.png){kind=logo}
Participatory validation strengthens marine conservation on the island of Fogo
- Emanuel Monteiro
- Mar 3
- 2 min read
As part of the project ‘Enhancing Marine Conservation in Cabo Verde’, several sessions were held between December 2025 and January 2026 to validate participatory mapping in coastal communities on the island of Fogo. The main objective of this activity was to directly involve artisanal fishers in identifying fishing sites, the impacts of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the challenges associated with creating new conservation areas.
The first validation session took place on 17 December in the communities of São Jorge and Galinheiro, with the participation of seven fishermen, most of whom were the most experienced and active in the locality. On 20 December, the process moved on to the community of Domingo Lobo, where validation was carried out through home interviews with selected fishermen, in accordance with previously defined criteria.
The work continued on 7 January in the community of Relva, with the significant participation of 12 fishermen, and was concluded in the communities of Beltches and Cobom, where 8 fishermen actively contributed to the last validation session.
During all sessions, the fishermen showed great involvement and shared valuable knowledge about traditional fishing sites, as well as observations related to fishing activity carried out by semi-industrial vessels. These contributions were fundamental in enriching and correcting existing maps, ensuring that they more accurately reflect the local reality.
The main outcome of this activity was the production of new participatory maps, accompanied by detailed reports from the fishermen, which will support the planning of fairer and more effective conservation measures, reconciling the protection of marine biodiversity with the livelihoods of communities.
This process reinforces the importance of community participation in the management of marine resources and shows that conservation is only sustainable when built together with those who depend on the sea on a daily basis.
Text: Emanuel Monteiro
Revision: Marco Paulo
Support: APV Communication and Marketing Department
Comments