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Guinea-Bissau, located on the West African coast, is home to an impressive system of national parks, with three key national parks that stand out: Orango National Park, João Vieira-Poilão Marine National Park, and Cantanhez Forest National Park. These parks are part of the greater Bijagós Archipelago, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and are rich in biodiversity, showcasing unique marine and terrestrial ecosystems that include mangroves, tropical forests, and important nesting sites for marine turtles.
Despite their ecological importance, Guinea-Bissau’s national parks face significant challenges. Deforestation, illegal fishing, and poaching pose constant threats to the delicate balance of these ecosystems. The country’s economic limitations also hinder efforts to effectively manage and protect its parks, with limited infrastructure and funding available for conservation initiatives. Additionally, climate change impacts coastal areas, further complicating conservation efforts in the region.
Orango National Park, one of the most notable parks in the Bijagós Archipelago, is famous for its saltwater hippos, a unique phenomenon where these animals live in estuaries and mangrove swamps. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, sea turtles, and manatees, making it a critical conservation area for both marine and terrestrial life. João Vieira-Poilão Marine National Park, an essential nesting site for green sea turtles, is known for its pristine beaches, rich marine life, and coral reefs. Cantanhez Forest National Park, located inland, plays a crucial role in protecting Guinea-Bissau’s rainforest ecosystems, home to chimpanzees, monkeys, and numerous bird species.
Efforts to promote eco-tourism and community-based conservation are growing in Guinea-Bissau, with the hope that sustainable tourism can provide much-needed resources for the protection of these parks. By involving local communities and raising awareness of the ecological value of their national parks, Guinea-Bissau aims to safeguard its natural heritage while offering eco-friendly tourism opportunities.
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.
