Ocean conservation is critical for the preservation of our planet’s natural resources. With over 70% of the Earth’s surface covered in water, the ocean plays a vital role in regulating the global climate, sustaining biodiversity, and providing food and livelihoods for millions of people worldwide. However, the ocean is under threat from a variety of human activities, including overfishing, pollution, and climate change. In Cape Verde, a small island nation off the coast of West Africa, ocean conservation is a critical issue that requires urgent attention.
Cape Verde is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and diverse marine life. The country’s economy is heavily dependent on fishing and tourism, both of which rely on healthy marine ecosystems. However, the ocean around Cape Verde is facing multiple threats. Overfishing is a significant problem, with many fish stocks already depleted or overexploited. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing is also a major issue, with foreign vessels often operating in Cape Verde’s waters without permission.
Pollution is another significant threat to the ocean around Cape Verde. Plastic waste is a growing problem, with litter often washed up on the country’s beaches. Agricultural runoff and sewage also contribute to pollution, degrading water quality and harming marine life. Finally, climate change is causing ocean acidification, rising sea levels, and more frequent and severe storms, all of which have a significant impact on Cape Verde’s marine ecosystems.
To address these challenges, ocean conservation efforts in Cape Verde must focus on several key areas. First, the government must strengthen fisheries management and enforcement to ensure that fishing is sustainable and legal. This includes implementing stronger regulations on fishing quotas, gear types, and catch limits, as well as improving monitoring and surveillance of fishing activity. It also means cracking down on illegal fishing and strengthening penalties for those who violate fishing laws.
Second, efforts to reduce plastic pollution must be intensified. This includes implementing a ban on single-use plastics, promoting recycling and waste reduction, and investing in infrastructure to manage waste properly. Education campaigns can also help raise awareness of the issue and encourage individuals and businesses to take action to reduce their plastic footprint.
Third, water quality must be improved. This requires investments in wastewater treatment and management systems, as well as efforts to reduce agricultural runoff and other sources of pollution. It also means strengthening regulations to prevent pollution, enforcing penalties for those who violate the law, and promoting sustainable practices among farmers and other stakeholders.
Finally, efforts to address climate change must be prioritized. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy, and investing in adaptation measures to help communities and ecosystems cope with the impacts of climate change. It also means integrating climate change considerations into all aspects of ocean conservation planning and policy.
One example of successful ocean conservation in Cape Verde is the Cabo Verde Ocean Week, an annual event that brings together stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, and the private sector to discuss and promote ocean conservation. The event includes workshops, presentations, and panel discussions on a variety of topics related to ocean conservation, including fisheries management, marine protected areas, plastic pollution, and climate change.
Another example is BIOPAMA which stands for Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management in Cape Verde. It is a partnership initiative between the European Union, African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission. BIOPAMA aims to improve biodiversity conservation and promote sustainable use of natural resources in Cape Verde through capacity building, knowledge exchange, and better decision-making processes. The program focuses on strengthening protected area management, enhancing biodiversity data management, and improving governance frameworks to support effective conservation actions. Overall, BIOPAMA seeks to support the development of a more resilient and sustainable future for Cape Verde’s biodiversity and natural resources.
Cape Verde, has made significant progress in ocean conservation in recent years. The government has implemented measures such as protected areas, fishing regulations, and marine patrols to safeguard its marine ecosystems. However, there are still challenges to overcome, including illegal fishing, climate change, and pollution. The future of ocean conservation in Cape Verde depends on continued efforts by the government and local communities to address these issues, as well as international cooperation and support. With proper management and conservation efforts, Cape Verde’s unique marine biodiversity can be preserved for future generations.
This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media