Cape Verde Limits Coastal Construction on Santiago Island
The Cape Verdean government has greenlit a comprehensive new oversight strategy for Santiago island, introducing strict regulations for coastal and maritime activities to combat environmental degradation and climate risks.
The Management Plan for the Coastal Zone and Adjacent Sea, published Tuesday in the Official Gazette and effective immediately, establishes a new legal framework for the nation’s most populous island. The policy addresses the unique challenges of an island nation where economic survival is inextricably linked to the coastline.
Balancing Growth and Preservation
Government officials emphasized that while Santiago possesses significant natural resources in good condition, the island is currently undergoing rapid “territorial transformation.” The new plan acts as a safeguard to ensure that tourism and economic expansion do not come at the cost of the archipelago’s fragile ecosystems.
“The plan arises from the need to guarantee the sustainable use of the coastline,” the executive branch stated in the Gazette. “It is pertinent to choose the right strategies that combine environmental attractions with the needs of development. Territorial planning instruments are decisive.”
New Restrictions on Construction
Central to the new regulations are strict prohibitions on building in high-risk areas. Key measures include:
- Construction Bans: A total halt or severe limitation on new developments in zones vulnerable to erosion or flooding.
- Building Setbacks: New requirements forcing structures to be built further inland from the waterline.
- Relocation Protocols: Long-term strategies to identify and potentially relocate existing structures currently sitting in high-risk zones.
- Land Use Standards: More demanding criteria for land occupation along the entire coast.
Regulating the Blue Economy
Beyond construction, the plan provides a blueprint for how the sea and sand are used daily. It establishes a formal classification system for bathing areas, determining the level of infrastructure and human density allowed at various beaches.
The document also introduces stricter oversight for maritime and coastal activities, including commercial fishing, tourism operations, public events, and vehicle circulation near the shore. By streamlining these regulations, the government aims to protect sensitive areas while still promoting a sustainable “blue economy” built on tourism and maritime trade.
Image: Pexels – Valentine Kulikov
