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Gulf of Guinea Research Program

Gulf of Guinea Research Program
The Gulf of Guinea boasts unique biodiversity, encompassing diverse ecosystems like rainforests, mangroves, and coral reefs, which are home to endemic and rare species, provide important ecosystem services and sustain local livelihoods. The forests of the region host elephants, chimpanzees and gorillas, while the coastal ecosystems are home to West African manatees, sea turtles, and many species of sharks and rays. The oceanic islands hold some of the world’s highest levels of endemism across several groups. Many areas are still relatively well preserved and have potentially enormous value for conservation and the development of nature-related eco-enterprises such as ecotourism. However, there are significant knowledge gaps in understanding this biodiversity, with many areas still under-sampled or understudied. Additionally, the region faces threats from rapid human population growth, extractive industries, and unsustainable practices, endangering its ecological and cultural integrity. Preserving this biodiversity for conservation and the benefit of people reliant on it highlights the importance of effective conservation policies and sustainable management practices. 

The program promotes ground-breaking research and conservation efforts in the Gulf of Guinea, bringing together leading experts in ecology, evolution and conservation studies. Key initiatives include establishing a world-class Biodiversity Center, conducting extensive surveys to catalog marine and terrestrial biodiversity, and focusing on the conservation of flagship, threatened, and endemic species. Additionally, the program emphasizes the interaction between human societies and biodiversity, addressing issues such as invasive species and promoting sustainable practices. Through education, outreach, and capacity building, the project aims to ensure long-term sustainability for both the region's biodiversity and human communities.
Team
Principal Investigator
Luke L. Powell

Luke L. Powell

Position: Coordinating Researcher, ERA Chair
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Researchers
David Montgomery

David Montgomery

Position: Director of the Equatorial Guinea Biodiversity Program
Group:
RAINFORESTS
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Martim Melo

Martim Melo

Position: Post-Doc Researcher
Group:
RAINFORESTS
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Maximillian PTG Tercel

Maximillian PTG Tercel

Position: Auxiliary Researcher
Group:
RAINFORESTS
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Students
Ana Carolina Sousa

Ana Carolina Sousa

Position: PhD Student
Group:
NATHIST
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Laura Benitez Bosco

Laura Benitez Bosco

Position: PhD Student
Group:
BEPE
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Laura Prigge

Laura Prigge

Position: PhD Student
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Panagiotis Nikolaou

Panagiotis Nikolaou

Position: PhD Student
Group:
RAINFORESTS
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State
Ongoing
Proponent Institution
CIBIO - InBIO
Funded by
Supernova Technologies, BIOPOLIS, and various other partners
Dates
2023 (Duration: 7 years)
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