger storms, and coastal erosion. Nature-Focused Travel for Kids: Pelorus launched “Curious Minds,” a family travel programme inspired by Sir David Attenborough that builds itineraries around children’s interests, including conservation and environmental research experiences. Climate Signals: New global climate reporting says May 2026 was the second-warmest on record, with high odds that 2026 will land among the four warmest years—raising pressure for faster action on climate and ocean health.

Climate Update: May 2026 landed as the world’s second-warmest May on record, with NOAA and NASA/Copernicus pointing to record-high heat across much of the planet and a high chance that 2026 will be among the four warmest years. Nature & Youth Engagement: Pelorus launched “Curious Minds,” a family travel programme that starts with children’s interests to build nature learning and conservation-focused experiences, including wildlife research activities like tagging humpback whales. Maritime Pollution Risk & Sanctions Evasion: Reports say sanctioned Russian tankers are increasingly bypassing the English Channel by sailing along the outer edge of the UK’s Exclusive Economic Zone, a longer route that raises concerns for monitoring and environmental safeguards. Geo-Influence & Governance: Ukraine-linked reporting alleges Russia is expanding a hybrid “Russian Houses” network across Africa to shape public opinion, alongside military support—an indirect pressure that can affect environmental policy priorities. Tourism & Wildlife Promotion: Uganda plans to use the 2026 Africa Nations Cup UK to market its wildlife and landscapes to the UK and diaspora audiences, tying sport storytelling to conservation-linked tourism.

Climate Watch: May 2026 landed as the world’s second-warmest May on record, with NOAA and NASA/Copernicus data pointing to record heat and a high chance that 2026 will finish among the four warmest years. Wildlife & Tourism Link: Uganda plans to use the 2026 Africa Nations Cup in the UK to market its landscapes and wildlife to diaspora and UK audiences, including gorillas and major national parks—an approach that could boost eco-tourism demand. Maritime Pollution Risk: Reporting on Russia’s “shadow fleet” says sanctioned tankers are increasingly avoiding the English Channel by sailing around Great Britain, a pattern that raises concerns for enforcement gaps and the environmental risks of illicit oil transport. Trade & Local Capacity: Customs officials from Sao Tome & Principe joined EU-WCO training to strengthen rules-of-origin skills, aiming to make preferential trade agreements work better for compliant, inclusive trade—supporting greener, more efficient supply chains. Geopolitics & Influence: Ukraine-linked reporting alleges Russia is expanding a hybrid “Russian Houses” network across Africa to shape public opinion alongside military support to aligned groups.

Climate Watch: May 2026 landed as the world’s second-warmest May on record, with NOAA and NASA/Copernicus pointing to record heat over much of the planet and high odds that 2026 will stay among the four warmest years. Maritime Pollution Risk: A report says sanctioned Russian tankers are increasingly avoiding the English Channel by sailing around Great Britain’s outer waters, a longer route that still keeps oil moving despite tighter coastal scrutiny—raising concerns for spill and enforcement gaps. Trade & Environment Link: With EU-WCO support, Customs officials from Nigeria, Comoros, Morocco, The Gambia and Portuguese-speaking countries—including Sao Tome and Principe—trained as “Rules of Origin” experts, building local capacity to apply preferential trade rules more effectively. Tourism & Wildlife Outreach: Uganda plans to use the 2026 Africa Nations Cup in the UK to promote tourism and highlight wildlife and landscapes to diaspora audiences, using sport as a storytelling platform.

Climate Watch: May 2026 landed as the world’s second-warmest May on record, with NOAA and NASA/Copernicus data pointing to widespread heat and a high chance that 2026 will sit among the four warmest years. Trade & Customs Capacity: The WCO’s EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme is training Customs officials across West and Portuguese-speaking countries, including Sao Tome and Principe, to strengthen skills in origin determination so preferential trade rules are applied more compliantly and effectively. Maritime Pollution Risk: Reporting on Russia-linked shadow fleet behavior says sanctioned tankers are increasingly avoiding the English Channel by sailing around Great Britain’s outer waters, a longer route that raises concerns for monitoring and environmental spill risk. Tourism & Wildlife Promotion: Uganda plans to use the 2026 Africa Nations Cup in the UK to spotlight its wildlife and landscapes to diaspora audiences, including messaging around gorillas and major natural sites.

Climate Watch: May 2026 landed as the world’s second-warmest May on record, with NOAA and NASA/Copernicus pointing to record heat over much of the planet and a high chance that 2026 will fall among the four warmest years. Biodiversity & Trade Capacity: In the WCA region, Customs officials are building local expertise on rules of origin, with Training of Trainers workshops in April and June 2026 that included participants from Sao Tome & Principe—aimed at making preferential trade agreements work more cleanly and sustainably. Maritime Pollution Risk: A report says sanctioned Russian tankers are increasingly avoiding the English Channel by sailing around Great Britain, a pattern that raises concerns for monitoring and enforcement in busy sea lanes. Tourism & Wildlife Promotion: Uganda plans to use the 2026 Africa Nations Cup in the UK to spotlight its wildlife and landscapes to diaspora audiences, using sport as a storytelling platform for nature and travel. Governance & Community History: A feature revisits the quilombo tradition of self-governing refuge communities, including Palmares in Brazil, as a lens on resistance and survival.

Climate Watch: May 2026 landed as the world’s second-warmest May on record, with NOAA and NASA/Copernicus pointing to continued long-term warming and high odds that 2026 will sit among the four warmest years. Trade & Environment Link: EU-WCO support is helping Customs officials across West and Portuguese-speaking Africa—including Sao Tome and Principe—build local capacity to apply rules of origin, with Training of Trainers workshops in April and June 2026 aimed at making trade agreements work more cleanly. Maritime Pollution Risk: Reporting on Russia-linked shadow fleet tankers says some sanctioned vessels are repeatedly avoiding the English Channel by sailing around Great Britain’s outer waters, a pattern that can mean longer voyages and higher spill risk if incidents occur. Regional Spotlight: Uganda plans to use the 2026 Africa Nations Cup in the UK to promote tourism, including wildlife and landscapes—an angle that can boost conservation funding and awareness if managed sustainably. Governance & Heritage: A historical piece on resistance communities like Palmares highlights how people built self-governing refuge networks—useful context for today’s debates on land, rights, and resilience.

Climate Watch: New global temperature reporting puts May 2026 as the second-warmest May on record, with NOAA and NASA/Copernicus data pointing to a very high chance that 2026 will land among the four warmest years—an alarming backdrop for island nations like Sao Tome and Principe. Trade & Capacity Building: Sao Tome and Principe joined Customs training under the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, helping officials strengthen rules-of-origin skills so trade agreements work more smoothly and sustainably. Wildlife & Tourism Outreach: Uganda plans to use the 2026 Africa Nations Cup in the UK to promote tourism, highlighting gorillas, waterfalls and other natural attractions—an example of how regional events can spotlight biodiversity and eco-tourism. Maritime Pollution Risk (Indirect): Reporting on sanctioned oil tankers repeatedly avoiding the English Channel via longer routes underscores how enforcement gaps can shape shipping behavior—relevant for broader discussions on safer, cleaner maritime operations.

Climate Watch: May 2026 landed as the world’s second-warmest May on record, with NOAA and NASA/Copernicus pointing to record heat over much of the planet and high odds that 2026 stays among the four warmest years. Wildlife & Tourism: Uganda plans to use the 2026 Africa Nations Cup in the UK to spotlight its nature and wildlife—like Bwindi gorillas and Murchison Falls—showing how sport can drive eco-tourism interest. Trade & Capacity Building: WCO’s EU-backed Rules of Origin Africa Programme is training Customs experts across several countries, including Sao Tome and Principe, to strengthen compliant trade rules—an indirect boost for sustainable, well-managed supply chains. Maritime Pollution Risk: Reporting on sanctioned “shadow fleet” tankers shows repeated detours around the UK, raising concerns for environmental risk and enforcement gaps as scrutiny intensifies near coastal waters. Regional Finance Resilience: Central African banking supervisors met in Yaounde, with leaders flagging “climate risks” alongside cyber and digital fraud—signals that climate impacts are moving deeper into risk planning.