Bissau, July 8, 2025 (Lusa) - Lawyer Tiago Banca and agricultural engineer Sanhá Correia, both natives of the Bijagós Islands, believe that tourism and publicity for Guinea-Bissau will be boosted by UNESCO’s recognition of the archipelago as a World Natural Heritage Site.
The two experts responded to Lusa’s request for comment on the recognition, which officials expect to announce on 11 December 2024 in Paris, and which they both claim to be an “important milestone” in the lives of the people of the Bijagós Islands and the country itself.
“With this recognition, the archipelago will become a major world tourist destination, due to the natural beauty of the islands, and it will receive more media coverage, which will bring benefits for our national tourism,” said Tiago Banca.
The son of parents from the islands of Bubaque and Canhabaque, Banca is committed to addressing the archipelago’s ongoing challenges, namely the development of transport links, adequate infrastructure and drinking water.
Tiago Banca lives and works in Bissau, but regularly travels to the Bijagós Islands to rest or visit family.
An agricultural engineer, Sanhá João Correia is an activist for the conservation of natural resources and the environment, who has been trying for many years to spread the message of preservation on behalf of the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Tiniguena.
The son of parents from the islands of Canhabaque and Galinhas, Sanhá Correia, told Lusa that he takes the message of conservation to all 23 inhabited islands of the Bijagós archipelago.
Sanhá, as he is commonly known, now acknowledges that UNESCO recognition will help spread Tiniguena’s message about the importance of conservation throughout the archipelago, and he recognises that his island identity encompasses the entire archipelago.
“As a technician working on the Bijagós Islands in the field of conservation and community development, this decision will have a major impact because it will help strengthen our work and allow information to reach further afield,” said the agricultural engineer.
Sanhá Correia believes that UNESCO recognition will raise global awareness of the Bijagós Islands and will also enable organisations working to conserve fishery resources, for example, to gain more support for regulating fishing activities.
Correia points to fishermen from neighbouring countries who enter protected areas where fishing is restricted with their boats, thereby violating fishing rules in these areas.
Sanhá Correia lives and works on the islands, but regularly travels to Bissau to buy supplies and receive guidance from Tiniguena on how to raise awareness among the population about conservation.
The Bijagós are considered a natural and cultural treasure of Guinea-Bissau, and international tourism is only beginning to discover them.
With resorts on some of the 88 islands and islets, expatriates from international organisations working in Guinea-Bissau mainly sustain the existing tourist industry.
Sport fishing is another attraction of the islands, with French and French-speaking fishermen in high demand.
In addition to the Atlantic beaches, the Bijagós are also known for their turtle nesting season in November and the hippos, which are part of the islands' biodiversity. The three natural parks, specifically Poilão, João Vieira, and Orango, are the focus of the World Heritage application.
The culture of the Bijagó people, with their tribal way of life in communion with nature, also distinguishes the Guinean islands and is valued in their application for World Heritage status.
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, will announce its decision on 11 July in France regarding the 32 sites around the world—including the islands, considered a natural and cultural treasure—nominated for World Heritage status.
The 47th meeting of the World Heritage Committee will take place until 16 July at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France.
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