EU urges Guinea-Bissau to protect Poilão island for turtles
Federico Bianchi called for stronger environmental protection on Poilão, a key nesting site for marine turtles in West Africa.
The European Union representative in Guinea-Bissau, Federico Bianchi, asked the government to increase environmental protection on Poilão island. This island in the Bijagós Archipelago is a fundamental area for marine turtle reproduction in West Africa.
Bianchi spoke on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, during a beach cleanup event organised by the EU. He stated that plastic waste threatens marine life, human health, tourism, and the local economy. Poilão was chosen for the event because it is sacred to the Bijagó people and one of the region's most important turtle nesting sites.
The EU representative highlighted the importance of preserving marine resources for Guinea-Bissau’s economy, noting that fishing is a main sector. The French and Spanish ambassadors, along with representatives from the World Bank and WHO, also attended the cleanup. The French ambassador noted Poilão's preservation is key to protecting the UNESCO World Heritage Bijagós Archipelago.
Why it mattersThe environmental protection of Poilão island is vital for the survival of marine turtles and the local economy of Guinea-Bissau, which relies on fishing.