We make tourism compatible with the conservation of biodiversity and Bijagó culture

The Orango Parque Hotel is managed by the Associaçao Guiné-Bissau Orango, a Spanish non-profit organisation that participates in a project to develop ecotourism in the National Parks of Guinea Bissau.. 

Our core aims

Combating climate change and its impact

  • We use solar panels to supply a significant proportion of the energy we need.

  • We minimise the use of plastic packaging and opt for long-lasting, reusable materials.

  • We make good use of the 3 “Rs”: reduce, reuse and recycle, to minimise our footprint in the nature park.

  • We transform aluminium drink cans into cutlery thanks to the work of a local blacksmith.

Conserving the marine environment

  • We use 4-stroke outboard engines on our boats, drastically reducing the level of noise produced and pollution due to exhaust fumes, thereby reducing the impact on marine species.

  • We support sustainable shellfishing (respecting the reproduction periods of the different species).

  • We collaborate in projects to conserve marine animals such as the African manatee and hippopotamus.

Protecting land and sea ecosystems

  • We develop projects to improve the balance between local people and wildlife, thereby preserving nature.

  • We build elevated walkways, using local wood, to and from the moored boats to protect the mangroves from our footsteps.

  • All organic waste from the kitchen is composted or fed to local livestock.

  • We transform aluminium drink cans into cutlery thanks to the work of a local blacksmith.

Promoting economic growth by providing stable, good quality jobs

  • All our staff are local, including the cooks, cleaners and guides, fostering their training and professional development within the tourism industry.

  • Our boutique is stocked with local handicrafts from many Guinea Bissau craftspeople, helping to preserve traditional jobs.

  • We support the economy of Guinea Bissau by working with local suppliers for everything from food and beverages to the art and activities offered to our guests.

Supporting education and training as one of the main pillars to develop local self-sufficiency

  • We train all our workers to offer them new opportunities regarding decent, good quality employment.

  • We train people interested in developing local tourism.

  • We set up training workshops on key issues, such as health, in the villages of the Bijagós Islands to promote local self-development.

Including local people and culture

  • We form an integral part of the Orango National Park and its people; we have no physical or social boundaries.

  • We respect traditional activities and customs, playing an active part in popular festivals and cultural events in the villages.

  • Our hotel is not fenced off, co-existing openly with nature and its inhabitants.

Our SDGs

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development:

Preserving the coast and its mangroves by building elevated walkways to prevent any damage, as well as encouraging the use of traditional fishing gear.

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.:

Securing financial resources from all kinds of sources to conserve natural and cultural biodiversity. Promoting the sustainable management of natural resources.

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages:

Supporting the missions and work of doctors and nurses. Raising awareness of personal and occupational hygiene to combat disease.

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all:

Reconditioning schools and nurseries.

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls:

Training both male and female workers at the OPH so they can develop a career in the tourism industry.

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all:

Offering a decent wage on which to live sustainably on the islands. Identifying projects to train and promote tourism-related jobs, involving various individuals, local NGOs, freelance guides and both public and private entities.

Travellers’ Tips

Share our tips via your social media