Facts and figures

Endemic terrestrial biodiversity is well distributed throughout the Cape Verde islands, with island size, diversity of climate and geographic relief being the most important determining factors. However, the process of desertification in the Cape Verde Islands has already resulted in several documented single-island cases of extinction. For example, Cape Verde once possessed 28 species of reptile, 25 of which of were endemic, although only 18 are still in existence and 25% of them are threatened.

The main threats to biodiversity and land and water quality in the Cape Verde islands come from: o verexploitation of natural resources including fuelwood extraction; harvesting native plants for medicinal and traditional uses; rock, sand, and soil extraction for construction materials; uncontrolled grazing of goats; and the introduction of exotic species which have spread from agricultural areas to adjacent wild lands or been used in reforestation projects.

The ecosystem has also been greatly impacted by: poor farming practices; increa sed use of agro-chemicals; dispersal of untreated human waste ; continuing land clearance for agriculture and human settlement; and lack of capacity to manage natural resources, particularly water. Soil management is also largely rudimentary; and erosion and soil exhaustion are commonplace.

Project description

The overall objective of the project is to conserve Cape Verde's globally significant biodiversity and ensure sustainable use of natural resources through an approach which integrates protected areas and community-based sustainable use activities. Long-term solutions are being sought for better management of water, natural resources, land use, and invasive species.

The project is helping conserve biodiversity by creating a system of protected areas encompassing a representative sample of six critical ecosystems unique to Cape Verde. The project is also working to halt and reverse existing degradation of land and water resources within protected areas and adjacent landscapes. Local communities, NGOs and other stakeholders participate in conservation plans, resource management activities, and the creation of income-generating alternative livelihood options. Implementation of the project will play a crucial role in achieving sustainable development and poverty alleviation.

The project is being implemented in twp parts: the first phase covering 2004-2008 will focus on capacity building, strengthening the enabling environment; community based sustainable natural resource management; and income-generation activities. Two priority protected areas - Serra Malagueta and Monte Gordo - will be established during this phase. The second phase, covering 2008-2010, will build on the results of phase 1 and establish four additional protected areas and a financing mechanism, thus creating the first network of protected areas within the country.

The project will contribute to reversing existing degradation trends of land and water resources within the protected areas and adjacent landscapes and also play a crucial role in promoting sustainable development and poverty alleviation.

Project sites

• Phase 1. Monte Gordo (3,500 ha) on the Island of São Nicolau; and Serra Malagueta (2,600 ha) on the Island of Santiago,
• Phase 2: Moros and Cova, and Ribeira de Torre and Ribeira de Paul on the Island of Santo Antão; Monte Verde on the Island of São Vicente; and Cha das Caldeiras on the Island of Fogo.

• The Monte Gordo project site is considered one of the most pristine areas in the country and an important agricultural mountain ecosystem. The site is located between 900 and 1,300 meters high. Plants inventoried in the area include 28 endemic species (34% of total) of which 12 are on the Cape Verde Red List. A number of rare birds also inhabit the area. Grazing of goats and collection of plants for traditional ritual use are considered the greatest threats to native vegetation.
• The Serra Malagueta mountain range contains the islands' greatest number of endemic plants species (26), 14 of which are classified as threatened. The project site ranges from 800 to 1,000 meters in elevation. Land clearance for agriculture and the invasion of exotic plant species are the most prominent threats to this area.