The President of Cape Verde, José Maria Neves, sent a letter to his counterparts in 20 African coastal countries proposing enhanced bilateral and regional cooperation to address marine challenges, particularly litter from industrial fishing.
“Aware that marine litter, notably plastic, is not an isolated challenge for Cape Verde but a transboundary problem affecting ocean health and the sustainability of blue economies, I propose strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation,” the Presidency’s statement read.
The letters were sent to leaders of countries along the Atlantic coast, including Angola, Senegal, Nigeria, and South Africa.
The initiative aims to harmonize waste management policies, encourage the use of more biodegradable fishing materials, and integrate environmental responsibility clauses in fishing agreements to reduce marine pollution.
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The proposal also includes a joint stance in international forums, such as ocean conferences, to advocate for global solutions and funding to mitigate the impacts of transboundary marine waste.
According to the statement, around 75% of the litter accumulated on Cape Verde’s coasts—including nets, ropes, and buoys—originates from industrial fishing, affecting endemic fauna and nesting areas of marine species, such as turtles.
This initiative follows the President’s recent visit to the Santa Luzia integral natural reserve, an uninhabited island in the northern archipelago, 10 kilometers east of São Vicente.
José Maria Neves emphasized that cooperation among African countries could transform this environmental threat into an opportunity to strengthen the protection and valorization of marine heritage.
