The Restoration Initiative (TRI) project in Sao Tome and Principe’s investments are helping to boost a responsible economy based on the restoration, conservation and sustainable management of forest landscapes and farmlands. 

António Camuenha Alberto, an ecoguide and friend of biodiversity, has been living in the project community in São Tome and Principe for more than ten years and has taken some time to speak to our team. 

"We have 1.5 hectares of land where we have developed our business activity for more than a year. Our business, BioTech, is developed around traditional medicine: we work with medicinal plants, making various products, remedies and aromatic teas. Our main objective is to highlight the richness of our Obô natural park, the buffer zones and the secondary forest where we get out ingredients", he explained. 

After having met his partner and having taken part in various eco-guiding courses, BioTech was created to conserve and value our biodiversity and make use of forest products in a sustainable manner.  The BioTech project has benefited from TRI/STP funding to support bankable projects. António and his partner grabbed this opportunity to boost their business. 

"The funding we received helped us take a firmer step. With this support we were able to make a transformation centre, seal all our land, make an esplanade and plant several aromatic tea species such as gemgibre, humming, pepper, and cinnamon. We also have medicinal plants such as stick three, cubango and more, " said the entrepreneur. 

In addition to the remedies and aromatic teas, BioTech also produces leaves for bathing and dreams of building a spa. “It will be a kind of "massage workshop" where people can come, see the production, have a tea, receive a massage, take a bath of medicinal plants and leaves and come to our store and buy the teas and other products that are well packed with the proper explanations," Antonio said. 

António further explained "The project arrived at the right time for us and allowed us to go further. It is contributing and I am sure it will contribute more to our economy. I thank the project for the support it has given not only to us but to other entrepreneurs. I take the opportunity to encourage other companies and entrepreneurs to pursue TRI/STP opportunities.”