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1° 42'03.4 N
7° 24'12.9 E
In 2024, Faya Foundation was founded to preserve the unique biodiversity of Príncipe Island, West Africa and to improve the well-being of its communities. It is the first practical application of the groundbreaking Natural Dividend concept – the testing ground for the development of a blueprint for a globally adaptable and scalable model of sustainability.
As a not-for-profit organisation, Faya Foundation encourages local communities to become vital forces for change, financially rewarding them directly in relation to their level of commitment to conserving the island’s many natural assets.
Through this, Faya Foundation aims to turn commitment into action and passion into lasting impact, and ecological responsibility.
The people of Príncipe Island, a hidden West African paradise, have a close connection to the environment, and these days, the islands are more commonly known as ‘Africa’s Galapagos’ due to their remarkable, endemic flora and fauna, particularly on UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Príncipe Island.
As well as untouched swathes of primary rainforest, many of its beaches are focal points for sea turtle conservation, and offshore migrating whales and dolphins can be seen cutting through the waves.
Faya Foundation’s success is built upon strong, mutually beneficial relationships with local communities. Therefore, we empower through participation and integrate traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices.
Through educational initiatives, such as workshops and training programmes, we equip community members with the skills and knowledge needed to become effective stewards of their environment. And by ensuring that the benefits of conservation directly reward those who protect it, we foster a deep sense of ownership and pride within the community.
Conservation should not come at a cost to the people who depend on nature – it should benefit them. The Natural Dividend is an innovative financial mechanism that gives to local communities for protecting their environment.
With this model, conservation is not just about restrictions or charity – it becomes a direct economic opportunity. By creating a system where sustainability and prosperity go hand in hand, we set a new standard for environmental protection.
At the heart of our approach is a commitment to data-driven decision-making and cutting-edge technology. We utilise state-of-the-art tools – including satellite imagery, drone technology, and on-the-ground data collection – to accurately track progress.
This technology-driven framework allows us to refine our methods and develop scalable conservation models that can be applied in diverse contexts around the world.
Natural Dividend.
A groundbreaking new way to protect nature.