Bijagos Archipelago recognized as UNESCO World Heritage site

The Bijagos Archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site as of 2025. The archipelago consists of 88 islands characterized by a diverse landscape of mangroves, tidal flats, sandbanks, and open water zones.

Since 1996, the region has been protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, covering over 1,000,000 hectares of islands and surrounding marine areas. This designation highlights the relationship between the island ecosystems and traditional human usage. The area serves as a critical habitat for biodiversity, specifically acting as a breeding and resting ground for migratory birds and sea turtles.