Preservation of biodiversity and the Santa Luzia Nature Reserve through the fishing communities of São Vicente, Santo Antão and São Nicolau

The Santa Luzia Reserve in Cabo Verde, recently added to the archipelago’s protected area network, comprises the island of the same name and the islets of Branco and Raso. Its waters are frequented by fishers from three neighbouring islands: São Vicente, São Nicolau and Santo Antão, mainly for subsistence line fishing intended for home consumption.

The Reserve was established by decree in 2003. The management plan, approved by the government, coming into effect in July 2013, provides for the Branco and Raso islets to become a strictly protected reserve, and for much of Santa Luzia island to become accessible only to scientists and to fishers using the island as a temporary support base, upon obtaining a permit. This management plan should prevent resource exploitation too close to the coastline and support the replenishment of fish stocks, as well as the conservation of endemic bird species, some of which are threatened with extinction (Raso’s shearwater and lark), as well as cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and marine turtles. Indeed, implementing the management plan over 5 years is estimated to potentially increase fish stocks by 30%.

However, these regulatory measures risk jeopardising the survival of 5 fishing communities from the villages of São Pedro, Salamansa and Calhau (on the island of São Vicente), Tarrafal (on the island of São Nicolau) and Sinagoga (on the island of Santo Antão), totalling 380 people, who will no longer be able to fish around Santa Luzia.

It is in this context that the Association des Amis do Calhau (AAC) is stepping in, a small Cabo Verdean NGO benefiting from foreign funding, working alongside the NGO Biosfera I (funded by FIBA and GEF/SGP), which is running a parallel project called “Santa Luzia Virtual”. This project aims to create a website and video materials to promote Santa Luzia as a tourist destination, and to raise awareness among the communities involved, particularly to gain their acceptance of a new reserve management plan.

The AAC’s project pursues the same objectives as Biosfera’s: it will, on the one hand, continue awareness-raising activities among all the communities involved, and on the other, train fishers in sustainable fishing techniques, with support from the National Institute for Fisheries Development (INDP) and the Maritime Police. This should help ensure the conservation of the reserve’s biodiversity. In the medium term (within 5 years), the INDP, which already holds data on current fish stocks, will be able to assess the reserve’s impact on their conservation.