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Guinea-Bissau is home to a remarkable network of national parks that highlight the country’s diverse ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage. These parks, officially designated and protected, form the backbone of Guinea-Bissau’s conservation efforts and provide vital sanctuaries for wildlife while supporting sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Spread across coastal, marine, and terrestrial environments, the national parks showcase the unique ecological wealth of this West African nation.
One of the most renowned parks is Orango National Park, located in the Bijagós Archipelago. This park is celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity and cultural significance. The park protects a variety of habitats, including mangroves, savannas, and beaches, making it an essential refuge for species such as green sea turtles, West African manatees, and the unique saltwater hippopotamuses. It is also home to the Bijagós people, who live in harmony with the environment and maintain traditional practices.
João Vieira and Poilão Marine National Park is another standout in Guinea-Bissau’s conservation portfolio. This marine park, also part of the Bijagós Archipelago, is a vital nesting site for green sea turtles, one of the most important in West Africa. The park’s coral reefs, mangroves, and tidal flats provide habitats for dolphins, fish, and numerous bird species, highlighting its ecological importance. Visitors can explore its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life while learning about its critical role in sea turtle conservation.
Cufada National Park, located inland, is the largest wetland reserve in Guinea-Bissau and protects a range of ecosystems, including freshwater lagoons, forests, and savannas. The Cufada lagoons are central to the park, providing habitats for crocodiles, hippos, and a rich array of bird species such as pelicans and herons. The park also supports populations of chimpanzees and colobus monkeys, making it a haven for primate conservation.
These national parks face significant challenges, including habitat loss, illegal fishing, and the impacts of climate change. Conservation efforts led by Guinea-Bissau’s Institute for Biodiversity and Protected Areas (IBAP) focus on sustainable management, community engagement, and partnerships with international organizations to ensure the long-term protection of these critical ecosystems. Eco-tourism initiatives are also being developed to provide sustainable income for local communities while fostering global appreciation for the country’s natural heritage.
Guinea-Bissau’s national parks are treasures of biodiversity and cultural importance. From the marine ecosystems of João Vieira and Poilão to the wetlands of Cufada and the unique landscapes of Orango, these parks represent the country’s commitment to preserving its natural resources. Visiting these protected areas offers a glimpse into the ecological richness of West Africa and the resilience of its conservation efforts.
The first national park in Guinea-Bissau is Orango Islands National Park, established in 2000. It is part of the Bijagós Archipelago and was created to protect the unique ecosystems of the islands, including mangroves, savannahs, and coastal wetlands.
The park is particularly notable for its diverse marine life and the presence of saltwater hippos, which are rare and unusual for coastal habitats.
Orango Islands National Park is also the largest national park in Guinea-Bissau, covering an area of approximately 591 square miles (1,532 square kilometers).
The park includes a combination of land and marine environments, featuring rich biodiversity, such as manatees, dolphins, and a variety of bird species. Its diverse habitats are crucial for both terrestrial and marine conservation efforts.
The smallest national park in Guinea-Bissau is Dulombi-Boe National Park, covering about 111 square miles (287 square kilometers).
Established in 2011, the park is located in the eastern part of the country and features savannah landscapes and forested areas. Dulombi-Boe serves as an important area for wildlife conservation, hosting species like chimpanzees, elephants, and various antelope species.
Orango Islands National Park is the most popular national park in Guinea-Bissau, attracting visitors with its unique coastal and marine ecosystems. The park is renowned for its opportunities to observe saltwater hippos and its rich birdlife, making it a prime destination for ecotourism.
Visitors can explore the park’s diverse landscapes, participate in guided tours, and engage with local communities to learn about traditional fishing practices and cultural heritage.
The combination of natural beauty and cultural richness makes Orango Islands National Park a key attraction for both researchers and tourists interested in exploring Guinea-Bissau’s unique environments.
Approximately 26% of Guinea-Bissau’s total area, which includes both land and marine environments, is protected through national parks and reserves, covering about 4,633 square miles (12,000 square kilometers).
This high percentage reflects the country’s commitment to conserving its unique coastal and island ecosystems, particularly in the Bijagós Archipelago.
In addition to Orango Islands National Park, Guinea-Bissau has other significant protected areas, such as the João Vieira-Poilão National Marine Park, which protects vital marine ecosystems and is a nesting site for green sea turtles.
The Cufada Lagoons Natural Park is another important reserve, focused on conserving wetland habitats and their rich birdlife.
Cacheu Mangroves Natural Park is notable for its extensive mangrove forests, which are vital for fisheries and serve as breeding grounds for numerous species.
Apart from its national parks, Guinea-Bissau’s Bijagós Archipelago, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is a key nature attraction. The archipelago is made up of over 80 islands, many of which remain uninhabited and pristine.
Visitors are drawn to its rich marine life, traditional island cultures, and opportunities for birdwatching, turtle nesting tours, and marine exploration.
The country’s extensive mangrove forests and wetlands, particularly along the Cacheu River, are also significant for eco-tourism and support a rich diversity of bird and aquatic species.
Guinea-Bissau shares much of its biodiversity with neighboring West African countries, but its unique ecosystems, particularly in the Bijagós Archipelago, support rare and regionally important species.
These include the saltwater hippos found on Orango Island, as well as the green sea turtles that nest on the beaches of João Vieira Island.
The country’s mangrove systems are also vital for many fish species, while migratory birds use its wetlands as important resting and breeding grounds.
Guinea-Bissau’s main international airport is Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (IATA code: OXB), located in the capital city, Bissau. It is the primary gateway for international flights into the country.
The following international airline companies fly into Guinea-Bissau:
The national parks and protected areas in Guinea-Bissau are managed by the Institute for Biodiversity and Protected Areas (IBAP), which operates under the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development. IBAP works to conserve the country’s biodiversity, promote sustainable resource use, and support eco-tourism.
The institute collaborates with international organizations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to protect Guinea-Bissau’s unique ecosystems.
More information can be found on the IBAP official website: http://www.ibapgbissau.org.
