top of page
Full Logo-01.png
Entrega-oficial-do-guia-de-educação.png

Foundation

Our History in Milestones

For the Environment and the people of Maio

Officially created on 17 February 2010, the Maio Biodiversity Foundation (FMB) is a non-profit environmental non-governmental organization (NGO) with public utility status, which promotes sustainable development through the rational management of resources and nature conservation.

FMB has a team of 18 permanent employees and is currently the largest private employer on the island of Maio.

 

Our main objectives are the conservation, enhancement and responsible management of natural resources and biodiversity and the promotion of sustainable development, through the promotion of environmentally friendly economic activities, for the benefit of the communities of Maio and in particular the most vulnerable groups, with a particular focus on women and young people.

Himantopus-himantopus.png
2007 - 2010

  • Collaboration with the University of Bath begins

  • Ornithology projects with Prof. Tamas Székely

  • Official establishment of FMB

ave3.png
2011

  • First Rufford Small Grant (ornithology)

voluntários.png
2012

  • 1st sea turtle conservation project

  • Partnership with the University of Cape Verde

  • Development of partnerships

  • Arrival of volunteers

  • Expanding the team

Salina.png
2013

  • Community-based turtle volunteer program

  • FMB begins collaboration with Protected Areas (PAs)

  • Office moves to Vila

  • Funding from MAVA Foundation

Programa Áreas Protegidas.png
2014

  • Darwin Funding - 1st major PAs project (3 years)

  • Start and expansion of marine program

  • Start of Homestay program

  • Increased FMB involvement with the local community

jcob-nasyr-uGPBqF1Yls0-unsplash_edited.jpg
2015

  • Arnau Teixidor, FMB director

  • International award for the Grassroots Conservation Award project

  • Participation in the International Sea Turtle Symposium

  • Joint Monitoring Unit Training

Guardiões-do-Mar.png
2016

  • Beginning of work with seabirds (Laje Branca)

  • Start of the "Guardians of the Sea" programme

Conservation and Communities Program
2017

  • Turtles Project (2017-2020) MAVA Foundation

  • Rocio Moreno, FMB director

  • 2017 TV AVANCA International Award - Homestay

tartaruga4.png
2018

  • ​FMB partners with the “Nha Terra” campaign

  • Turtle protection law approved

  • MAVA funds FMB’s Organisational Development

  • Fest. Cinema Praia’s “Homestay” Revelation Award

arvore.png
2019

  • New Impact and Program Manager position

  • New projects to support PAs management in Maio (Bio-Tur, GEF, Environment Fund)

peixe.png
2020

  • FMB 10th Anniversary Party!

  • 2nd phase of the MAVA Turtles project (2020-2022)

  • FMB International Award for Leadership in Marine Conservation

  • COVID – Office closed for 1 month

  • FMB IUCN West African Sharks meeting

  • Maio’s Management Plans approved

  • Maio becomes a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Monte Penoso.png
2021

  • Creation of the FMB Nature Wardens team for the Protected Areas programme

1aassembleia.jpg
2022

  • FMB General Assembly, approval of new statutes and election of governing bodies, mostly composed of members of the Maio communities

medalha.png
2023

  • Janete Agues from Maio, Director of FMB

  • FMB receives medal of merit awarded by the President of the Republic of Cabo Verde

FMB-sede.png
2024

  • 2nd FMB General Assembly

  • The team moves to its own FMB headquarters on the main avenue of Porto Inglês

assembleia.png
2025

  • Celebrations of FMB's 15th anniversary

  • 3rd General Assembly of FMB

  • Election of a new list of candidates for the Governing Body of FMB

shadow-leaves-orange-wall_edited.jpg

With respect, unity and courage, we make Maio an example of balance between people, culture and nature.

Estudo-de-lixo.png

We look for:

Promote Sustainable Development

Building a future where economic growth, social well-being and environmental protection go hand in hand, ensuring a better world for future generations

Conserve Natural Resources and Ecosystems

Protecting the natural beauty of Maio Island, preserving its resources and ecosystems so that biodiversity continues to flourish for generations.

Promoting Sustainable Economic Alternatives for Local Communities

Creating new employment opportunities and strengthening local communities with innovative and environmentally friendly economic solutions, promoting development that respects both people and nature.

textura12.jpg

What moves us

Prancheta 1.webp

RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

We keep the environmental impact of our activities to a minimum and promote the conservation of biodiversity.

VALUE OF LOCAL CULTURE

We support the values ​​and traditions of local communities and cultures.

RESPECT AND INCLUSION

We listen and recognise others as equals, in an inclusive attitude, in order to mobilise society and our partners to achieve our mission.

FMB-sede.png
42.webp
FMB-Community-engagement.png
4.webp

At FMB, we promote nature conservation, empower people and celebrate the culture that unites us.

17.webp
bottom of page