Case CV-3 Legal framework for co-management in Cabo Verde

In Cabo Verde, the concept of co-management is well integrated into the law, although a specific law on co-management and coastal fishing is currently being drafted. This case study presents details of the situation,

Cabo Verde has a basic law on fishing (Legislative Decree No. 2/2020 of March 19).

This law defines the process for developing a fisheries resource management plan.
“The administration, as the competent authority, promotes the adoption of the management plan in consultation with all social, professional, and economic partners affiliated to the sector, and on the basis of available scientific and technical data, and ensures its implementation.
In addition, institutions and public services whose activities have an impact on the fisheries sector must be involved in the process of developing the plan.
The coordination of the elaboration of the management plan is ensured by the competent authority, and its approval by the Council of Ministers, after having consulted the National Fishing Council.
The National Fisheries Council is the advisory body on fisheries matters, and is responsible, among other things, for advising the government on the definition and implementation of national policy in the fisheries sector. 
The Council meets every year to examine issues relating to the fishing sector.
The management plan provides for the delegation of shared management responsibilities to any local authority, including fishing communities, for the management of artisanal fisheries and marine protected areas.
A specific law on co-management and coastal fishing is currently being drafted.

A successful co-management requires the development of a legal framework that delegates resource management authority to the fishers who participate in the management activities.

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.