ENG - UN CC:Learn

Santo Antão
AFRICA
CAPE VERDE
MDG7
Progress Towards Environmental Sustainability
Population growth and the pressure it exerts on Cape Verde’s biodiversity,
water, sanitation and housing has revealed the necessity of major efforts
for environmental sustainability in the country.
Mindelo
São Vicente
São Nicolau
Atlantic Ocean
Barlavento Islands
CAPE VERDE
Sotavento Islands
Maio
Fogo
São Filipe Praia
Brava
São Tiago
After having pursued extensive efforts to combat desertification in rural
areas since independence, Cape Verde modified these efforts since 1990 in order to better tailor them to country-specific
targets and goals for environmental sustainability. Involvement at the political level and a stronger campaign for a
sustainable environment were of priority and the ratification of several international environmental conventions, notably
those on biodiversity, climate change, and desertification, quickly followed suit. The implementation of the provisions of these international
conventions was put high on the agenda, which is evident in one of the principal objectives outlined by the Government:
the conservation and the development of the islands’ ecosystems.
However, the weakness of institutions, the lack of financial means and the high incidence of poverty have posed serious challenges
to the protection of the ecosystems and especially to food security, the fight against environment related diseases and the increase
in access to safe drinking water. Initiatives still need to be taken in Cape Verde in order to reconcile the efforts of public institutions
with the participation and involvement of the local communities.
QUICK FACTS
CURRENT PORTFOLIO BUDGET
Total UNDP-GEF and Co-Finance: $15,347,900
Total UNDP and Co-Finance: $485,756
Total MPU and Bilateral: $99,400
Total: $15,933,056
Cumulative Total ODS Phased-Out:
1.0 ODP tonnes
Natural Resource Management to Combat Desertification 2
With regards to global Target 11 of MDG 7, a substantial percentage
of the Cape Verdian population continue to live in poorly constructed
houses, mainly due to poverty and unemployment. Poor residents
use non-authorized land to build their houses, which in turn exposes
them to the destruction of their shelter by the mayoral authorities.
In order to resolve this problem, some mayors have decided to take
a first step in legalizing certain land ownerships, in the hopes of
facilitating subsequent efforts to construct more secure, healthy
housing with the use of increased financial government and donor
support. 1
The water supply project is considered an innovation in Cape Verde; the distribution of potable water over long distances from
drilled wells or galleries to reservoirs, sanitary complexes, schools, health centres and even private homes in the rural areas has
far exceeded expectations. Agricultural production has also increased considerably and an estimated total of 18,500 people
have benefited from these initiatives. Santiago Island has also progressed well in its conservation efforts. Approximately 35-50
hectares of woodland are being preserved annually, as wood consumption has decreased by about 20% through the widespread
use of improved stoves. Furthermore, a catalogue of over 1,000 references on desertification and watershed manage-
LAND
ment issues, as well as desertification indicators for Cape Verde have been established, providing invaluable information for sustainable
development methods and future drought mitigation.
Sal
Boa Vista
SPOTLIGHT
Once covered by dry forests and scrub habitat, this volcanic archipelago west of Senegal has been continuously
adapted by its inhabitants, resulting in the almost purely man-made agrarian environment it
is today. The use of poor farming practices causing soil erosion, the introduction of alien plants, and
sparse rainfall have all contributed to severe land degradation in Cape Verde.
In support of the Government’s efforts to combat desertification, UNDP has mobilized resources of US$ 4.5
million since 2003 for the first phase of the implementation of three natural resource management projects to
support Cape Verde’s obligations under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Support to fighting
desertification, environmental protection, and the provision of water to the rural areas of Cape Verde’s Santiago Island are
key priorities in this effort. The three projects address respectively, watershed management, enhancing water supply, and institutional
capacity building with the participation of Santiago Island’s rural communities.
42