A Thriving Future for the Gulf of Guinea Oceanic Islands

Abstract

AbstractThe oceanic islands of the Gulf of Guinea hold extraordinary levels of endemism across many taxonomic groups. Biodiversity surveys are still uncovering species new to science, and much work remains to be done on the evolution, ecology, and conservation of this unique biological heritage. The next 10 years will be crucial to find and implement development strategies that can respond to the needs of the islands’ inhabitants while sustaining the biodiversity and ecosystem functions on which they depend. We outline seven priority areas that need to be addressed on the path for a thriving future for both people and biodiversity.