Abstract
Sustainable urban development is a critical imperative for small island developing states (SIDS) such as São Tomé and Príncipe, where rapid urbanization, environmental vulnerability, and limited resources intersect. This article explores the potential for green building practices and sustainable urban planning in São Tomé and Príncipe, focusing on the integration of environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability. It examines the current state of urban development in the country, reviews global literature on green building and sustainable urbanization, and discusses the role of intergovernmental organizations and international treaties in shaping policy frameworks. The paper argues for localized strategies that incorporate green building technologies, community engagement, and international collaboration to foster resilient urban futures. Recommendations are provided to guide policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders in aligning development goals with global sustainability agendas, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement.
Introduction
São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, faces unique challenges in achieving sustainable urban development. With approximately 74% of its population residing in urban areas, the country grapples with unplanned peripheral neighborhoods, inadequate infrastructure, and substandard housing, as noted by UN-Habitat (n.d.). These challenges are compounded by the nation’s vulnerability to climate change, limited financial resources, and reliance on natural ecosystems. As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), São Tomé and Príncipe is particularly susceptible to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and deforestation, all of which threaten urban livability and economic stability.
The concept of sustainable urban development emphasizes the creation of cities that meet the needs of current and future generations while minimizing environmental degradation. Central to this vision is the adoption of green building practices—construction and design strategies that prioritize energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental harmony. This article investigates how São Tomé and Príncipe can integrate green building into its urban development policies to address pressing challenges such as poverty, housing deficits, and climate vulnerability. Furthermore, it explores the role of intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) such as the United Nations and the African Development Bank (AfDB), alongside international treaties like the Paris Agreement, in supporting these efforts. By aligning local initiatives with global frameworks, São Tomé and Príncipe can build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban futures.
This paper is structured as follows: a situational analysis of urban development in São Tomé and Príncipe, a literature review on sustainable urbanization and green building, a discussion on integrating international support and treaties, recommendations for policy and practice, and a conclusion summarizing key findings.
Situational Analysis
São Tomé and Príncipe, comprising two main islands and several smaller islets, has a population of approximately 220,000, with the majority concentrated in urban centers such as São Tomé, the capital. Urbanization in the country has been rapid and largely unplanned, leading to significant challenges. According to data from UN-Habitat (n.d.), about 86% of the urban population lives in substandard housing, often constructed from wood due to the scarcity and cost of conventional materials. This reliance on wood contributes to deforestation, further exacerbating environmental degradation and vulnerability to natural disasters.
The urban landscape is characterized by informal settlements lacking basic services such as sanitation, clean water, and reliable electricity. As reported by the Centre for Affordable Housing Finance Africa (CAHF, n.d.), access to decent housing is a critical issue, with the government struggling to provide affordable solutions due to limited funding and the absence of specific legislation for social housing programs. Moreover, the country’s energy sector remains underdeveloped, with a heavy reliance on fossil fuels despite abundant renewable energy potential, including solar and hydropower (African Development Bank, 2020).
Climate change poses an additional layer of complexity. As a SIDS, São Tomé and Príncipe is highly vulnerable to sea-level rise and extreme weather events, which threaten coastal urban areas where much of the population resides. The country’s Revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement highlights the need for adaptation and mitigation strategies, emphasizing urban resilience and green infrastructure (NDC Partnership, n.d.). Despite these commitments, implementation remains constrained by institutional capacity and financial limitations.
On a positive note, São Tomé and Príncipe has initiated efforts to address these challenges with support from international partners. UN-Habitat has provided technical assistance since 2015 to develop policies and strategies for housing, slum upgrading, and climate resilience (UN-Habitat, n.d.). Additionally, programs like the Energy Transition and Institutional Support Programme (ETISP), funded by the African Development Bank, aim to promote green growth through sustainable power systems (AfDB, 2020). These initiatives provide a foundation for integrating green building and sustainable urban development, though significant gaps in policy, funding, and local expertise persist.
Literature Review
Sustainable urban development and green building are well-documented concepts in global academic discourse, particularly in the context of developing nations and SIDS. Sustainable urban development, as defined by the United Nations (2015), aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11, which calls for inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities. Green building, a subset of this broader framework, focuses on designing and constructing buildings that minimize environmental impact through energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and reduced carbon footprints (Kibert, 2016).
In the context of SIDS, sustainable urbanization faces unique challenges due to geographic isolation, limited resources, and heightened climate risks. Pelling and Uitto (2001) argue that urban planning in SIDS must prioritize resilience by integrating climate adaptation into infrastructure development. This includes the adoption of green building standards that account for local environmental conditions, such as tropical climates and resource scarcity. For instance, studies highlight the effectiveness of passive cooling techniques and locally sourced materials in reducing energy consumption and construction costs in island settings (Cabeza et al., 2014).
Green building practices also offer socio-economic benefits by creating jobs, reducing energy costs, and improving living conditions. According to the World Green Building Council (WGBC, 2019), buildings account for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the urgency of transitioning to sustainable construction. In developing countries, however, barriers such as high upfront costs, limited technical expertise, and weak regulatory frameworks often hinder adoption (Darko & Chan, 2016). These challenges are particularly pronounced in SIDS like São Tomé and Príncipe, where financial and institutional constraints are acute.
Intergovernmental organizations play a pivotal role in bridging these gaps by providing technical assistance, funding, and policy guidance. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN-Habitat have been instrumental in promoting sustainable urban practices globally, emphasizing the integration of environmental and social considerations (UNEP, 2022). International treaties, such as the Paris Agreement and the New Urban Agenda, provide frameworks for aligning national policies with global sustainability targets. These agreements encourage countries to develop Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and urban resilience plans that prioritize green infrastructure and low-carbon development (UNFCCC, 2015).
Despite the wealth of literature, there remains a gap in context-specific research on green building in SIDS like São Tomé and Príncipe. While global best practices provide valuable insights, localized studies are needed to address unique socio-economic and environmental conditions. This paper seeks to contribute to this discourse by examining how global principles can be adapted to the realities of São Tomé and Príncipe, with support from international frameworks.
Discussion
The integration of green building into sustainable urban development in São Tomé and Príncipe offers a pathway to address multiple challenges, including housing deficits, environmental degradation, and climate vulnerability. Green building practices, such as the use of sustainable materials, energy-efficient designs, and renewable energy systems, can reduce the ecological footprint of urbanization while improving quality of life. For instance, replacing wood-based construction with locally sourced, sustainable materials could mitigate deforestation, a pressing issue in the country. Additionally, incorporating solar panels and passive cooling in building designs could address energy shortages and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
However, implementing green building initiatives in São Tomé and Príncipe requires overcoming significant barriers. High upfront costs and lack of technical expertise pose challenges for both public and private sectors. Moreover, the absence of a robust regulatory framework for sustainable construction hinders widespread adoption. Lessons from other SIDS suggest that public-private partnerships and community engagement are critical for success. For example, in the Maldives, community-led housing projects incorporating green designs have improved access to affordable homes while reducing environmental impact (MEE, 2018). Similar approaches could be piloted in São Tomé and Príncipe, leveraging local knowledge and resources.
Intergovernmental organizations and international treaties provide critical support for overcoming these challenges. UN-Habitat’s ongoing work in São Tomé and Príncipe demonstrates the value of technical assistance in developing policies for housing and urban resilience (UN-Habitat, n.d.). Similarly, the African Development Bank’s ETISP program supports green growth by improving access to sustainable energy, a key component of green building (AfDB, 2020). At the global level, the Paris Agreement offers a framework for integrating climate considerations into urban planning. São Tomé and Príncipe’s revised NDC, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), emphasizes the need for green infrastructure and climate-resilient cities (NDC Partnership, n.d.). By aligning national policies with these commitments, the country can access funding and expertise from international partners.
The New Urban Agenda, adopted at the Habitat III conference in 2016, further reinforces the importance of sustainable urbanization. It calls for inclusive urban development that prioritizes affordable housing, basic services, and environmental sustainability—goals that are directly relevant to São Tomé and Príncipe’s urban challenges. By engaging with these international frameworks, the country can ensure that its urban development strategies are not only locally relevant but also globally aligned. For instance, participation in initiatives like the Regional Climate Action Transparency Hub (ReCATH) for Central African States can enhance institutional capacity for monitoring and reporting on climate and sustainable development goals (ICAT, 2021).
Moreover, collaboration with regional bodies such as the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) can facilitate knowledge sharing and resource mobilization for green building projects. While São Tomé and Príncipe has made initial strides with support from IGOs, sustained engagement is necessary to translate commitments into tangible outcomes. This includes building local capacity, securing long-term funding, and integrating green building standards into national legislation.
Critically, sustainable urban development in São Tomé and Príncipe must prioritize social equity. Green building initiatives should not exacerbate existing inequalities by focusing solely on high-end developments. Instead, policies must ensure that low-income communities, who constitute a significant portion of the urban population, benefit from affordable, sustainable housing solutions. This aligns with the principles of the SDGs, particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), which emphasize inclusivity and resilience.
Recommendations
Based on the analysis and discussion, the following recommendations are proposed to advance sustainable urban development and green building in São Tomé and Príncipe:
- Develop a National Green Building Policy: Establish a comprehensive policy framework that sets standards for energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and climate-resilient design. This policy should be aligned with international commitments under the Paris Agreement and the New Urban Agenda, ensuring access to funding and technical support from IGOs like UN-Habitat and UNDP.
- Promote Capacity Building and Public Awareness: Invest in training programs for Architects, engineers, and construction workers to build local expertise in green building technologies. Public awareness campaigns can also encourage community buy-in and demand for sustainable housing solutions.
- Leverage International Partnerships: Strengthen collaboration with organizations such as the African Development Bank, UNEP, and UNDP to secure funding and technical assistance for green infrastructure projects. Participation in regional initiatives like ReCATH can further enhance transparency and accountability in implementing sustainability goals.
- Pilot Community-Led Housing Projects: Initiate pilot projects in urban informal settlements that integrate green building principles with affordable housing. These projects should involve local communities in design and construction to ensure cultural appropriateness and social equity.
- Integrate Renewable Energy into Urban Planning: Expand access to renewable energy sources, such as solar and mini-hydropower, in urban areas, building on programs like ETISP (AfDB, 2020). This can reduce energy costs for residents and decrease the carbon footprint of buildings.
- Strengthen Urban Resilience Legislation: Update national building codes and urban planning regulations to incorporate climate adaptation measures, ensuring that new developments are resilient to sea-level rise and extreme weather events. This should draw on best practices shared through international treaties and IGOs.
These recommendations aim to create a holistic approach that addresses the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable urban development. While some require significant investment and time, phased implementation with international support can ensure progress. Policymakers should prioritize initiatives that balance immediate needs, such as housing, with long-term goals like climate resilience.
Conclusion
Sustainable urban development in São Tomé and Príncipe represents both a challenge and an opportunity to build green futures that prioritize environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic growth. The integration of green building practices into urban planning offers a viable solution to address pressing issues such as substandard housing, deforestation, and climate vulnerability. While barriers like financial constraints and limited expertise exist, international support from intergovernmental organizations and frameworks like the Paris Agreement and the New Urban Agenda provide critical pathways for progress.
This article has highlighted the current state of urbanization in São Tomé and Príncipe, reviewed global literature on sustainable practices, and discussed the role of international collaboration in shaping local policies. The recommendations provided emphasize the need for localized, inclusive strategies that align with global sustainability goals. By fostering partnerships with IGOs, engaging communities, and updating national policies, São Tomé and Príncipe can transform its urban centers into models of resilience and sustainability. Future research should focus on empirical studies of green building projects in the country to assess their feasibility and impact, ensuring that lessons learned contribute to broader SIDS contexts.
References
- African Development Bank (AfDB). (2020). Sao Tome and Principe – Energy Transition and Institutional Support Programme (ETISP) – Project Appraisal Report. Retrieved from https://www.afdb.org
- Cabeza, L. F., Rincón, L., Vilariño, V., Pérez, G., & Castell, A. (2014). Experimental study on the performance of insulation materials for walls in a tropical climate. Energy and Buildings, 89, 141-153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2014.12.029
- Centre for Affordable Housing Finance Africa (CAHF). (n.d.). Sao Tome and Principe. Retrieved from https://housingfinanceafrica.org
- Darko, A., & Chan, A. P. (2016). Critical analysis of green building research trend in construction journals. Habitat International, 57, 53-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2016.07.001
- International Climate Action Transparency (ICAT). (2021). São Tomé and Príncipe. Retrieved from https://climateactiontransparency.org
- Kibert, C. J. (2016). Sustainable Construction: Green Building Design and Delivery (4th ed.). Wiley.
- Ministry of Environment and Energy (MEE), Maldives. (2018). Community-Based Housing Initiatives for Climate Resilience. Internal Report.
- NDC Partnership. (n.d.). São Tomé and Príncipe – Developing Projects for Clean Electricity and a Climate Resilient Health System. Retrieved from https://pia2022.ndcpartnership.org
- Pelling, M., & Uitto, J. I. (2001). Small island developing states: Natural disaster vulnerability and global change. Global Environmental Change Part B: Environmental Hazards, 3(2), 49-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1464-2867(01)00018-3
- United Nations. (2015). Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. United Nations General Assembly.
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2022). São Tomé and Príncipe: New Project Safeguards Nature and Climate. Retrieved from https://www.unep.org
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). (2015). Paris Agreement. UNFCCC Secretariat.
- UN-Habitat. (n.d.). Urbanization in Sao Tome and Principe: Building Inclusive & Sustainable Cities. Retrieved from https://unhabitat.org
- World Green Building Council (WGBC). (2019). Bringing Embodied Carbon Upfront. WGBC Report.
