“We put forward our concerns and projects. The European Union committed to funding one billion euros for blue economy programs,” stated Jorge Santos at a press conference about the country’s participation in the conference, which took place from June 9 to 13 in Nice.
The minister explained that Cape Verde already benefits from EU funds under the European Global Gateway package, which finances the expansion and modernization of national ports.
At the conference, the country also expressed its intention to ratify the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (Bbnj) agreement by July, an international treaty aimed at protecting the high seas.
The document has been approved by the Council of Ministers and awaits parliamentary approval and presidential ratification.
“It has already been ratified by 49 states, and we need 60 for the agreement to enter into force in our countries,” he explained.
Another development was the presentation of the proposal to establish an oceanographic and marine science center of excellence in Cape Verde, led by the Technical University of the Atlantic and the Institute of the Sea.
This initiative is supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research (Geomar), and the International Atlantic Research Centre (Air Centre), involving technical sessions with ministerial delegations from participating countries.
Cape Verde also committed to protecting 30% of its exclusive economic zone by 2030.
Currently, only 7% are classified as protected marine areas, primarily near the coast, and the target is to expand protection with new proposed areas.
To enhance maritime control and surveillance, the country is investing in technologies such as surface drones capable of patrolling vast maritime areas.
Jorge Santos admitted that, despite monitoring all ships, there are still challenges in supervising artisanal and semi-industrial boats lacking mandatory communication equipment.
He also announced a memorandum of understanding signed with Ocean Quest, a Saudi Arabian scientific and oceanographic research foundation that has conducted studies in Cape Verde’s maritime zone.
