Sanzala
Foundation
"Rebuild with Dignity, Regenerate with Beauty"
We are the regenerative force behind Sanzala Travels: each trip finances real impacts in São Tomé and Príncipe.
WHO WE ARE
We are the organization behind Sanzala Travels. We transform former sanzalas—once symbols of pain and abandonment—into living centers of knowledge, identity, and opportunities for young people and women.
Mission: Revitalize communities by integrating dignified housing, agroecology, sustainable artisanal fisheries, living culture, and community-based ecotourism.
Vision: A prosperous archipelago and a leading African reference in regenerative development—with healthy ecosystems, strong local economies, and cultural pride.
WHY WE EXIST
Challenges: Precarious housing, loss of cultural identity and community spaces, economic vulnerability, pressure on ecosystems, youth migration. Tourism projects disconnected from local needs.
Opportunities: A rise in conscious tourism, the demand for traceable impact, and favorable international frameworks (SDGs, CBD, Blue/Green Economy).
Our Response: A regenerative model that restores ecosystems, strengthens social fabric, and activates local economies.
PRINCIPLES THAT GUIDE US
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Historical identity and repair
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Deep participation and informed consent
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Ecological regeneration and circular economies
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Community dignity and autonomy
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Transparency, no greenwashing, and protection of vulnerable groups
HOW WE WORK
The Sanzala Ecosystem:
Sanzala Foundation:
Custodian of purpose, participatory governance, and impact management (Impact FEE + 3–5% contribution).
Sanzala Travels:
Operation of responsible itineraries and local value chains.
Sanzala Expedition:
Anchor experience co-created with communities, integrating gastronomy, the sea, youth, culture, and biodiversity.
HOW WE TURN TRAVEL INTO IMPACT
Regenerative Participation:
Communities identify needs and aspirations; we co-create environmental, cultural, and economic solutions. Each traveler directly funds regeneration with metrics and reporting.
Regenerative Concession Model (co-management):
Public ownership (State/Region) + social stewardship (Foundation) + technical operation (Sanzala Travels) + community co-governance.
No privatization
transparent, audited, and replicable. We uphold territorial justice, social and circular economies, and genuine inclusion.
As members of
The Long Run
we follow the 4C Framework:
Conservation
Community
Culture and
Commerce
WHERE WE WORK
Pilots 2025–2026:
Praia Abade, Porto Real, São Joaquim (Príncipe Island), Ponta Figo (São Tomé).
Current key priority: Community organization, local coordination, and participatory listening.
Sample Programs:
All programs support and enrich the Sanzala Expedition experience.
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Guardians of the Sea: Maritime safety, sustainable fisheries, citizen science.
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Sanzala Youth Academy: Training and employment opportunities.
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Sanzala Flavors: Gastronomy, short food chains, local entrepreneurship.
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Sea and Community Festival: Living culture and social cohesion.
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Biodiversity Ambassador Traveler: Symbolic species adoption, post-trip engagement.
Non-Negotiable Ethical Principles
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Historical repair, identity, and dignity
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Deep participation and informed consent
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Ecological regeneration and circular economies
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Community dignity and autonomy
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Transparency, no greenwashing, and protection of vulnerable groups
ALLIANCES AND ALIGNMENT
We collaborate with community associations, local governments, Fundação Príncipe, HBD, FAYA, and international networks.
Aligned with SDGs (1, 5, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15), CBD/NBSAP, FAO-FLR, and African Union Agenda 2063 (Blue Economy).
“How sanzalas can stop being symbols of abandonment and become vibrant centers of knowledge, identity, local economy, and opportunities for youth and women.”
— Yoavi Dos Santos, Founder
HOW YOU CAN JOIN
Community Activation Fund (priority): community nucleus, basic infrastructure, training and employment, seed capital, monitoring, and visibility.
Contribution schemes: sanzala/program sponsorships, public–private co-financing, match funding, technical agreements.
Call to Action
Sponsor a sanzala | Support our programs