Guinea-Bissau's Bijagos Archipelago joins UNESCO World Heritage List

Guinea-Bissau's Bijagos Archipelago, a chain of 88 islands in West Africa, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marking a major conservation achievement for the nation. The archipelago is home to the world's only saltwater hippopotamus colony and hosts critical biodiversity that attracted international recognition. This designation provides legal protection for endangered ecosystems and species while potentially boosting sustainable tourism and conservation funding for one of Africa's poorest nations. The listing reflects growing global efforts to preserve African coastal and marine biodiversity amid climate and human pressures.