Cape Verde Unveils Blue Municipalities for Ocean Protection
Cape Verde is turning its sights to the sea to secure its future. The National Association of Cape Verdean Municipalities (ANMCV) has announced the creation of a pioneering cooperation network designed to unite all 22 local governments in a shared mission: protecting the archipelago’s vast marine resources.
A United Front for ‘Blue’ Governance
The initiative, titled the “National Network of Blue Municipalities for the Ocean,” was unveiled by ANMCV President Fábio Vieira during a high-level meeting in the capital city of Praia. This new platform aims to serve as a hub for dialogue and coordination, ensuring that every municipality aligns its sustainability policies with a national agenda.
Vieira emphasized that the network will integrate environmental conservation efforts with public policy, fostering coordinated actions to strengthen the resilience of coastal communities. “The ocean is the country’s greatest strategic asset,” Vieira stated. “It must be placed at the center of territorial policies and local development.”
Strengthening Local Power
Beyond environmental protection, the network represents a step forward in Cape Verde’s decentralization efforts. The ANMCV plans to deepen its institutional cooperation with the central government to empower local authorities, giving them the tools and autonomy needed to manage their coastal assets effectively.
A National Mandate
The movement aligns with the vision of President José Maria Neves, who serves as a Patron of the Ocean Decade Alliance. Neves has long campaigned for a “paradigm shift” in how the nation interacts with the Atlantic. During last month’s World Oceans Day celebrations, the President urged citizens to move beyond resource extraction and embrace the role of “guardians” of marine ecosystems.
By launching the Blue Municipalities network, Cape Verde signals its commitment to a sustainable “blue economy,” ensuring that its most vital resource remains protected for generations to come.
Image: Pexels – Annelies Brouw
