HBD Príncipe

Príncipe Island, São Tomé and Príncipe, Africa

HBD Príncipe

Eco Lodges

since December 2018

With a vision for sustainable social and economic development in Príncipe and conservation of the island’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, HBD Príncipe’s commitment to this rainforest island is profound. From supporting conservation of endemic species to growing cacao organically and developing local team members, HBD’s activities are rooted in the understanding that what makes Príncipe so special already exists and must be preserved.

The fate of Príncipe’s pristine wilderness hung in the balance in 2010 when the national government proposed allowing a palm oil producer to clear 1,000 hectares for plantations. South African entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth, who had developed a deep connection with Príncipe and its people, presented an alternative centred on preserving and protecting the island’s natural heritage. The regional government rejected the oil-palm company and instead, alongside communities, chose sustainable development. To this end, HBD Príncipe was founded and was granted land concessions amounting to 1,700 hectares. Today, more than 500 employees work together with a mission to become a global inspiration through sustainable integrated ecotourism and agroforestry. Guests can experience the unique rainforest, wonderful beaches, and rich cultural heritage firsthand, knowing that their stay supports conservation and community development efforts.

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CONSERVATION

Fundação Príncipe, HBD’s sister organisation, is expanding knowledge of and protecting the island’s biodiversity through botanical sampling, seabird surveys, sea turtle conservation, local education, and more.

HBD’s organic cacao plantation is the first in Africa to become Bird-Friendly®-certified. The cocoa grows under and alongside the shade of native trees that provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.

COMMUNITY

Deeply invested in training and development with an annual training budget of 150,000 Euros, employees received 12,923 training hours in 2022 and 6,642 training hours in 2023.

Built new homes for many families, including through the Terra Prometida participatory project, which provided 133 households with modern housing and infrastructure for the community.

CULTURE

Restoration of significant local buildings, including the Pink House, the Green House, and the former Fish Market, which is now the headquarters of the island’s biosphere team, is a tangible way HBD has supported cultural heritage.

Accent pillows and team uniforms are sewn by local tailors using African fabrics, while many pendant lampshades are handmade by artisans using local palm fronds.

COMMERCE

Guests pay a Conservation and Communities Contribution, 100% of which funds local initiatives: 50% is donated to HBD’s conservation NGO partner Fundação Príncipe and 50% is directed towards educational, environmental, and social initiatives.

HBD’s owner does not seek a return on capital; future profits will be reinvested locally in pursuance of HBD’s vision.

HBD Príncipe’s Highlights

Invisible by design: During a swim or boat ride, when guests gaze back to the waterfront, they’ll see that Sundy Praia, one of HBD’s boutique hotels, is intentionally hidden within the beachside rainforest. Sundy Praia has not affected the natural beauty or ecosystems of the beach.
What’s old is new: HBD refurbished heritage buildings to create Roça Sundy, with its construction therefore associated with a lower carbon footprint. The use of the buildings of a former cacao roça, or plantation, acknowledges history while giving new life to Sundy.
Explore wildly, tread lightly: Whether following the cocoa route, visiting secluded beaches, or getting to know the communities that make this island so special, HBD’s carefully crafted experiences are designed with conservation in mind and honour the remarkable Príncipe Island.
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: A major milestone came in 2012, when the combined efforts of the government, local communities, and HBD saw Príncipe designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (a protected area of global significance, where human communities work in harmony with the environment to conserve its biodiversity while developing a sustainable economy) and was recertified in 2023.