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1° 42'03.4 N
7° 24'12.9 E
Seeking a place to disconnect from the world and create something meaningful, Mark Shuttleworth found more than just an island – he found a purpose. Príncipe’s raw beauty, with its emerald rainforests, dramatic volcanic peaks, and vibrant culture, captivated him. He knew this was a place worth protecting. Determined to preserve its unique ecosystem and empower its people, he dedicated himself fully to the island’s future – just in time.
In 2010, Príncipe’s untouched wilderness was on the brink of devastation, with plans to clear over 1,000 hectares of its northern forests for palm oil plantations. But thanks to Mark Shuttleworth, fate took a different turn – one driven by vision, sustainability, and a deep respect for nature.
Despite the promise of significant investment, Príncipe’s regional government opposed the proposal for palm oil plantations, fearing it would jeopardise the island's future amid challenges like irregular electricity supply and widespread poverty. Instead, they partnered with Mark Shuttleworth, who shared his vision for sustainable development on the island.
In 2010, he founded HBD Príncipe, a sustainable development group. In the spirit of adventure and discovery, the name, HBD Príncipe, is inspired by the ancient phrase "here be dragons," a warning once etched by early mapmakers to mark the edges of the known world.
In 2024, Príncipe Collection was founded as part of HBD Príncipe. It consists of sustainable hotels and resorts located on the paradise islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, offering an indulgent tropical and forest discovery.
The tropical and eco-friendly hotels and resorts of Príncipe Collection have distinct personalities, but the guiding principle instilled by HBD Príncipe has remained the same: Preservation of Príncipe and respect for its people underlines everything that is done.
The last crowning step in the collaboration between Mark Shuttleworth and the community as well as government, NGO’s and authorities of Príncipe is the establishment of the Faya Foundation and the implementation of the Natural Dividend programme.
It is the last milestone in making Mark Shuttleworth’s vision a reality: that Príncipe Island becomes a new benchmark for the holistic sustainable development of a destination - setting new global standards.
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