In Guinea-Bissau citizens and organizations that protect the environment have been mostly concerned with illegal logging.

Citizens believe that people should change their behavior and do not repeat the same mistakes of the past and should bet on the "planting of new trees and passing of a law prohibiting the felling of trees to end this practice. It is important to do something for future generations," stressed Albertina, a young student.

Thinking precisely about future generations, the United Nations system in Guinea-Bissau, in partnership with Institute of Woman and Child (IMC), Institute of Biodiversity and Protected Areas (IBAP), Tiniguena celebrate World Environment Day through visits to natural parks in the country, allowing children from different regions to know the parks and learn why and how to protect the environment.

 "The country has made progress in the area of ​​environmental development in the framework of the former Millennium Development Goals, particularly with regard to protected areas, with 12.4% of protected marine area, meaning that the target was exceeded but the challenge remains," said Alfredo da Silva, executive director of IBAP.

Many national NGOs have been working for more than two decades for the preservation and conservation of the environment, including Action for Development (AD) which, since 1994 is working for the conservation of natural ecosystems in Cantanhés forest and in the natural park of Tarrafes ,Cacheu, located in the south and north of Guinea-Bissau, respectively.

This NGO has developed many activities for reforestation, mangrove reforestation and environmental education. In 1995, in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), UNICEF, Ministry of Education was created the first school of environmental verification - a school different from other - which works on a voluntary basis. Today there are 32 environmental verification schools in the country, in Cacheu, Tombali, Bubaque, Bolama and Bissau.

"The results are obvious proofs of recognition that the State of Guinea-Bissau is reviewing teachings to introduce environmental education in the national curriculum," said Tomane Camara, adding that this happens not only in Guinea-Bissau but in seven countries in the sub-region.

Tomane Camara the head of AD believes that the sustainable management of natural resources should pass through change in mentality of citizens and changing the mentality of the people "is much easier through education."