Jointly shaping the future through training for MPA Managers: A Synergistic Initiative Focused on co‑management in Cabo Verde

Photo credit: Alice Costa

Between 7 and 9 April, the island of São Vicente became a meeting point for managers, women professionals and technicians from across the country, united by a common goal: to strengthen the management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Cabo Verde. Over three intensive days, the first of two in‑person sessions of the training programme for MPA managers was held under the PaMAR Project.

The initiative was coordinated by Fauna & Flora and funded by the Blue Action Fund, Oceans 5, and Arcadia, in close coordination with the project Management of Threats to Marine Ecosystems of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, coordinated by the National Directorate for the Environment (DNA) and co‑funded by Conservation International – GEF Agency/UNDP. The training also benefited from the collaboration of the BLUE CONNECT Project, further reinforcing the synergistic nature of the initiative.

The event brought together 30 participants, the majority of whom were women, representing 26 different institutions, including public entities, civil society organisations and research institutions. Representatives from all nine inhabited islands of Cabo Verde shared diverse experiences, common challenges and a strong willingness to learn, exchange knowledge and jointly build solutions. From the very first day, the atmosphere was marked by openness, dialogue and motivation, creating favourable conditions for in‑depth reflection on the present and future of MPAs in the country.

This first in‑person session focused on key themes for effective, participatory management adapted to the Cabo Verdean reality. Throughout the training, participants explored issues related to MPA governance and strategic frameworks, management planning and implementation, as well as the definition and zoning of protected areas, recognised as core components of their effectiveness. Special emphasis was placed on co‑management, a timely, challenging topic that is becoming increasingly central in the national context.

The training was delivered by four highly experienced trainers, who brought complementary perspectives and solid technical expertise. Patricia Rendall (Fauna & Flora) presented the overall MPA framework and governance principles; Debora Gutierrez (University of the Azores) worked on co‑management concepts and approaches; Helena Calado (University of the Azores) further explored co‑management and zoning; and Katelene Delgado (Fauna & Flora) addressed climate resilience in MPA management. Beyond classroom sessions, the training strongly emphasised a practical and participatory approach, with group exercises and field activities in the windy area of São Pedro, allowing participants to directly connect theory with on‑the‑ground realities.

Discussions gained even greater significance as they took place at a particularly important moment for the country, shortly after the entry into force of Decree‑Law No. 25/2026 of 6 April, which establishes the new co‑management model for protected areas in Cabo Verde. This recent legal framework reinforced the sense that participants were part of a historic process of change in the way the country manages and protects its marine natural heritage.

The strong commitment, positive energy and motivation demonstrated by participants from all inhabited islands made this training not only relevant, but also inspiring and transformative. It became clear that there is shared willingness, capacity and enthusiasm to move forward together towards more inclusive, effective and context‑appropriate co‑management of Marine Protected Areas in Cabo Verde.

Photo credits: Alice Costa