CONSERVATION AND COMMUNITIES

YOU make all the difference

At Príncipe Collection, each visit weaves you into the island's enduring story. Through our Conservation and Communities Contribution (CCC), your stay at Roça Sundy, Bom Bom or Sundy Praia becomes a force for sustainable development with a lasting impact. 

Every night spent on this enchanting land dedicates €25 per guest (ages 13+) to protecting Príncipe’s vibrant ecosystems, uplifting local communities, and preserving the delicate balance between nature and people.

With your support, essential sustainability projects thrive, safeguarding Príncipe’s untamed beauty and empowering its people to keep the island’s spirit alive, ensuring that its magic endures for generations to come.

YOUR LASTING IMPACT

Initiatives from our Conservation and Communities Contribution

These initiatives aim to enhance conservation efforts, engage local communities, and support sustainable development in Príncipe:

A group of brightly dressed children standing behind a tree in front of Roca Sundy, Príncipe Island.

Empowering communities through education

Our CCC is helping bridge educational gaps in Príncipe Island by enhancing learning through educational play, and improved school facilities. We also reduce financial barriers to post-secondary education, offering scholarships that make university and specialised courses accessible for local students.

Three men in traditional costumes during a holiday on Príncipe Island

Empowering communities through culture

Our Social and Environmental initiatives empower Príncipe’s people to turn their creativity and dedication into impactful action. We support vulnerable communities with essential resources, foster local entrepreneurship by funding startup costs and training, and celebrate Príncipe’s heritage through partnerships with cultural event organisers. 

Newly hatched baby turtles heading to the ocean on Príncipe Island

Protecting Príncipe’s sea turtles

We aim to protect all five sea turtle species in Príncipe and thereby engage local communities in conservation and raise awareness about threats like poaching and pollution. Through our ProTetuga Project, so far we have trained 27 team members, monitored 13 nesting beaches, and released 756 turtle hatchlings.

A local fisherman in colourful trousers rowing a small wooden boat, with the beach and rainforest in the background.

Protecting Príncipe’s marine wildlife

With the Omali-based Vida Nón Project, we focus on marine wildlife conservation around São Tomé and Príncipe. We engage local communities in managing Marine Protected Areas and support sustainable micro-businesses. So far we have conducted socio-economic surveys in 15 fishing communities, implemented 14 business initiatives and provided training in pork and poultry handling.

Small sprouts on a tree trunk in the rainforest on Príncipe Island.

Protecting endemic trees

We focus on protecting three endemic tree species by conserving their habitats and supporting their growth. To do so we conducted workshops on environmental laws and engaged stakeholders in biodiversity conservation. We also monitored and prepared seedlings for replanting.

Three workers in green T-shirts recycling with blue bins on Príncipe Island.

Stemming the tide of plastic pollution

We aim to address marine plastic pollution through research and community initiatives and promote income-generating alternatives for local communities, particularly women. We have developed a Regional Strategy against plastic pollution and launched 5 business ideas focused on recycling.

Two hands holding fresh soil on Príncipe Island.

Engaging in agricultural restoration initiative

We are part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and have involved 13 communities in restoring HBD Príncipe concession areas. So far we’ve trained 56 seedling producers, resulting in the production of 26,000 seedlings for replanting.

Aerial view of Príncipe Island with crystal-clear turquoise water and lush rainforest vegetation.

Strengthening biodiversity and natural resource management

The Liquiza Téla Nón Project involves updating the management plan for Príncipe Natural Park and engaging local stakeholders in conservation efforts. As part of this, we conducted monitoring activities for waterbirds and endemic amphibians.

HOTELS AND RESORTS BY HBD PRÍNCIPE
FACTS AND FIGURES

Our achievements in numbers

Preserving Nature: 
We protect and care for over 1,700 hectares of Príncipe’s natural landscapes.

Supporting Local Employment: 
Nearly 10% of Príncipe’s adults work with us — that’s around 500 of our 600 total team members.

Investing in Team Growth: 
We’ve provided over 20,670 hours of training, investing €325,000 since 2022.

Empowering Local Talent: 
We've reduced our expatriate workforce by about 40% since 2019 to foster local leadership.

Providing Medical Care: 
Our Medic Clinic offers about 2,500 hours of consultations annually for our team, their families, and communities.

Partnering with Fundação Príncipe: 
A local, independent non-profit established in collaboration with HBD.

Funding Community Projects: 
Our Conservation and Communities Contribution has raised nearly €400,000 since October 2021.

Recycling Efforts: 
We’ve recycled over 52 tons of glass across Príncipe’s communities since 2023.

HOW YOU MAKE AN IMPACT

The three components to the distribution of the CCC

COMPONENT 1

Fundação Príncipe (50%)

There are three components to the distribution of the CCC, the first being The Fundação Príncipe. Our local conservation NGO partner is implementing terrestrial and marine conservation projects across the island, in partnership with regional authorities and local communities.

Three locals on Principe Island beach, one holding a plastic container.
COMPONENT 2

Educational support (25%)

Individuals, organisations and schools in Príncipe receive support for a wide range of educational activities.

Artistic illustration of a handprint in dark yellow from the Príncipe Collection Hotels.
COMPONENT 3

Environmental and social support (25%)

Individuals, organisations and communities in Príncipe receive support for environmental and social initiatives and events.

A group of locals standing on a dirt road amidst the local houses at Roca Sundy, Príncipe Island.
COMMITTED TO TRANSPARENCY

Read our annual sustainability report

We are committed to transparency. Therefore, HBD Príncipe publishes (no later than 31 March each year) an annual report detailing the amount of Conservation and Communities Contribution received from guests and how it was utilised. We recognise our guests’ tangible, positive impact. Príncipe appreciates you.