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Looking at Whole Ecosystems to Ensure the Future of Sal
For many years, wildlife conservation had focused on the protection of endangered single species. However, the acceleration of climate change and its consequences have turned the focus to the protection of important ecosystems that, at the same time, represent the main habitat for most threatened species, not only one. The protection and restoration of key habitats, such as rainforests or coastal ecosystems, are powerful tools to mitigate the negative impacts of global warming.
Additionally, healthy ecosystems provide direct benefits to the communities living nearby, through the sustainable use of its resources.
We are implementing several projects that focus on the protection and recovery of coastal habitats. These projects count with the support and involvement of the public and private sectors, while pushing them towards sustainable use of resources.
Sal’s habitats
On and around Sal Island you can find various habitats and ecosystems. While many are within the 11 Protected Areas (PA), a few are not protected by law.
Protected Areas and important habitats
A large part of our work takes place within protected areas. Sal Island has 11 of the 47 Protected Areas of the archipelago, which include 5 Natural Reserves, including both marine and terrestrial areas. Several areas are recognised internationally due to their flora and fauna, such as 2 Important Bird Areas and 3 Key Biodiversity Areas.
All these habitats are threatened by various human activities, reducing the health of the ecosystems and biodiversity.
Conservation Practices
Functioning ecosystems rely on a variety of healthy wildlife habitats. Cabo Verde’s coastal habitats are influenced and heavily impacted by the ever-growing tourism industry and the fisheries sector, which play an essential part of Cabo Verde’s social and economic landscapes. To protect and restore the various habitats on Sal we are implementing various activities.
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Cooperative Management of Protected Areas (PA)
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Training of local authorities, PA guards and our staff on monitoring and legislations
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Protocol development for the PAs
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Path delimitation and signalling to protect habitats and educate visitors
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Established code of conduct for different activities within PAs with tour operators, excursion providers and tour guides
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Supporting the coordination of enforcement authorities
Habitat Restauration
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Dune restauration through plant transplantation and sand capturing devices
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Beach and underwater clean-ups
Species conservation and scientific research
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Monitoring of biodiversity and ecosystems through regular census
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Cultivating endemic and native plant species in plant nurseries
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Collection of biometric data to research species
Invasive species
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Monitoring of invasive species
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Sterilisation and castration campaigns to reduce the population of cats and dogs
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Removal of invasive plant species
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Repurposing invasive plant byproducts
Outreach and Community Partnership
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Community engagement and capacity building of fishers and guides impacted by management policies
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Monitoring and infraction reporting through the Guardians of the Sea in coastal marine waters
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Promotion of environmental education in schools and community centres
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Tour guide training to conduct sustainable tours
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Controlling invasive species through capacity building of communities to create new economic opportunities
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Communication campaigns on sustainable fishing practices and consumption
Habitat Conservation for Volunteers
If you are interested in creating a lasting impact on Sal’s ecosystems and kick-start your botany career and learn new skills, join our island conservation volunteering programme. There you will join our team working to protect and grow native and endemic species. We only take 2 volunteers at a time, apply now to reserve your spot and make a meaningful contribution to the preservation and restauration of our key habitats!
Main Project Partners
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