About Us
A foundation at the service of Guinea-Bissau's communities
Fundação Kassumay was born from the will to turn Guinea-Bissau's human and natural potential into real, sustainable and shared development.
Mission
To promote the sustainable development of Guinea-Bissau's communities through education, health, environmental protection and responsible community tourism — always respecting the cultural identity and priorities of the people who live in these territories.
Vision
A Guinea-Bissau where communities have equitable access to quality education and healthcare, where natural ecosystems are protected and valued, and where local economic development is generated sustainably and in solidarity.
Mission
To promote the sustainable development of Guinea-Bissau's communities through education, health, environmental protection and responsible community tourism — always respecting the cultural identity and priorities of the people who live in these territories.
Vision
A Guinea-Bissau where communities have equitable access to quality education and healthcare, where natural ecosystems are protected and valued, and where local economic development is generated sustainably and in solidarity.
Main Objectives
Eleven commitments that guide our work
From promoting green tourism to conserving biodiversity, every Fundação Kassumay objective translates into concrete action alongside Guinea-Bissau's communities.
Promote Guinea-Bissau as a green tourism destination
Raise awareness of the country as a leading destination for authentic, responsible green tourism, celebrating its natural and cultural heritage — unique in West Africa.
Develop rural, community, cultural, ecological and solidarity tourism
Build forms of tourism that respect local ways of life and place rural and island communities at the centre of the visitor experience.
Create income-generating tourism projects
Develop tourism initiatives that generate direct, lasting income for host communities, reducing dependency on external support.
Support women, youth, artisans, farmers, guides and small entrepreneurs
Strengthen the capacity and income of those already working in the field — from artisans and farmers to tour guides and small local businesses.
Promote professional training programmes
Offer training in hospitality, tour guiding, community management and other skills that prepare communities to welcome visitors with quality.
Conserve biodiversity, forests, mangroves, beaches and heritage
Protect the ecosystems that sustain Guinea-Bissau — forests, mangroves, beaches and natural and cultural heritage sites — for future generations.
Develop community and eco-friendly accommodation
Support accommodation solutions run by the communities themselves, built with low-impact materials and techniques.
Implement Green Village programmes
Bring the Green Village model to rural and island communities, integrating sustainable agriculture, clean water and community ecotourism.
Promote the Green City concept in urban areas
Apply principles of environmental sustainability to the growth of Guinea-Bissau's urban centres.
Establish partnerships with the state, municipalities, the private sector, NGOs and international organisations
Build alliances with every actor who can contribute to sustainable, shared development — public, private and civil society.
Mobilise national and international funding
Seek funding from national and international institutions to sustain and expand the Foundation's projects.
Values
Sustainability
Every action is designed for the long term, protecting the environment for future generations.
Solidarity
We work with, not merely for, local communities.
Transparency
We report clearly to partners, donors and communities alike.
Cultural respect
We value and preserve local traditions and knowledge, from mainland Guinea to the Bijagós archipelago.
Development
We invest in lasting capabilities, not temporary fixes.
How we work
Fundação Kassumay works directly in the field, in partnership with communities, local authorities and international organisations. The name "Kassumay" — a Guinea-Bissau Creole greeting meaning "how is the peace" — reflects the spirit of our work: building relationships of trust before building projects.
Our approach
Active listening
Every project begins by listening to communities about their own priorities.
Local partnerships
We work with community leaders, associations and traditional authorities.
Measurable impact
We track concrete results in education, health, environment and local income.
Join this movement
As a partner, a donor or a visitor, there is always a way to be part of Fundação Kassumay.