AGP Executive Report

Earth Science: Scientists report a faint “26-second heartbeat” microseism, detected by sensitive seismometers and traced to the Gulf of Guinea off West Africa, with the cause still debated—possibly ocean waves, volcanic activity, or both. Innovation & IP: The European Patent Organisation’s president visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to boost cooperation on patents, innovation, and technology transfer, including Angola’s validation agreement with the EPO signed 23 June. Marine Conservation: São Tomé and Príncipe has designated its first two marine protected areas—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—covering mangroves, reefs, nesting beaches, and key habitats, with no-take zones to protect turtles and other biodiversity. Biodiversity & Communities: A Príncipe former sea turtle poacher, now a protector, is helping build marine protected areas and shift coastal communities from hunting toward conservation.

Innovation & IP Diplomacy: The European Patent Organisation’s president, António Campinos, visited São Tomé and Príncipe and Angola to boost innovation links, technology transfer, and patent protection, highlighted by Angola’s June 23 signature of a validation agreement for European patents. Marine Conservation: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas off its coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—covering mangroves, reefs, nesting beaches, and key habitats for turtles and seabirds, including no-take zones and regulated artisanal use. Ocean & Earth Science: Scientists report a faint, recurring seismic “heartbeat” every ~26 seconds, tracing the source to the Gulf of Guinea; leading ideas point to ocean waves, volcanic activity, or both, and the work helps map how Earth’s crust and ocean dynamics interact. Wildlife to Tech-Driven Stewardship: A Príncipe sea turtle conservation story spotlights how former poacher Manuel Gomes now supports monitoring and community protection efforts tied to the country’s marine protection push.

EPO–Angola/São Tomé Tech Deal: The European Patent Organisation’s president, António Campinos, visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to boost innovation ties, technology transfer, and patent protection, including the signature (23 June) of an agreement validating European patents in Angola. Marine Conservation: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas off its coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—covering mangroves, reefs, nesting beaches, and key habitats for turtles and seabirds, with no-take zones and regulated artisanal use. Health & Capacity Building: The Merck Foundation held its 13th Africa-Asia Luminary (June 18–19), bringing together first ladies and health stakeholders from 57 countries to discuss patient care and well-being, with large-scale scholarship and training efforts highlighted. Earth Science Curiosity: Scientists continue to study Earth’s faint “heartbeat” microseism that repeats about every 26 seconds, linked to the Gulf of Guinea, with leading ideas pointing to ocean waves and/or volcanic activity.

Marine Conservation: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas off the coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—part of a planned network of eight sites in the Gulf of Guinea, with no-take zones and protections for mangroves, nesting beaches, reefs, and threatened species like marine turtles and seabirds. Wildlife Protection: On Príncipe, former sea turtle poacher Manuel Gomes (“Lindo”) now helps monitor nesting sites and push community-led conservation, showing how local enforcement and science can turn hunters into protectors. Earth Science: Researchers are still trying to explain Earth’s faint “heartbeat” microseism that pulses about every 26 seconds; the signal has been traced to the Gulf of Guinea, with leading ideas pointing to ocean waves, volcanic activity, or both. Health & Leadership: The Merck Foundation’s Africa-Asia Luminary brought together First Ladies and health stakeholders for discussions on patient care and social health priorities, supported by large-scale scholarships for healthcare providers. Policy & Diplomacy (Op-Ed): Separate commentary debates how Russia’s “Greater Eurasian Partnership” and shifting Indo-Pacific strategy could reshape regional alliances and influence.

Marine Conservation: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas off its coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—part of a planned network of eight sites meant to protect mangroves, reefs, nesting beaches, and threatened species like marine turtles and seabirds. Protected Zones: Santana includes a 1 km² no-take zone where industrial fishing and other extraction are banned, while the rest allows authorized artisanal fishing and low-impact activities; Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé protects 8 km² under full restrictions. Ocean Science: Separate coverage highlights Earth’s mysterious “heartbeat” microseism that repeats about every 26 seconds, with researchers pointing to the Gulf of Guinea and debating whether ocean waves, volcanic activity, or both drive the signal. Health & Research Leadership: The Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa-Asia Luminary convened First Ladies and health stakeholders to discuss improving patient care and well-being, drawing hundreds of participants and large online viewership. Wildlife to Policy: A profile follows a former sea turtle poacher from Príncipe who now helps protect nesting sites and supports marine protected areas. Geopolitics & Tech Supply Chains: Op-eds and regional reporting touch on shifting Indo-Pacific strategy and on conflict-mineral flows (like coltan) tied to technology supply chains across Central Africa.

Marine Conservation: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas off its coast: Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé (55.8 km², with 8 km² fully protected) and Santana (7.4 km², including a 1 km² no-take zone). The plan follows earlier proposals for eight MPAs across 93 km² in the Gulf of Guinea, aiming to protect mangroves, nesting beaches, reefs, and threatened species like marine turtles and seabirds. Ocean Science: A new wave of reporting highlights Earth’s mysterious “heartbeat” microseism—faint ground vibrations repeating about every 26 seconds—linked to the Gulf of Guinea, with scientists still debating whether ocean waves, volcanic activity, or both drive the rhythm. Health & Research Leadership: The Merck Foundation held its 13th Africa-Asia Luminary, bringing together First Ladies and health stakeholders from 57 countries to discuss improving patient care and well-being, with broad participation and online reach. Environment & Community: A spotlight story profiles Manuel Gomes (“Lindo”), a former sea turtle poacher from Príncipe now helping protect nesting sites and build marine protected areas.

Marine Conservation: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas off its coast: Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana, with no-take zones protecting key habitats like mangroves, nesting beaches, reefs, and breeding grounds for threatened species including marine turtles and seabirds. Health & Leadership: The Merck Foundation held its 13th Africa-Asia Luminary, bringing together First Ladies, policymakers, and health experts to discuss patient care and well-being, with sessions reaching thousands online. Earth Science: New reporting highlights Earth’s faint “heartbeat” microseism that repeats about every 26 seconds, traced to the Gulf of Guinea but still not fully explained, with researchers pointing to ocean waves and volcanic activity as leading ideas. Regional Policy: A fisheries policy update notes EU discussions on the Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027, including progress on sustainable fisheries partnerships involving São Tomé and Príncipe. Conservation Story: A Príncipe sea turtle protector—once a poacher—now helps communities and supports marine protection efforts to stop illegal hunting and safeguard nesting sites.

ASEAN-Russia Diplomacy: A new OPED says Russia is using a “Greater Eurasian Partnership” to link ASEAN, the SCO and the EAEU, positioning Eurasia as the real arena for trade and connectivity as Western pressure grows. Earth Science: Multiple reports revisit Earth’s faint 26-second “heartbeat” microseism, traced to the Gulf of Guinea, with ocean waves and volcanic activity both proposed as causes. Marine Conservation in Príncipe: A feature follows Manuel Gomes, once a sea turtle poacher on Príncipe, now protecting nesting sites, building marine protected areas and pushing community-led conservation. Health & Leadership: The Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa-Asia Luminary convened First Ladies and health stakeholders to discuss patient care and training, including support for healthcare providers across underserved specialties. EU Fisheries Policy: Cyprus’ EU presidency update highlights progress on the Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027, including funding priorities and agreements—citing a sustainable fisheries partnership with São Tomé and Príncipe. Conflict Minerals Watch: A Great Lakes-focused report flags coltan smuggling from eastern DRC via Rwanda into global supply chains, tied to armed groups and major tech brands.

Marine Conservation in Príncipe: Manuel Gomes (“Lindo”), once a sea turtle poacher on Príncipe Island, now patrols nesting beaches and helps set up marine protected areas after joining a turtle monitoring programme in 2011—turning local knowledge into real protection against illegal hunting, habitat loss, plastic pollution, and climate pressure. Earth Science: New reporting on Earth’s mysterious “heartbeat” explains how scientists detect a faint, rhythmic microseism about every 26 seconds, with the source narrowed to the Gulf of Guinea—near the Bight of Bonny—though the exact cause still isn’t settled (ocean waves, volcanic activity, or both). Health & Capacity Building: The Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa-Asia Luminary brought together First Ladies and health stakeholders to discuss patient care and well-being, highlighting 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries and 44 specialties, including fertility, women’s health, and family medicine. Fisheries Policy Link to São Tomé and Príncipe: Cyprus’ EU presidency update says progress includes sustainable fisheries partnership work that explicitly lists São Tomé and Príncipe, alongside preparations for the Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027.

Conservation & Local Impact: On Príncipe, former sea turtle poacher Manuel Gomes (“Lindo”) now protects endangered turtles by patrolling nesting sites, collecting scientific data, and helping set up marine protected areas—turning personal survival into community-led wildlife protection. Earth Science: Scientists are still debating what powers Earth’s faint “heartbeat” microseism that pulses about every 26 seconds, with the Gulf of Guinea narrowed as the source and leading ideas pointing to ocean waves, volcanic activity, or both. Health & Capacity Building: The Merck Foundation’s Africa-Asia Luminary 2026 brought together First Ladies and health leaders to discuss patient care, with the programme highlighting 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across underserved specialties. EU Fisheries Policy (STP Link): Cyprus’ EU presidency update says progress includes sustainable fisheries partnership agreements with São Tomé and Príncipe, alongside work on the Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027.

Conservation & Oceans: On Príncipe, former sea turtle poacher Manuel Gomes (“Lindo”) is now helping protect endangered turtles by patrolling nesting sites, collecting monitoring data, and supporting marine protected areas—turning local knowledge into real wildlife safeguards. Earth Science: Scientists are still chasing the cause of Earth’s faint 26-second “heartbeat” microseism, traced to the Gulf of Guinea; leading ideas point to ocean waves, volcanic activity, or both, and the constant vibrations are reshaping how researchers study crust and ocean dynamics. Health & Tech-Linked Capacity Building: Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa-Asia Luminary brought together First Ladies and health leaders to discuss patient care and well-being, highlighting 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across underserved specialties. EU Fisheries Policy (STP Angle): Cyprus’ EU presidency reported progress on the future Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027, including sustainable fisheries partnership work that explicitly lists São Tomé and Príncipe.

Conservation & Oceans: Manuel Gomes (“Lindo”), a former sea turtle poacher from Príncipe, is now helping protect endangered turtles—patrolling nesting sites, supporting marine protected areas, and pushing coastal communities to safeguard the species that once fed his family. Earth Science: Scientists are still debating what drives Earth’s faint “heartbeat” microseism—an ultra-weak, roughly 26-second rhythmic vibration traced to the Gulf of Guinea, with leading ideas pointing to ocean waves, volcanic activity, or both. Health & Capacity Building: Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa-Asia Luminary brought together First Ladies and health leaders to discuss patient care and social health priorities, highlighting 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across dozens of specialties, including support for fertility and women’s health. Fisheries Policy (EU): Cyprus’ EU presidency update notes progress on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027, including funding priorities and sustainable fisheries partnership work that explicitly includes São Tomé and Príncipe.

Earth Science: A new look at Earth’s “heartbeat” explains how microseisms pulse about every 26 seconds, with researchers tracing the signal toward the Gulf of Guinea but still debating whether ocean waves, volcanic activity, or both drive it—useful for understanding crust and ocean dynamics. Health & Tech Capacity: The Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa-Asia Luminary brought together First Ladies and health leaders to discuss patient care, reporting 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries and 44 specialties, including fertility and women’s health. Local Policy & Governance: Cyprus’ EU fisheries push highlights progress on the Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027, including support for fishermen and aquaculture and new partnership work that explicitly includes São Tomé and Príncipe. Security & Influence: Ukraine’s intelligence says Russia is planning new “Russian Houses” in eight African countries, naming São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader influence and propaganda effort. Global Tech Supply Chains: A Great Lakes spotlight flags how conflict minerals like coltan from eastern DRC can end up in everyday technology products via regional trafficking networks.

Earth Science: Scientists say Earth’s faint “heartbeat” microseism pulses about every 26 seconds, with the source narrowed to the Gulf of Guinea (Bight of Bonny) but the exact cause still debated—ocean waves, volcanic activity, or both. Health & Tech Capacity: Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa-Asia Luminary (June 18–19) brought together First Ladies and health leaders to discuss improving patient care, reporting 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries and 44 specialties, including support for fertility and women’s health. Local Partnerships in Fisheries: Cyprus’ EU presidency highlighted progress on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027, including sustainable fisheries partnership work that explicitly mentions São Tomé and Príncipe. Digital Diplomacy & Influence: Ukraine’s intelligence alleges Russia plans new “Russian Houses” in eight African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader propaganda push. Governance & Finance: A piece on the Neves Licensing Authority in São Tomé and Príncipe explains why licensing, supervision, and regulation are separate functions in financial systems.

Seismic Science: Scientists say Earth’s “heartbeat” is a faint microseism that pulses about every 26 seconds, with the source narrowed to the Gulf of Guinea, though ocean-wave and volcanic theories still compete. Health & Capacity Building: Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa-Asia Luminary brought together 12 First Ladies and 800+ participants to push healthcare training and patient-care improvements, citing 2,600+ scholarships for providers across underserved specialties. Local Tech & Finance Governance: A Sao Tomé and Príncipe licensing authority explainer highlights why licensing and supervision are kept separate in modern financial systems—an issue for cross-border compliance and oversight. Ocean Protection: West African states are urging that the Eastern Atlantic be included in the first wave of marine protected areas under the high-seas treaty, pointing to the Canary–Guinea currents as a key migration and nursery corridor. Geopolitics & Influence: Ukraine’s intelligence alleges Russia plans new “Russian Houses” in multiple countries, including Sao Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader influence campaign. Currency Watch: A report flags that Sao Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra is among Africa’s weakest currencies against the US dollar, reflecting broader economic pressures.

Earth Science: Scientists say Earth emits a faint seismic “heartbeat” about every 26 seconds, a microseism they’ve traced to the Gulf of Guinea, though the exact cause is still debated—possibly ocean waves, volcanic activity, or both. Health & Capacity Building: The Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa-Asia Luminary brought together First Ladies, health leaders, and policymakers to discuss improving patient care, with the group highlighting 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across underserved specialties. Ocean & Conservation: West African states are pushing to include the Eastern Atlantic in the first wave of marine protected areas under the high-seas treaty, pointing to the Canary–Guinea currents as a key migration corridor that includes São Tomé and Príncipe. Local Tech/Policy (Finance): A Sao Tomé and Principe licensing authority discussion explains why modern financial systems separate licensing from supervision to strengthen governance and oversight. Geopolitics & Influence: Ukraine’s intelligence claims Russia plans new “Russian Houses” in eight African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader influence campaign. Economy: A currency roundup flags São Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra among Africa’s weakest currencies versus the US dollar.