Project title

Building capacity towards financial and operational sustainability of the network of protected areas in Maio Island

Status en cours
Structure Maio Island
Pays Cabo Verde

Project justification mentioning the specific MPA conservation objective that is targeted by the project

For more than 10 years protected areas in Maio were just ‘paper parks’. In 2013 the DNA alongside local partners lead the participatory process to expand area under protection by 270%. The marine part was increased by 580% comprising 28km2 and 25% of MPAs in the country. Maio MPAs include critical habitats for commercial fish species, sharks, endemic invertebrates, and numerous marine megafauna.

One of the first steps to ensure the success of the RAPIM is to develop effective financing strategies for the operation of protected areas. The second is to inform all users of the existence and boundaries of the network of protected areas.

Casas Velhas Marine Reserve with the 2 strict protection zones (IUCN category Ia) is at the doorstep of the capital city of the island and is the most exposed to human activities and potential negative impacts. The reserve is one of the main fishing grounds of local artisanal fishers, sports fishers and other local and international recreational users.
The proposed project is of critical importance to make these first steps to make the protected area effective for the benefit of biodiversity and people. 37% of the required budget has been already secured but the success will not be possible without remaining 67%.

Field of activity identified by the RAMPAO to which the project is attached

• Support for MPA management
• Develop Business Plan
• Communication, education and environmental awareness

Main project objective

To support the implementation of the priority actions of the management plan of the RAPIM 2015- 2020