UNDP–GEF Project: Strengthening Social and Environmental Safeguards in São Tomé and Príncipe

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) engaged Asesoramiento Ambiental Estratégico (AAE) to strengthen the implementation of social and environmental safeguards under the GEF-funded project “Enhancing Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Land and Natural Resource Management (2021–2026).”

The project supports the Government of São Tomé and Príncipe, through the Directorate for Environment and Climate Action (DAAC), in safeguarding biodiversity and promoting sustainable land-use and charcoal production practices.

AAE’s role focused on reinforcing compliance with UNDP’s Social and Environmental Standards (SES) and ensuring that safeguard measures translate into tangible improvements for institutions and communities.

During the assignment, AAE:

• Conducted a field mission across São Tomé and Príncipe, including interviews with local communities (specifically characoal producers) and institutions to assess social and environmental risks and mitigation progress;
• Delivered training sessions for rangers on conflict prevention, rights-based approaches, and community engagement;
• Facilitated capacity-building workshops for partner institutions on safeguards implementation, grievance handling, and livelihood restoration measures;
• Updated the project’s Social and Environmental Safeguards (SES) tools—including the Screeing (SESP), SES Implementation Plan, Livelihood Action Plan (LAP), and a Grievance and Redress Mechanism (GRM).

These actions strengthened safeguards management, and supported the sustainability of conservation and livelihood initiatives in the country.

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