The Story of FAYA: Rooted in People, Grown Through Nature
A Place Where Change Takes Root
Off the coast of Central Africa, in the warm embrace of the Atlantic, lies the emerald island of Príncipe. Known for its beauty, biodiversity, and deep cultural heritage, this small island is becoming a quiet force for global transformation.
Here, FAYA Foundation is planting the seeds of a new model for sustainable development. One that respects nature, restores dignity, celebrates knowledge, and measures success in both environmental and human terms.
A Place of Beauty and Resilience
Príncipe is a place of contrasts. Its landscapes are abundant, and its people carry stories that span generations. Over time, the islanders have faced cultural loss and renewal, changing economies, and shifts in technology. Yet within this complexity is something powerful.
The people of Príncipe hold ancestral wisdom, strong community values, and a deep connection to the natural world. FAYA exists to honour that strength and to build upon it.
A Decision That Changed Everything
FAYA’s story began when Mark Shuttleworth, a technology entrepreneur, first visited Príncipe in 2010. He arrived with the idea of creating a private retreat, but what he found changed the course of his life.
After meeting the community and understanding the heart of the island, he made a different decision. He chose to invest not just financially, but personally and intentionally.
The goal became clear: to create something lasting and inclusive, where local people are the stewards of their own destinies. FAYA would not be a typical foundation. It would be a living, collaborative system shaped by listening, learning, and shared vision.
What FAYA Means
The word FAYA carries many meanings. It speaks of growth, light, fire, and transformation. It represents the energy that drives the foundation’s work and the warmth of its approach.
FAYA is not a charity. It is not a product. It is a system rooted in partnership, where progress is measured through the wellbeing of people and the health of the land.
The Natural Dividend: Measuring What Matters
FAYA’s most significant contribution is the creation of the Natural Dividend, a pioneering model that redefines how we value and care for nature. At its core, the idea is simple. The people who protect the land should benefit directly from its wellbeing.
Conservation should not be a sacrifice. It should be a path to security, dignity, and shared prosperity.
To make that possible, FAYA is developing the Natural Dividend Payment Algorithm, a digital tool that combines rich data on biodiversity and ecosystem health with local insights about social wellbeing to create incentives for positive environmental actions. By rewarding local people who take care of nature, it aims to enhance biodiversity, bolster ecosystem services, and provide greater financial security and material conditions for people.
This work connects to broader conversations about natural capital and ecosystem services, aligning with global initiatives such as the UN Environment Programme and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
A Team with Vision and Heart
Behind FAYA is a dedicated, multidisciplinary team bound by shared beliefs and values. Mark brings vision and long-term commitment. Jorge builds and leads a cohesive team and ensures financial stability. Vik and Horacio build relationships and trust with local communities and leaders. Joao Guimaraes and his team map the island’s unique biodiversity and create plans for its protection. José delivers on-the-ground implementation and tech innovation. Jeremy ensures scientific integrity and learning. Data wizards Joao Garci and Hartmut collect and crunch the numbers. Diana gives voice and coherence to the story.
Each person brings different strengths, but all are connected by a common goal, to build systems that give more than they take.
Community at the Centre
FAYA does not begin with plans. It begins with listening. Every project is designed with the people who will live its outcomes in mind. From housing design to energy sources and waste management, each step reflects local priorities and long-term sustainability.
All of these initiatives align with the foundation’s focus on Our Priorities: Building confidence, connection, and pride through local participation.
A Living Laboratory for the World
Príncipe is more than a location. It is a living classroom for a new way of working. What is being built here could shape how communities across the world design their futures.
FAYA believes that meaningful change can start small. It can be personal, experimental, and deeply rooted in place, yet still hold the potential to transform global systems.
Looking Ahead: Shared Knowledge, Shared Future
Everything created through FAYA is shared openly. The models, data, and tools will be available to anyone working toward people-first, planet-conscious development.
This is open-source philosophy in action. It reflects the belief that ideas should travel and that hope grows stronger when shared.
The work continues to evolve, but the foundation is firm. FAYA’s goal is not dependency, but dignity. Not short-term projects, but systems that endure.
Through this, Príncipe is showing what it means to design development that listens first and lasts long after the spotlight fades.
