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1° 42'03.4 N
7° 24'12.9 E
On this page, we have summarised the most frequently asked questions about the Faya Foundation and the Natural Dividend programme.
Your question isn’t answered? Please get in touch directly with us.
Nature, like any valuable asset, requires investment to thrive. Príncipe Island's unique biodiversity is the result of decades of dedication from its inhabitants. To honour and incentivise these conservation efforts, the Natural Dividend covers financial rewards to local communities committed to preserving this natural treasure. This approach not only acknowledges their invaluable work but also promotes ongoing biodiversity protection, ensuring sustainable benefits for the future.
The Faya Foundation, a non-profit organisation funded by entrepreneur and sustainability advocate Mark Shuttleworth, is responsible for all Natural Dividend payments. Committed to transparency and regularity, the Foundation ensures that the dividends reach those who deserve them most.
The dividend amount will depend on the ecological condition of the land and how it is used by Príncipe's residents, with payments distributed quarterly. This private initiative focuses on preserving Príncipe’s natural heritage, setting a global example of how economic development and conservation can coexist harmoniously.
Participation in this voluntary programme is open to individuals over 18 who have resided on Príncipe Island for at least eight years and are committed to conserving its natural resources and biodiversity. The Natural Dividend celebrates and rewards the community’s dedication to protecting the island’s most precious asset: its environment.
Quarterly payments will be directly deposited into participants' bank accounts. For those without existing accounts, the Faya Foundation has partnered with a local bank to offer free account setup, covering all associated fees, ensuring inclusivity and ease of access for all participants.
The payment structure and programme conditions are being developed collaboratively with experts in social sciences, environmental studies, and technology. Working closely with the Regional Government of Príncipe and local communities, the plan is tailored to reflect the island's unique needs and aspirations.
Upon achieving its objectives on Príncipe, Mark Shuttleworth envisions expanding the Natural Dividend globally, fostering a more sustainable future. This commitment transcends economics; it's about creating a positive impact for both people and the planet. Continuous monitoring of key metrics will guide necessary adjustments, ensuring transparency and reinforcing collective progress.
Installation of Digital Hubs: These hubs will provide Wi-Fi access to selected communities, promoting digital inclusion and improving the socio-economic well-being of the population.
Replacement of School Desks: The project involves replacing 650 tables and 1,300 chairs in schools, using materials approved by Faya Foundation, while also contributing to job creation and wealth generation in the region.
Creation of Art and Artisan Spaces: Spaces for artistic and artisanal works – such as painting, sculpture, and music – will be created to promote local culture and support artists in Príncipe. These spaces may be located within existing HBD concessions or in the city of Santo António.
Monitoring via Satellite and Drone Imagery: Data will be collected through advanced technologies to track the evolution of forest cover and calculate the biodiversity index for different plots of land.
Improve the Biodiversity Index: One of the main targets is to ensure that the island’s biodiversity is preserved and enhanced through systematic monitoring and conservation efforts.
Manage an affordable Wood Supply: We are on the journey to create a renewable forest, providing sustainable, affordable wood for the community while protecting the island’s natural resources.
Design, Financing, and Construction of Prefabricated Houses: This project includes the construction of sustainable, energy-efficient prefabricated houses in urban areas that have access to basic sanitation and education. These homes will be made available to the population through a rent-based system, with rental payments reinvested to finance the construction of additional homes. The use of eco-friendly materials and renewable energy in the housing design will reduce the environmental impact and lower energy consumption.
Eliminating the Use of Fossil Fuels for Electricity Generation: This initiative aims to transition Príncipe to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and possibly hydropower. The project involves building infrastructure for renewable energy, installing solar panels and developing energy storage systems to ensure a stable and sustainable energy supply.
This project focuses on establishing an effective waste management system across the island, which includes waste collection, recycling programmes, and public awareness campaigns. The goal is to reduce pollution and improve overall hygiene by ensuring proper waste separation, recycling and disposal.
With an address at 1°N, 7°E, the striking islands of São Tomé and Príncipe are about as close to the centre of the world as it gets and a hidden West African paradise. With an area of 1,001 km² (386 sq mi) it is Africa’s second smallest country.
Since 2010, Mark Shuttleworth has been involved in the protection and development of Príncipe. Since then, numerous projects and activities have been implemented, data has been collected and lessons learned that enabled this next step in the evolution – the establishment of the Faya Foundation – in 2024.
This next step was only possible because of the close and fruitful cooperation with the local authorities as well as the participation of the local communities.
The Natural Dividend model is an innovative sustainable development model initiated by entrepreneur and sustainability advocate Mark Shuttleworth.
At its core is the introduction of a financial dividend – a tangible reward to local communities for protecting unique ecosystems. It’s not just about saying thank you; it’s about ensuring the communities reap long-term benefits from their conservation eorts.
Faya Foundation is the first application of the Natural Dividend model on Príncipe Island, West Africa – the testing ground and blueprint to prove that with shared commitment, people and nature can flourish together.
Founded in 2024, Faya Foundation set out to empower local communities on Príncipe to take ownership of their future. Together, we’re protecting what makes Príncipe so special – preserving its beauty and biodiversity for generations to come.
Founded in 2010 as the first investment of Mark Shuttleworth in Sāo Tomé and Príncipe, HBD Príncipe is an ecotourism and agriculture business. It follows the vision of driving the sustainable social and economic development in Príncipe and conserving the island’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Príncipe Collection is the hospitality branch of HBD Prìncipe, operating sustainable hotels on the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe.
Visit the Príncipe Collection website