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Sao Tomé-et-Principe | L'île la plus mystérieuse du monde

Documentaire Société・36 minutes read

Portuguese navigators discovered Sao Tome and Principe in the 15th century, historically known for its slave trade. The younger generation is urged to protect the environment, prioritize education, and reform production systems for a better future.

Insights

  • The art form Chidori, developed by Santoméan slaves, serves as a powerful expression of resistance against slavery and injustice, showcasing a unique blend of theater codes to denounce historical atrocities.
  • The transition from exploitation to conservation efforts, as seen in the transformation of former turtle hunters into protectors, underscores a significant shift towards environmental preservation, with initiatives like the TATU project emphasizing the importance of safeguarding sea turtles and their habitats for future generations.

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Recent questions

  • What is the history of Sao Tome and Principe?

    The archipelago was discovered by Portuguese navigators in the 15th century, known for its slave trade, plantations, and unique art forms like Chidori.

  • What role does capoeira play in Sao Tome and Principe?

    Capoeira is significant in the community, with individuals like Highlander teaching children respect and education, as seen through the story of 13-year-old Ray Lopez.

  • How does Sao Tome and Principe rely on its young population?

    The country heavily relies on its young population for development, with almost 100% primary school enrollment, showcasing the importance of education and youth in shaping the future.

  • What are the economic challenges faced by Sao Tome and Principe?

    The country faces economic challenges, with half the population living below the poverty line, especially affecting women despite their education, showcasing the disparities and struggles within the economy.

  • How is sustainable agriculture practiced in Sao Tome and Principe?

    Sustainable agriculture is crucial for preserving the ecosystem and endemic species, emphasizing organic farming practices, as demonstrated by individuals like Francisco Ramos and Helena Montero Almeida Costa.

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Summary

00:00

"Chidori: Art, History, and Capoeira in Sao Tome"

  • At the end of the 15th century, Portuguese navigators discovered the archipelago of Sao Tome and Principe, located off the coast of Gabon.
  • The territory was historically a hub for the slave trade and forced labor, with immense plantations focusing on sugar cane, coffee, and cocoa.
  • The elegant farm buildings, known as the Rosas, remain as remnants of the past, now inhabited by hundreds of families.
  • The Santoméan slaves reappropriated theater codes to create a unique burlesque art form called Chidori.
  • Chidori serves as a plea for justice and a denunciation of slavery, reflecting the history of Sao Tome and Principe.
  • Capoeira plays a significant role in the community, with individuals like Highlander teaching children and emphasizing respect and education.
  • Ray Lopez, a 13-year-old capoeira enthusiast, dreams of traveling while practicing capoeira and cherishes the Roças where he lives.
  • The Roças, large plantations with cultivated land and houses, were self-sufficient communities that produced cocoa and coffee.
  • Sao Tome and Principe heavily relies on its young population for development, with almost 100% primary school enrollment.
  • The country's history is marked by slavery, forced labor, and the transition to contracted workers from Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde for cocoa and coffee cultivation.

29:04

Struggles and Triumphs in Santomean History

  • Fugitives in Angola and Mozambique opposed slavery and mistreatment, fleeing to live in an inaccessible forest and being chased by Portuguese police.
  • Colonization ended in Sao Tome on July 12, 1975, leading to independence and the establishment of a Marxist regime that later shifted to liberalize the economy.
  • Singer José Augusto Pereira Vieira, part of the group Les Descendants, aimed to help society through music and activism, facing challenges due to political restrictions.
  • The group Les Descendants saved money from working in the fields to record a record in Portugal, facing negative feedback and reduced opportunities post-election.
  • José Augusto Pereira Vieira learned about music from his parents, started in a Catholic church choir, and formed the group Les Descendants with childhood friends.
  • The group Les Descendants, comprised of children of Cape Verdean, Angolan, and Santomean parents, aimed to address societal issues through their music.
  • The kingdom of Angolares in Sao Tome, descendants of freed slaves, resisted Portuguese authority, living peacefully as a fishing community today.
  • Aladim dos Santos, a fisherman from Porto Alegre, shared his family's history of slavery, emphasizing the importance of freedom and job opportunities for Santomeans.
  • The Chilori event symbolizes Santomean people's struggle against colonial power, revealing the traumas of colonization and the fight for justice.
  • Fishermen in Porto Alegre rely on fishing for their livelihood, facing financial challenges and aspirations for better equipment and opportunities, with some engaging in community initiatives for environmental preservation and rehabilitation.

59:18

Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Agriculture

  • Filipa Cuaresma, a 47-year-old social worker, prefers the calm of Roça Rio Leca over the bustling city life for better child-rearing.
  • Sao Tome faces economic challenges, with half the population living below the poverty line, especially affecting women despite their education.
  • Social worker Filipa assists struggling mothers in earning money, navigating the inadequate social support system.
  • The island of Principe sees a resurgence in pepper production, offering hope for a better future and economic stability.
  • Pepper processing involves soaking, washing, drying, and fermenting the spice, with an emphasis on environmental sustainability.
  • Francisco Ramos, an agricultural engineer, leads the pepper industry, aiming to empower Roça residents and fight poverty through exports.
  • Helena Montero Almeida Costa, a farmer, shares her journey to financial independence through diversified agriculture, focusing on pepper.
  • Sustainable agriculture in Sao Tome is crucial for preserving the ecosystem and endemic species, emphasizing organic farming practices.
  • Former turtle hunter turned conservationist highlights the importance of protecting sea turtles and their habitats, shifting from exploitation to conservation efforts.
  • Personal transformation from turtle hunter to protector showcases a newfound respect and friendship with sea turtles, emphasizing the need for conservation and awareness.

01:39:29

"Protecting Sea Turtles in Sao Tome"

  • Aladim Légas joined the TATU project in 2003, which protects sea turtles and nesting sites, with sea turtle capture and trade being prohibited by law since 2014.
  • Four species of turtles lay eggs on the archipelago's white sand from September to April, all facing extinction, with Egas Dalmeida, aged 38, involved in rescuing and releasing baby turtles from nests.
  • Women in Principe are encouraged to engage in manual labor, with a focus on education and agricultural work to avoid destitution, as exemplified by Egas Dalmeida's self-sufficiency.
  • The younger generation in Sao Tome and Principe holds the future of the archipelago, with a call to protect the environment, prioritize education, and revamp production systems to shape a better future and overcome past challenges.
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