west african islands
These islands share many common features including their Portuguese colonial history, and their volcanic origin. Sao Tome and Principe rely heavily on agriculture for their economy, mainly cocoa which represents 95% of all exports. Fishing is also a pillar of their economy and a substantial part of islanders’ diet. Cape Verde, on the other hand, has a service based economy. Guinea-Bissau is not an island, but it has low-lying coastal areas and is vulnerable to climate change in much the same way as islands.
Since both islands were colonized, many different ethnic groups settled the islands, which gave them a unique diversity.
Biodiversity
Also diverse is their biodiversity thanks to the isolation of their ecosystems. Cape Verde, for example, has many endemic species, including birds such as the Alexander’s swift or the Cape verde warbler. However, because of increase population, increase overfishing and other environmental problems, the biodiversity in these islands are highly at risk.
Impacts of Climate Change
Although no studies at a micro level exist for Sao Tome and Principe, it is likely that they will too be affected by global climate change. First, as they are located on the West coast of Africa, it is likely that they will notice an increase in average precipitation. This may be positive for agriculture, however, if precipitations’ intensity increase, then it is likely that a wash-off phenomenon occur: the soil is unable to capture and stock rainfall, and the water flows to the sea increasing sedimentation that can smother reefs and have a negative impact on fish stocks.
What is more, an increase in average temperatures may also contribute to the spread of vector-borne diseases which will negatively affect the populations, as well as potential tourists.