UN Launches RESIslands Project in São Tomé and Príncipe
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) has launched a major new climate resilience initiative in São Tomé and Príncipe, marking a significant step forward in protecting Lusophone African nations from the escalating threats of climate change.
A Regional Shield Against Climate Change
The project, titled RESIslands, is a 30-month initiative designed to bolster climate risk assessment, institutional capacity, and investment readiness. Funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and implemented by UNECA, the program targets nine members of the African Island States Climate Commission (AISCC). This includes four Portuguese-speaking nations: São Tomé and Príncipe, Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.
The launch in São Tomé and Príncipe comes just one week after the program was inaugurated in Guinea-Bissau, signaling a rapid rollout across the region.
Protecting Communities and Natural Assets
For São Tomé and Príncipe, the initiative focuses on transforming national environmental priorities into bankable investment proposals. By strengthening climate information systems, the project aims to safeguard essential services and the livelihoods of local communities.
Kjartan Fjeldsted, UNECA program management officer, emphasized the importance of translating strategy into impact. “The ambition is to transform national priorities into concrete actions and investments, with lasting benefits for the people,” Fjeldsted said.
Securing the Future of Tourism and Trade
Fjeldsted highlighted that the country’s unique natural resources—including its rich marine environments, dense forests, and diverse biodiversity—are vital economic drivers. The RESIslands project seeks to protect the foundations of São Tomé and Príncipe’s primary sectors: agriculture, fisheries, and sustainable tourism.
By fostering regional cooperation through the AISCC, the initiative hopes to create a unified front for African island nations as they navigate the complexities of climate finance and environmental preservation.
Image: Pexels – Constantino Filmes
