“We also want to establish alliances for technology transfer to strengthen capacities adapted to each context. We are convinced that there will be no sustainable development without healthy oceans,” he said.
José Maria Neves said that Cabo Verde is consolidating its blue agenda with investments in marine conservation, ecological tourism, sustainable fishing, ocean education and nature-based solutions, with a focus on coastal resilience.
“We are strengthening our institutional framework, expanding protected marine areas and incorporating climate action into resource management,” he said, pointing to the need to mobilise climate finance that is accessible and adapted to the reality of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The President insisted on the importance of ensuring financial resources, technology transfer and capacity building so that all countries can participate fully and effectively in the protection of the oceans. “It is crucial to recognise the value of the oceans. Their preservation is essential for food security, the health of the planet and global economic stability,” he argued.
According to José Maria Neves, for SIDS, “ocean design” should be a platform for convergence to rebalance the relationship with the sea, based on science, equity and genuine cooperation.
The threats are diverse – rising sea levels, overfishing and pollution – and require a coordinated and united response,” he said, calling for collective action in the formulation of public policies.
The Head of State also welcomed the adoption of the Paris Agreement and the Treaty on Marine Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, committing to their rapid ratification, and reinforced the importance of treaties such as the Paris Agreement.
The President also called for a more inclusive multilateralism, based on solidarity and international cooperation that allows for real transformation.
During the conference in France, the Minister for the Sea of Cabo Verde, Jorge Santos, will defend, at a parallel event on June 12, the creation of marine science centres in Portuguese-speaking island countries, with the participation of Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe and Timor-Leste.
The conference is co-organised by France and Costa Rica and its central theme is “accelerating action and mobilising everyone to conserve and sustainably use the oceans”.
Platform with Lusa
