Case CV-1 Establishing and strengthening the resource management implementation system in Cabo Verde

In Cabo Verde, co-management initiatives began primarily with the PRAO project on the islands of Sal and Maio, funded by the World Bank from 2010 to 2015. In these locations, a marine management area has been created. In addition, two local co-management associations have been set up. However, it is now recommended to reorganize these associations to strengthen the co-management of fishery resources.

Current status of fisheries co-management in Cabo Verde
With regard to the management of fishery resources, Cabo Verde is making progress, given that the legislation stipulates a plan for the sustainable management of resources from 2020 to 2024. A new law is now in force for the responsible management of MPAs and deep-sea waters, as well as aquaculture, with the involvement of all stakeholders.

Main problems related to fishery resources
One of the main problems is the overexploitation of species such as lobsters and deep-sea species such as small pelagics. There are also surveillance issues that need to be addressed with fishing communities.

Fishers’ associations:
In terms of management, it is fair to say that there is much work to improve, especially in terms of internal management, given that the people involved do not understand their roles. They have no knowledge of financial management and even less of legislation. Of course, there are associations, especially in Ribeira da Barca, with committees, but they do not operate properly. We need to train the various actors in the very essence of management, documentation, and filing.

Learning from Senegal’s experience: Senegal’s fish farming organisation CLPA (Local Artisanal Fishing Councils) is well organized and structured. We notice that local stakeholders are also committed. Cabo Verde wants to replicate this model.

Fishers are often organized during the project with the support of the donor. However, they may stagnate after the end of the project. It is important to ensure that fishers’ organisations operate properly, so that they can take on the role of co-management.
In Cabo Verde, Co-management of fisheries resources is still in its early stages. Senegal, on the other hand, has accumulated many years of experience and knowledge in the field of co-management. All the same, Senegal’s experience can be applied to Cabo Verde.

Chapter 2: Establishing and strengthening the resource management implementation system

This case may be of interest to countries in need of co-management of fisheries resources, but which have not yet implemented such management or are in the early stages of implementation.