Hirondina Mendes, poses for a photograph in Monte Alegre near Santo Antonio in Principe Island in Sao Tome and Principe, on August 2, 2026. Sanzalas the barracks or residential quarters built to house the forced laborers and workers Situated in the northwestern part of Principe Island, Monte Alegre (also known as Montalegre) is a historic former plantation (roca) and natural landmark featuring a scenic hiking trail and waterfall located in the northwest of Principe Island. At present, the whole country of Sao Tome and Principe has been designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO and the country enjoys special protection from the organisation due to its unique natural environment. (Photo by Daniel BELOUMOU OLOMO / AFP via Getty Images)

A general view of houses in the area known as the Promised Land, near Santo Antonio, in Príncipe Island in Sao Tome and Principe, on August 6, 2026. A new neighbourhood with over 150 houses occupied by members of various communities, mainly from Roaa Sundy, a project largely funded by the HBD Group. At present, the whole country of Sao Tome and Principe has been designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO and the country enjoys special protection from the organisation due to its unique natural environment. (Photo by Daniel BELOUMOU OLOMO / AFP via Getty Images)

A general view of houses in the area known as the Promised Land, near Santo Antonio, in Principe Island in Sao Tome and Principe, on August 6, 2026. A new neighbourhood with over 150 houses occupied by members of various communities, mainly from Roaa Sundy, a project largely funded by the HBD Group. At present, the whole country of Sao Tome and Principe has been designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO and the country enjoys special protection from the organisation due to its unique natural environment. (Photo by Daniel BELOUMOU OLOMO / AFP via Getty Images)

A girl runs along a street in the new Promised Land Terre neighbourhood, near Santo Antonio, in Principe Island in Sao Tome and Principe, on August 6, 2026. A new neighbourhood with over 150 houses occupied by members of various communities, mainly from Roaa Sundy, a project largely funded by the HBD Group. At present, the whole country of Sao Tome and Principe has been designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO and the country enjoys special protection from the organisation due to its unique natural environment. (Photo by Daniel BELOUMOU OLOMO / AFP via Getty Images)

Egbert Bloemsma, general manager of HBD's hotels, poses for a photograph at Sundy Praia, near Santo Antonio in Principe Island in Sao Tome and Principe, on August 4, 2026. The HBD Group comprises five hotels, all located the island of Principe. The old Sundy manor house has already been converted into a five-star hotel, and once the renovation work is complete, the former workers' quarters will become additional rooms. At present, the whole country of Sao Tome and Principe has been designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO and the country enjoys special protection from the organisation due to its unique natural environment. (Photo by Daniel BELOUMOU OLOMO / AFP via Getty Images)

A general view of the Belo Monte hotel near Santo Antonio, in Principe Island in Sao Tome and Principe, on August 5, 2026. The Belo Monte Hotel is situated on the site of the former Roca Belo Monte. Once a subsidiary of Bela Vista, this 'roca-terreiro' is laid out around a central courtyard and is built entirely from laterite blocks. It fell into disuse and disrepair following the country's independence in 1975. At present, the whole country of Sao Tome and Principe has been designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO and the country enjoys special protection from the organisation due to its unique natural environment. (Photo by Daniel BELOUMOU OLOMO / AFP via Getty Images)

A general view of the Sanzalas, the barracks or residential quarters built to house the forced laborers and workers at the Roca Sundy, near Santo Antonio, in Principe Island in Sao Tome and Principe, on August 5, 2026. Sundy is one of six "roças" that were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List at the end of July, in recognition of their architecture and their fundamental importance in the country's history. But most of the "roças" in São Tomé and Príncipe have been abandoned. They pose a major preservation challenge for this small island state in Central Africa, located in the Gulf of Guinea, and have attracted niche interest from private investors who see tourism or hotel potential in these history-laden structures. (Photo by Daniel BELOUMOU OLOMO / AFP via Getty Images)

A general view of the Sanzalas, the barracks or residential quarters built to house the forced laborers and workers at the Roca Sundy, near Santo Antonio, in Principe Island in Sao Tome and Principe, on August 5, 2026. Sundy is one of six "roças" that were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List at the end of July, in recognition of their architecture and their fundamental importance in the country's history. But most of the "roças" in São Tomé and Príncipe have been abandoned. They pose a major preservation challenge for this small island state in Central Africa, located in the Gulf of Guinea, and have attracted niche interest from private investors who see tourism or hotel potential in these history-laden structures. (Photo by Daniel BELOUMOU OLOMO / AFP via Getty Images)