São Tomé and Príncipe is seeking to harness marine and coastal tourism as a source of trade, economic diversification, resilience and local value creation, while conserving the natural and cultural assets on which the sector depends. Realizing this potential requires stronger linkages with domestic suppliers and effective environmental and digital services, including transport and connectivity, energy, water, waste management and digital solutions. The Ocean Economy and Trade Strategy (OETS) process will therefore examine opportunities and constraints across the sector, drawing on national evidence and stakeholder experience to address information gaps and ensure that the analysis reflects the country’s priorities and operational realities.
Objective
The National Consultation Workshop will bring together national stakeholders to examine the initial evidence base and proposed analytical approach for the OETS process. Participants will contribute knowledge and practical experience concerning the opportunities, constraints, existing initiatives, data gaps and policy priorities associated with sustainable marine and coastal tourism and related environmental and digital services. The workshop will also provide a structured setting to consider cross-sectoral linkages, identify matters requiring further research and strengthen coordination, policy coherence and national ownership. The evidence and recommendations emerging from the discussions will inform the preparation of the national OETS report and its proposed Strategy and Action Plan, without prejudging the final findings or policy recommendations.
Participation
The workshop will bring together invited representatives of government institutions, the private sector, academia, civil society, local communities and development partners. Participation is intended for institutions and individuals with relevant mandates, technical expertise, operational experience or access to evidence concerning marine and coastal tourism and its supporting sectors and services. Participation is by invitation only.
Registration
Participation is by invitation only, confirmations should indicate the name, title and institution of the proposed participant. Questions concerning registration or participation may be addressed to Mr. Antonio Alexandre, Sustainable Ocean and Blue Economy Unit at [email protected]
Logistics
Event: Harnessing international marine and coastal tourism and related environmental and digital services in São Tomé and Príncipe
Dates: 1–2 December 2026
Time: 08:30 – 18:00, São Tomé and Príncipe local time
Venue: United Nations Resident Coordinators Office, Avenida das Nações Unidas, São Tomé
Format: In-person and hybrid (MS Teams). For those interested in participating, please contact Mr. Alexandre.
Working language: Portuguese
Access: By invitation only.
