Engaging Communities On Sal in Conservation (EN)

 
INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO DAS PESCAS 

  Direcção de Investigação Haliêutica e Aquacultura 
REPORT
A Rapid Assessment
Conservation of Sea Turtles of the island of Sal Aiming Engaging Coastal Communities in
the Preservation of their populations
26-30 de Julho de 2010
English translation of the original
A partnership between SOS Tartarugas and City Council of 
Sal  in a Project based on Communities of Conservation of 
Sea Turtles ‐ PCTM‐INDP 
 
   
Sonia Elsy Merino

Sandra Margarida Correia
Equipa PCTM-INDP
Comunidades Piscatórias, Conservação e Desenvolvimento Local Sustentável 
Sonia Elsy Merino, INDP, Julho de 2010 
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Contents
I. Thanks
II. Acronyms
III. Summary
IV. Introduction
V. Methodology
VI. Baseline
VII. Analysis and discussion
VIII. Conclusions and recommendations
IX. Literature
X. Attachments
Tables
Table 1
Table 2
2
 
I. Thanks
On behalf of the INDP, the team PCTM-INDP, thanks primarily to SOS Tartarugas and its
active members, Jacquie Cozens and Euclides Gonçalves for the opportunity to contribute
to the best course of action for the conservation of sea turtles on the island of Sal. Thanks
to the fishing communities of Palmeira and Pedra de Lume, and their associations, their
availability during the interviews. Special thanks to the authorities of the 2nd Military
Command of the Armed Forces, the Director of Environment and Sanitation of the City
Council of Sal for availability and valuable contributions. The representatives of the DGA
and the IMP for their institutional support and availability. A big thanks to the general
population of Sal for always being available to answer questions. Without their support this
work would not achieve the results presented here.
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I. Acronyms
SOS-Tartarugas/SOS- Non governmental organisation working to conserve

TARTARUGAS marine turtles in Sal, Cape Verde.
PCTM-INDP The marine turtle conservation Project of the

National Institute for the Development of Fisheries.
DGA General Department of the Environment
DIMP Delegate of Marine & Ports
IMP Institute of Marine & Ports
UNI-CV University of Cabo Verde
CM City Hall
PN National Police
GIZC Integrated Coastal Zone
CTM Conservation of Marine Turtles
ONG Governmental Organisation
DMADRRM Delegate of the Ministery of Environment and
Development of Rural and Marine Resources
INDP-Sal INDP Delegate on Sal
IFH Instituto de Fomento Habitacional
FA Armed Forces of Cabo Verde
WWF World Wildlife Fund
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II. Executive Summary
As requested in the context of the institutional partnership of SOS Tartarugas/Câmara

Municipal do Sal, this activity aims to identify specific ways to effectively engage the civilian
population of the island of Sal in the actions of conservation of sea turtles. It is a
contribution to the effective management of coastal marine resources and their sustainable
use. Aimed at strengthening the capacities of the primary participants, the establishment
and strengthening of partnerships and promoting institutional linkage.
This technical support, where the team of biologists from PCTM-INDP act as facilitators in
the engagement of fishing communities and civil society in actions to protect sea turtles on
the island of Sal, has been carried out in close partnership with and institutional and
logistical support from the Câmara Municipal, as well as the support of the local team of the
INDP, and with knowledge and consent of the representative of the Directorate General for
Environment (DGA) and Delegate of Marine & Ports (DIMP). The analysis was conducted
under the coordination of technical and scientific biologist Sonia Elsy Merino and executed
by the team coordinating the PCTM-INDP, Drs. Sonia Elsy Merino and Sandra Margarida
Correia. The compilation and analysis of the surveys had the support of Emília Graça e
Liziane Monteiro, students of Educational Sciences Department of Humanities and Social
Sciences - Mindelo UNI-CV.
These results indicate that in a period of two years, mortality of nesting turtles on Sal due to
hunting has fallen by 70%. Unfortunately, the biggest threats currently have more to do
with coastal development, bright lighting, construction of hotels and residences in coastal
areas, leisure activities etc. with no control or enforcement of the law. Particularly in areas
of high incidence of nesting, particularly in the area of the Cotton Bay, Resort Group &
Paradise Beach developments on Algodoeiro.
However, consumption of sea turtles in Sal, and throughout Cape Verde is a habit and part
of the culture and tradition. In general, all persons interviewed in fishing communities, or
shanty towns, are in one way or another, involved in the network of consumption of turtles
in Sal. Enforcement of the law, in the context of the Decreto-Lei 53/2005 regulating the
use of resources with penalties applied for those who commit environmental crime is an
urgent need. On Sal hunting turtles is easy money.
Although there are instances of vigilance, (CMSal, SOS Tartarugas, the Armed Forces and
Public Order Police (POP) (Maritime), the authority responsible for punishing the crime
does not use the weight of the law against offenders. This only encourages the local
culture of killing turtles. Turtles are an economic resource whose value is around 21,500
CVE (€200) per turtle captured. In this context, the results of the survey points to two key
weaknesses of the initiative for conservation / preservation of the turtles on Sal.
One refers to outreach the other factor is related to the lack of information
5
 
The team proposes a strategic vision of the initiative in three stages, a short-term period of
three years, another three year medium term and long term. For the next three years a
consolidation phase of the initiative, with a decline to a minimum catch, which aims to
involve fishing communities in the activities. Three more years to produce actual economic
benefits to coastal communities based on the conservation of turtles. And long term, to
reach a point where the initiative is successful in the national conservation of sea turtles in
Cape Verde.
The priority should be interventions, communication, information, awareness, capacity

building and monitoring of beaches and habitat to support the life cycle of turtles. Actions
should be based on applying the concept of integrated coastal zone management (ICZM)
including interagency coordination of actions, teamwork by groups, institutional synergy,
community-based conservation of marine resources, adaptive management, etc. . and tools
such as participatory action research and the media. In this sense, the group PCTM-INDP
has all the experience necessary to provide support and technical advice.
We also suggest, particular effort for communication, information and networking directed at
three levels: local, institutional and systemic. In this way the communication of the initiative
among working groups for strategic and timely sharing of information and results is
essential. This is facilitated if there is empathy between those involved developed through
a pleasant working atmosphere, based on transparency, solidarity, mutual support,
credibility and synergies within the initiative. Thus this project on the island of Sal can be a
pilot experiment which shows how to construct a linkage with partners at different levels in
the management system of the conservation of marine turtles in Cape Verde.
6
 
II. Introduction
In the context of the project of conservation of sea turtles (PCTM-INDP), this activity is a
contribution to the effective management of marine coastal resources and their sustainable
use by strengthening the capacity of primary stakeholders, the establishment and
strengthening of local partnerships and promoting institutional articulation. As requested by
SOS Tartarugas, this work aims to identify effective ways to engage the civilian population
of the island of Sal in the actions of the sea turtle conservation NGO which are delivered in
close partnership with the City Hall.
It is an action of technical support, where the team of biologists PCTM-INDP act as

facilitators in the engagement of fishing communities and civil society in actions to protect
sea turtles on the island of Sal has been carried out in close partnership with and support
institutional and logistical City Hall, with the support of the local team of the INDP and with
knowledge and consent of the representation of the Directorate General for Environment
(DGA) and Delegation Agency (DIMP). The analysis was conducted under the coordination
of technical and scientific biologist Sonia Elsy Merino and executed by the team
coordinating the PCTM-INDP, Drs. Sonia Elsy Merino and Sandra Margarida Correia. The
compilation and analysis of the surveys had the support of Emily Grace and Liziane Miller,
students of Educational Sciences Department of Humanities and Social Sciences - Pole
Mindelo UNI-CV.
While Sal was discovered in 1460, its population only grew in the nineteenth century with
the advance of the operation of its salt mines (Pedra de Lume and Santa Maria). It has an
area of 216 km2 and a coastline of 91,001 km, its greatest height is in Monte Grande at
406m with 14,816 inhabitants in 2000 and an estimated 33,000 currently. The first
settlements were around the salt mines operating between 1799 and 1804 (hence the
name of the island), supported by the labor of slaves.
The rise of industry and trade of minerals occured between 1935 and 1980 in which,
consequently, the local population increased from 1,121 to 5,826 inhabitants, largely due to
the intensive demand of salt from the Central and West Africa (Belgian Congo). In 1967 the
first hotel was built a the same time as the airport. Both events are at the origin and centre
of the current economy of this island, which is based on the exploitation of the largest
international airport and the largest resorts, apartments and hotels in Cape Verde.
The sócio-economic structure of the population of Sal is heterogeneous. Formed originally

by African slaves and Portuguese colonists, the current migration both from other islands
(for example 34% of the population are from São Nicolau), and from Europe and the African
continent makes up the multi-national, multi-cultural population. Over the past ten years the
population has increased in line with the growth in the real estate & tourism industries.
7
 
According to data from DGA, 2008, this island has a large population of C. Caretta and
there are indications that the local consumption of these animals dates from the times of
early settlements (Portuguese sailors). In the eighth century, a Dutch geographer writes
about the abundance of turtles breeding on the beaches of Santa Maria on Sal and, as with
goat meat, turtle meat was salted by the sailors and may have been traded along with
animal products.
II. Methodology
To obtain results we rely on a rapid assessment of the availability of fishing communities

and local people to become involved in actions for the preservation of sea turtles on the
island of Sal. Therefore we aimed to identify effective ways to engage coastal communities
on the island of Sal in order to seek effective protection and conservation.
Expected results of this study
1. Improve understanding of the mentality of the human population of Sal in relation to

the conservation of sea turtles.
a. Understand the origins of turtle hunting by local people on the island of Sal
b. Identify the reasons why a sector of the population continues to kill turtles
2. Identify support activities which can contribute to changing the mentality of local
people and promote their effective engagement in the activities of local conservation
a. Identify awareness raising and environmental education that can effectively
contribute to the conservation of marine turtles
b. Identify, along with primary stakeholders and institutional partners, joint
actions for effective conservation by communities with support from local
institutions
The end product: a report and proposals that support the involvement of primary
stakeholders in local conservation activities.
The methodological tools were:

• Meetings with local partners and other stakeholders, independent interviews with the
Câmara Municipal do Sal, the DGA, DMADRRM, INDP Sal and the Armed Forces, to
determine their availability and requirements for the establishment of partnerships.
• Semi-closed questionnaires to local people (Espargos, Palmeira, Pedra de Lume &
Santa Maria, and shanty towns and small settlements on the island) and local
institutions.
• Meetings in fishing communities on the island and with the population of Espargos
and Santa Maria.
• Informal meetings supported by semi-structured questionnaires (Appendix ---), with
groups of people in fishing communities (Palmeira, Pedra de Lume and Santa Maria)
and settlements (Costa Fragata, Cotton Bay, Calhetinha and the area surrounding
the city rubbish dump).
• Telephone interviews with some private and public institutions.
• Preparation and presentation of the report.
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• A session for presentation of results and discussion of potential actions to be
implemented jointly, taking into account that the aim should be to encourage the
involvement of fishermen and local partners
III. Baseline
Over five days eight locations were visited, including villages, fishing communities,
settlements and groups of people whose socio-economic activity in any way affects turtles
and their habitat. 51 people were listened to and interviewed (see Annex) from fishing
communities, civil institutions and those responsible for the implementation of
environmental policy, the Armed Forces (2nd Military Command) and a representative of
the Church of the Nazarene in Santa Maria. Surveys were distributed and collected which
targeted the civilian population and institutions and businesses on Sal
The activities of sea turtle conservation on the island of Sal began in 2001, led by the CM
Sal, with technical support from NGO Natura 2000, based in Boa Vista. We do not know
the reasons that they ended the partnership. In 2008 NGO, ADTMA SOS Tartarugas was
formed to protect turtles with a specific objectives to stop the killing of turtles C. Caretta on
Sal. (B.0. Serie III, No. 11/2008 of 14 March 2008).
Although the conservation work, particularly the monitoring and exploration of beaches
began in 2001 with the support of Natura 2000 and under the coordination of CMSal, there
are no databases, articles or other publications, which our staff can access, and which
could serve as a baseline in this analysis. So, little is known about the conservation status
and abundance of breeding females on the island of Sal, but we rely on data collected in
2008 and 2009 by SOS Tartarugas. Everything suggests that the biggest threats to
breeding females are, in descending order, 1) coastal development, particularly residential
construction, light on nesting beaches and the tourism industry located in coastal areas
(Taylor, Cozens 2010 The effects of tourism, beachfront development and increased light
pollution on nesting Loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta on Sal, Cape Verde Islands) and to
a lesser degree, 2) hunting for local consumption and trade of meat. SOS Tartarugas
indicates that, when compared with 2008, the data collected shows a reduction in 2009 of
70% of the catch / slaughter of female turtles on the island of Sal. Between 2008 and 2009
SOS Tartarugas tagged 101 and 293 breeding females and counted 1238 and 3590 tracks
and 346 and 1.037 nests respectively. In the same period there were 39 and 91 dead
turtles found.
All respondents agree that the population of spawning females in the area of Algodoeiro will
be severely affected by the residential tourism industry.
As regards enforcement efforts against the killing of the turtles, a CM Sal programme
supported by the Armed Forces has been in place since 2001. In 2006, the CM Sal
reinforced actions on some beaches by hiring guards from the civilian population but this
was not reliable or effective, it promoted opportunism, with some guards not controlling
hunting.
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Nesting turtles are common on all the beaches on the island, information from SOS
Tartarugas and the knowledge of fishermen confirm that nesting is concentrated mostly in
the south, between Ponta do Rife in the western side, and Ponta Morrinho Vermelho on the
east of the island, including in particular sectors of the beaches of Algodoeiro, Serra Negra,
Costa da Fragata and Praia Antonio de Sousa Santa Maria, covering an area of
approximately 12 km of coastline, around 13% of the coastline of the island of Sal
It is important to highlight the question of fishing communities, who argue that the greatest
threat to turtles is coastal development, particularly that which is located on the coastline
facing the largest nesting beaches in Santa Maria. The local people believe that 50% of
nesting occurs in the area of Algodoeiro where today there are several large residential
developments. Data provided by SOS Tartarugas confirms this, indicating that between
2008 and 2009, the number of nests decreased by 12.9% in this area, while in other
beaches it increased by 20%. Another threat identified during meetings with fishermen is
the poor supervision of the recreational activities in nesting areas, where quad bikes, cars
and other leisure activities contribute to lower rates of hatching. This is without taking into
account the strong illumination of the beaches due to safety rules implemented by local
construction companies.
Working with communities
Through visits and group interviews in the communities and settlements it was confirmed
that the social composition of human settlements on the island is highly heterogeneous,
with social groups whose interests and economic conditions are very different. Between
communities and economically disadvantaged settlements that were visited, the most
organised fishing community with work supported by associations and the most active is the
Fisherman’s Assocation in Palmeira. The members, while perhaps not realising the
opportunities that the conservation of turtles can offer to improve their living conditions, are
however, interested in what their children may become involved in, in exchange for financial
compensation and/or the possibility of obtaining a scholarship in the future.
The fishing community of Pedra de Lume and the families which live in Salinas (Santa
Maria) and Algodoeiro, do not reject the possibility of participating in the surveillance of
nesting beaches providing they are properly remunerated.
Although Santa Maria has the largest number of inhabitants (20,114) on the island, no one
came to the meeting, which was organized at the Cultural Centre, organised by a local
Ranger working for SOS Tartarugas, Fabrício Lopes dos Santos. The general opinion is
that the local population is indifferent to conservation actions as well as any other types of
activities. However, there is information about the economic benefits that come with this
project, such as the case of taxi drivers who have shown some interest in participating in
the business of transporting tourists for turtle walks which are implemented with the support
of the SOS Tartarugas tourism programme.
10
 
Our data indicate that the groups scattered across the island, particularly those along the
coastline of the Murdeira Bay (Madama and Calheta Funda), the bay of Calhetinha in
Monte Grande and the population of the slum area near the city dump (a marginal group of
drug addicts) are the primary hunters of turtles. Also in Espargos there is a group in the
fishing community and a group of people, people from Africa and 10 houses of the HFI that
are known to hunt turtles for their use and commercialisation. Generally the sale is to order,
by those with spending power, or even by immigrants and civil servants in leading positions
in private or local public institutions.
Table No. 1. Profile of communities communities and settlements visited
Fishermen Nature Origin Demographics Expectations

from PCTM
Palmeira Fishermen, port workers Island natives 2.000 Help for youth
inhabitants
Pedra de Fishermen, tourism Island natives, 700 Participation in
Lume workers Portuguese, inhabitants monitoring
Italian
Santa Fishing groups, big and Nativos da ilha, 20,114 Apparently very
Maria small tourism operators, Europeans, inhabitants little interest
hotel, residencial & Africans
tourism services,
construction
Espargos Town, political centre of 8.000
island inhabitants
Parda Emigrants Domestic Fogo, Praia ilha 25-30 people Nobody was
workers, construction de Santiago, receptive
workers
Calhetinha Slaughter house for Residents of 4-8 people Interested in
turtles for the summer. Africa Setanta participation in
and IFH in monitoring
Espargos,
Algodoeiro Island natives Workers 7-12 families In the middle of
population,
institutions,
conservationists
and hunters
Coast of Small houses for the Residents of 15 people Clearly
Murdeira kiling of turtles Espargos with intersted in
proper houses in hunting turtles
town
Rubbish Marginal group, majority Killing turtles to 10-15 houses Impossible to
dump drug addicts maintain habit throughout the engage or talk
zone zone to
Santa CV immigrants, living in Fogo, Santo 12 families Guarding,
Maria salinas after economic Antão, Santiago around 125 monitoring &
Salina crisis (less work in & São Nicolau people imporvemtn in
zone construction) social situation
Opportunistic capture of
turtles
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As regards the semi-structured questionnaire in group work, the results indicate that the
related to Question 1 about the reason for hunting and local consumption of turtles all
respondents agree that the turtle meat is "good" "hot", is "a habit, a habit of days ago." Still
others indicate that it may be an alternative for the fisherman to buy the fuel when no funds
are available. There is, moreover, in Sal, groups of addicts for whom hunting is a simple
activity, with little risk. "Rabida" (come) the turtles on the beaches, selling the meat to
sustain their addiction.
On Sal the turtle meat is rarely sold, but the price/economic benefit ranges, according to
people involved in the scheme, between CVE 25000-40000. The liver is more expensive,
every kilo is equivalent to 500 CVE. Local experts say a liver weighs three kilos. On
average, a turtle can yield 80 pounds – therefore 25,500 CVE. There is on this island little
consumption of turtle eggs, nor demand for the penis due to its aphrodisiac qualities. In this
sense the CMSal has played a role in sensitising people against this habit, relying on
conversations and discussions on radio, with persons who testified against this myth that
many claim to be of oriental origin, from the time of the arrival of Japanese fishing fleets 60
years ago.
Asked their opinion on the programme of conservation of turtles in Cape Verde, all fully
agree with them, although they confirm that the meat is "tasty".
Everyone agrees with measures to protect animals, because it is evident to them that there
is a reduction in turtle nesting. However, one person said "no consumption of turtle meat
for a long time, last time I took one was a year ago," to buy fuel to go fishing. However it
was evident that very little is known about the actions that have an effect on the island, on
the results achieved and/or about the difficulties and challenges to their preservation. Much
less is known about the benefits that this type of activity that may mean.
Still, knowledge about the ecology (Question 3 of the semi-structured questionnaire), on the
role of turtles in the ecosystem and their relationship with fisheries are very limited, unclear
and confusing. Furthermore, the level of knowledge is not the same among people in the
communities in Palmeira, for example. Here fishermen could not see the opportunities in
their involvement in such projects, and were least likely to be involved in enforcement
actions on beaches due to the risks that this entails. However, the perception of fishermen
in Pedra de Lume was a little different, where they think it is important to preserve the
turtles for recreational diving and as part of tourism, and would like to be involved in
enforcement actions and collaborative research (monitoring and exploration of beaches),
when properly accredited.
In Algodoeiro, when asked about the assessment of the conservation of turtles on Sal, all
stated that they support the effort, although several of those interviewed pointed to the
confrontation that exists now between the hunters and the local operators for monitoring
and protecting the beaches (the volunteers from SOS Tartarugas and the Armed Forces).
Some people no longer feel safe outside their homes because they are afraid of drug
addicts responsible for the hunting of turtles.
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Although awareness and environmental education has been developed by the CM Sal in
collaboration with SOS Tartarugas, (actions that included talks on fishing communities and
schools in Espargos and Santa Maria), the engagement of these populations in
conservation activities is almost nil.
There is only one young man from Santa Maria who is involved in the activities of SOS
Tartarugas, with a monthly salary of 33,000 ECV. To improve in this respect there is
interest from the fishing association in Palmeira and availability of the Nazarene Church
regarding the possibility of collaboration with partners in the conservation of marine turtles
on Sal.
Since the population of Sal is very uneven, the interest and/or forms of participation
identified among various social groups are uneven as well. The action being identified by
communities and groups were
1) participation in monitoring and exploration of beaches and
2) checking the catch on the beach.
Most see themselves as monitors, (Pedra de Lume, Santa Maria Salinas), others see their
children involved in volunteering projects (Palmeira). Nobody sees themselves working in
outreach or eco-tourism such as with "nights out with the turtles", let alone making
decisions about how best to preserve the resources that belong to them historically.
Interviews with local authorities and civil society

The protection of sea turtles on the island of Sal has been conducted voluntarily by the CM
Sal since 2001, always with logistical and financial problems due to lack of availability of
specific funds. Indeed, in general, there is a programme at central government with funds
available for activities related to interventions and implementation of environmental policy
but if these funds are released the release is slow. CM Sal spends on average of CVE
1.000.000 in logistical support for the surveillance of nesting beaches, that is performed by
the Armed Forces with some financial support from the coordinating authority for
environmental policy (DGA).
As mentioned, the programme was initiated with the support of Natura 2000. Since 2008,
the actions are executed with the technical support of SOS Tartarugas, in close
coordination and collaboration with the CM Sal. SOS Tartarugas is a national NGO with
legal standing. With four founding members, four more joined the initiative, of which only
two are active, Jacquie Cozens, English biologist living in Santa Maria since 2007 and
Euclides Gonçalves, biologist, currently Director of the Office of Environment in CM Sal.
13
 
The NGO has authorisation and institutional support of the delegations of the IMP and the
representation of the DGA CM Sal. CMSal provides primarily institutional recognition and
legal actions for the preservation of TM in Sal basically run by SOS Tartarugas. Still, it
provides logistical support, liaison with the Armed Forces, to patrol the beaches. Also
assists in obtaining visas for the international volunteers, assists in organising and carrying
out awareness campaigns, lectures in schools etc.. Finally incidentally provides general
assistance whenever necessary.
Table 2 Profile of Institutions
Autori Natureza/Dificuldades Expectativa com o Condições e áreas de

dade atribuiçõe
acompanha PCTM-Sal participação
s mento do
Projecto
INDP- Instituto Financiamen Reforço do Financiamento da
Sal de pesca, to da associativismo e participação:
animação participação alternativas de deslocações, convívios
e para as rendimento para as com as comunidades,
facilitação deslocações comunidades educação ambiental
com sistemática
comunida
des
piscatória
s
Repre Coordena Muito Diminuir efectivamente Melhoria das infra-
s. Da ção e limitados as captura, para isso é estruturas da
DGA administra recursos necessário a execução representação e um
ção local materiais e justa das leis, melhorar técnico especializado que
da politica humanos, a fiscalização de seguimento a
ambiental assim como execução do projecto da
inadequadas SOS-Sal. Melhorar as
infra- condições de deslocação
estrutura, pela ilha.
falta de
meios de
transporte
CM- Autoridad Financeira Melhorar nos resultados Desbloqueamento
Sal e local do atempado de 1000
ambiente Contos de CV, por ano
para organizar a
fiscalização das praias na
ilha
DIMP Autoridad Financeiras, Melhorar a articulação Apoio financeiro e
e logísticas e com o projecto, assessoria técnica para
responsáv de pessoal sistematização da melhor implementar a lei
el da para o partilha de informações, e acompanhar as acções
gestão da acompanha apoio técnico em do PCTM-Sal
orla mento e questões legais e de
costeira monitorizaçã aplicação da lei
o
14
 
The Armed Forces, 2nd Military Command, has jurisdiction in Sal and Boa Vista, working
since 2001 supporting the CM Sal in the preservation of marine turtles, including when the
partnership was with Natura 2000. For this institution, now the biggest problem is the
length and / or impunity from the law, which encourages the capture of offenders.
Participating in campaigns with great taste and disposition, and greater incentive they
argue, is that the killing of turtles in Sal is actually down.
They indicated that it would be important to include a course on environmental education

focusing on the reality of Cape Verde, in the curricula for recruits, which runs for three
months in Morro Branco, São Vicente. In this respect the headquarters of the INDP in
Mindelo, can provide this. They encounter several difficulties in performing their task such
as radio communication, transportation conditions and some specific logistical concerns
such as water resistant boots etc.
The Directorate General Environment (DGA) Delegation and Agency (DIMP), (authorities
responsible for coordinating and managing the implementation of environmental policy and
management of coastal areas, respectively), support the conservation work in Sal and
accompanying institutional coverage the conduct of its activities. The expectations of these
institutions are greater interaction with the initiative to protect marine turtles in Sal, in terms
of sharing information, and advisory and technical support specialist.
15
 
Activation of SOS Tartarugas
SOS Tartarugas, as specified in the Bulletim Oficial Paragraph 11 of March 14, 2008, was
established with the specific aim of protecting the turtles from being slaughtered on Sal.
The actitivites are mainly 1) to encourage civil society to protect this endangered species,
2) the sustainability of its actions by promoting ecotourism and 3) the promotion of
international volunteers to support local conservation action. Its activities include protection
of nesting turtles, protecting their habitat, protection of nests, tourism services, including
walks with turtles, scientific research, awareness & outreach, support of local initiatives of
other islands, international volunteer recruitment campaigns in support of annual
conservation etc..
This NGO is not favoured by government funding. In contrast, the institution has been able
to raise funds through the actions of tourism and international donors. On average being
able to gather CVE 5500000/ year through activities linked to tourism, such as turtle walks,
the sale of products, and symbolic adoption of baby turtles and nests, and CVE
28.330.00/year of foreign aid between 2008 and 2010. 30% of revenues from tourism have
served to support and provide technical assistance and partnerships on other islands (Maio,
Fogo, Sao Nicolau, Santo Antao, INDP-S.Vicente etc.). Each year the initiative of CT-Sal,
under the leadership of SOS Tartarugas and the CM Sal has a budget of approximately
CVE 7,000,000 a year - fundraising is conducted almost exclusively by SOS Tartarugas.
Besides local partnerships, SOS Tartarugas builds institutional coordination (DGA, WWF,
INDP, Municipality of Sal and Maio) by involving the private companies (ScubaCaribe,
Noscasa, Garantia & Halcyonair among others). International partners include The Marine
Conservation Society UK, The Marine Turtle Conservation Fund (U.S. Fish & Wildlife),
Aloca & others.
Results from analysis of surveys of communities
The analysis of surveys amongst communities on Sal point out two key weaknesses of the
initiative for conservation/preservation of turtles. One factor refers to awareness. A high
percentage of respondents confirmed encountering hunters and letting it go as if nothing
had happened - that is, not denouncing offenders to the authorities even knowing that the
law bans hunting. Some even said that hunting is not hunting, but consumes its meat.
Awareness should be addressed to the whole layer of population, especially for consumers,
because hunting the species may diminish or cease when no consumers of their meat.
While there are those who buy meat, turtle hunters will exist, since they act as an incentive
(easy money) for hunters. The other weakness that could be seen was the lack of
information. T here were many who said they did not receive any information regarding the
importance of conservation/preservation of the turtles. Working towards a change of
mindset is needed, starting with children and extending it by the rest of the population.
16
 
VII. Analysis and discussion
Effectiveness of activities to protect the island of Sal
Information from SOS Tartarugas & CM Sal indicate that in a period of two years, mortality
due to hunting has fallen by 70%. Sadly the biggest threats have more to do with coastal
development, strong lighting, construction of hotels and residences in coastal, leisure
activities etc. without control., Particularly in areas of high incidence of nesting such as
Algodoeiro. The choice of beaches in the area of Algodoeiro by breeding females could be
linked to their characteristics which may ensure greater success of the nests hatched. In
this sense the loss of high quality beaches decreases the future success of recruiting adults
for reproduction. Unfortunately, there appears to be have its base in the neglect of the
authorities concerned in implementing the legislation, which promotes hunting turtles, for
some individuals with incomes of at least 21,500 ECV.
Following the analysis of the surveys the following conclusions have been made:
1) more outreach
2) more information about the importance of preservation of the turtles and about the
economic benefits it can bring the population
3) INDP local team should be more involved in promoting activities for engaging the
fishing communities
4) an urgent change of mentality in regards to hunting of the turtle
The supervision and control by the CM Sal with the support of the Armed Forces shows
successful implementation which could be replicated on all islands.
17
 
Major strengths of the conservation initiative of marine turtles on Sal
The greatest potential of the programme is its strong capacity to

1) organize tourism activities based on "turtle walks" and thereby raise funds for
conservation at the national level
2) ability and effectiveness in attracting foreign volunteers to support the initiative and
provide technical support to other islands (Fogo, Maio)
3) strong ability to attract funding from international donors
4) strong interest in promoting the linkage of national and international conservation of
sea turtles in Cape Verde
Increasing burden of conservation of marine turtles on Sal
The major constraints in implementing protection measures are in Sal:

1) despite staff efforts to raise funds, these are limited targeting the substantial support
of their own activities and to support local initiatives of other islands (São Nicolao,
Maio, Fogo etc..),
2) absence of a permanent staff, with a single person implementing a systematic and
greater impact of saturated list of conservation actions undertaken in the Salt;
(Appendix ---)
3) low involvement of national staff, whether temporary, during the annual campaigns
or permanent staff. It is important to state the reasons for this weakness – namely 1.
nationals do not want to do this work, it is difficult, it is at night (for women in
particular) and it requires serious commitment 2. People cannot be paid during the
winter so are continually lost and have to recruit new ones 3. nationals with training
in biology do not often choose this career 4. hiring nationals has almost always had
problems (drugs, drinking, fighting, stealing & refusing to work) These are the
unpalatable truths.
4) the mechanisms of institutional coordination are far from clear
5) there is no involvement of coastal communities
6) potential benefits to local communities are not evident
18
 
Major threats to protection actions
The general feeling of organisations and institutions involved in the protection of sea turtles
on the island of Sal is the slowness of the law and also the application of penalties in the
form of fines, which are insignificant when compared with the economic benefits derived
from hunting turtles. This only encourages continuing infringement of the law amongst
hunters. For these individuals a hunting a turtle is easy money. According to data obtained
directly from respondents in this rapid assessment, the economic benefits of selling the
meat is at least CVE 21,500. Fines are around CVE 10,000, equivalent to a sentence of
100 days in jail, paying CVE100/per day. This corresponds to the minimum fine set out in
Article 206, (b) of the Criminal Code. This was the sentence to turtle hunters in court on 29
July, during the this study. This sentence was given even though hunting is framed in the
national environmental policy as part of commitments made by Cabo Verde at the time of
ratification of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1999. In addition there is also the
fact that the legal framework that protects turtles against hunting and fishing, (BO 32,
Decree Law 53/2005 on the general principles of the policy of sustainable utilisation of
fisheries resources) allows this kind of crime to be subject to 500,000 minimal fines not ECV
(article 60).
Opportunities identified
It is important to emphasise
1) the existence of Santa Maria Church of the Nazarene and interest in becoming
involved in facilitating the involvement of young congregation in measures to protect
sea turtles.
2) the state of anarchy in the management of activities that revolve around the Salinas
of Santa Maria, providing an opportunity for the involvement of the population that
lives in the area to work in turtle protection combined with actions to improve their
living conditions. One possibility is their relocation and creation of a salt production
company run by this population. That is, legal authority for this group for the
exclusive use of salt, strengthening their expertise, organisational and management
support and articulated institutions concerned with the environment and others
deemed necessary
3) the existence of a local group of taxi drivers interested in tourism based on "turtle
walks," which may be prepared not only one of the groups interested in the
protection but also benefited by it. The principle of conservation and basic fairness,
responsibility and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the actions of protection.
Unfortunately taxi drivers are only interested in revenue and not conservation and
conservation & income must go hand in hand.
19
 
VIII. Major Conclusions and Recommendations
Conclusions
On the conservation of sea turtles
Although captures have shown a reduction of 70% between 2008 and 2009, consumption
of turtles in Sal and throughout Cabo Verde is a habit and is part of the culture and tradition.
In general, all persons interviewed in fishing communities, or favelas, are in one way or
another, involved in network consumption of turtles in Sal, as are many individuals, public
servants and leaders of business and companies. In the evenings they take a drink
(whiskey) and others take the BAFA (turtle). There are people unfamiliar with the
legislation. Enforcing the law, with penalties applying in the context of Decree-Law 53/2005,
which regulates the use of resources, for those who commit environmental crime is an
urgent need. On Sal hunting turtles is easy money. Although there are instances of
supervision (CM Sal, SOSTartarugas, the Armed Forces and Public Order Police (POP)
(Maritime), the authority responsible for punishing the crime does not use the weight of the
law against offenders. This encourages the local culture of killing turtles. Turtles are an
economic resource whose value is around 21,500 CVE per turtle captured.
Communication and Information Awareness
Overall, all respondents, SOS Tartarugas and the results of the analysis of surveys agree
the need for a strong component of communication, information and awareness. Its
development requires a specific action.
Local communities know very little about the ecology of the turtles or the conservation
activities on Sal. They also do not realise the opportunities possible through their
involvement in such actions. However, if they are offered benefits they are willing to
participate in their interventions.
Although there is a lot of effort and efficient work with the international volunteer effort,
involvement of nationals is weak and consequently the impact of local conservation remain
fragile. Because of the socioeconomic characteristics and diversity of interests among the
population of Sal the development of local volunteers will require an alternative approach.
However, this measure is critical to improving the involvement of local communities and in
achieving conservation outcomes for the initiative.
The institutional linkage is very limited and fragile. Although the CM Sal provides
institutional and logistical support, it has no financial means. The same can be said of other
institutions, DDGA, DIMP etc. They still do not have the conditions, staff and adequate
infrastructure to provide proper support for local conservation actions.
Impunity and lack of consistency in enforcement by the authorities towards offenders

creates a vacuum of legitimacy in law enforcement, which only contributes to further
infringements by the same offender. In addition this generates frustration and scepticism
amongst staff including the police, creating a loss of credibility by the legal system.
20
 
On local organizational capacity
The local population of Sal is very uneven, both in terms of socio-economic and cultural.
The organizational culture very fragile. It is not uncommon for fishing communities to be the
most advanced in terms of organisation, with the Fishermen's Association of Palmeira
clearly superior. Aiming to achieve specific results, the degree of readiness and
organisation are major factors to take much into account when establishing partnerships
with local communities. As with the signed agreements of cooperation with the
representatives.
The settlement of Salinas is a particular threat, with a focus on the origin of poverty caused
to the world economic crisis of 2008/2009. In this case, monitoring organisational efforts
with this group, the programme can be a tool for enhancing the salinas, preservation of the
turtles and to help in the fight to reduce poverty through the integration of disadvantaged
population in an economically disadvantaged part of this island.
On the sustainability of the actions
The conservation of marine turtles in Sal is a local initiative run by almost 100% SOS
Tartarugas with strong institutional support, logistics and facilitation and strong institutional
mediation. Originally consisting of eight members, only two are active today. Founding
members Jacquie Cozens and Euclides Gonçalves are the heart of the organisation and
only active members. Enhancing the representativeness of the SOS Tartarugas by
expanding the members, organs and functions is perhaps a necessity at this stage of the
process.
VIII. Recommendations, Priorities for a phase II
Future vision of the initiative
The first three years of the project has just passed in which the programme has achieved a
reduction in mortality of nesting turtles. The next three years can be considered a
consolidation phase of the initiative, with a decline to a minimum catch and more
involvement fishing communities in the process. 3 more years to produce actual economic
benefits to coastal communities based on the conservation of turtles.
Intervention strategy
Basic principles of intervention

1. This is an exercise in capacity building of communities involved
2. The activities are geared for the direct benefit of coastal communities, particularly fishing
communities willing to work for the protection of turtles and their habitat preservation;
3. The public and social institutions are instruments with a common goal, the sea turtle
conservation-based communities and sustainable local development
4. The fair and equitable sharing of benefits and responsibilities among the partners of
conservation (individuals, communities, sustainability of conservation actions)
5. Involvement is voluntary, each person or group of people contribute according to their
abilities and willingness
21
 
6. Partnerships and synergies are built on the basis of credibility, transparency and
tolerance among individuals, groups of individuals and institutions involved in this
partnership;
7. Communication, information and links
We propose to target groups, priority initially, to engage the fishing communities of Pedra
de Lume and Palmeira, the youth of Santa Maria and the second stage, based on
background studies (economic feasibility study), including the illegal settlement of Salinas
Priority interventions suggested are the following environmental, communication,

information, awareness, capacity building and monitoring of beaches and habitat to support
the life cycle of turtles. Actions should be based on applying the concept of integrated
management of coastal areas such as interagency coordination of actions, teamwork by
groups of implementation, institutional synergy, community-based conservation of marine
resources, adaptive management etc.. and tools such as participatory action research and
the media. In this sense, the group PCTM-INDP has all the experience necessary to
provide support and technical advice.
Particular effort of communication, information and networking. Directed at three levels:

local, institutional and systemic. In this way the communication to the interior of the initiative
among working groups, structures driving the implementation of interventions, for strategic
and timely sharing of information and results is essential. This is facilitated if there is
empathy between those involved developed through a pleasant working atmosphere, based
on transparency, solidarity, mutual support and credibility, and the synergies within the
initiative. Thus this project Conservation of Marine Turtles on the island of Sal can be a
pilot experiment that shows how to construct the linkage to the interior and with partners at
different levels in the management system of the conservation of marine turtles in Cape
Verde.
22
 
General objective
Contribute to conservation of sea turtles on the island of Sal and sustainable local
development
Specific objective
Strengthen capacity of communities as instruments of sea turtle conservation and local
sustainable development subject.
Logic of interventions Axis
Expected results and indicators

1. Communication, information and awareness
a. Strengthening the promotion of international volunteering
b. To promote local volunteerism;
c. Promoting seminars, supported by actions:
i. Promote capacity building of local communities to intervene in the control and
surveillance of nesting beaches;
ii. Promoting fair and swift enforcement of the law against offenders (catches, sand
mining etc..)
iii. Promote a change in mentality, against the local habits of consumption of turtles
that target the schools and the protection of spawning areas
d. Promote and publicize the actions of local conservation of turtles (the beneficiary
communities: Palmeira, Pedra de Lume, Santa Maria Youth and Settlement of
Salinas)
2. Strengthening the capacity of communities to act as local agents of the

conservation of sea turtles on the island of Sal
i. Strengthen the scientific efforts and scientific studies to improve knowledge of the
population of spawning females of the island of Sal
ii. Involve international volunteers with communities, transforming them into agents
for the enhancement of their capacities for the conservation, supported by
participatory action research
1. Monitoring of beaches
2. Prospecting
i. Surveillance and monitoring of beaches and habitat support
3. Management and future sustainability

i. Improve coordination, execution and impact of local conservation
ii. Promote effective mechanisms of institutional coordination, encouraging
institutions to fulfill their duties and functions,
iii. Consolidate the good practices from economic sustainability and mobilization of
community participation
1. Consolidate and expand mechanisms for raising funds established under this
initiative for the conservation of TM Sal;
2. Strengthen strategic partnerships (Community, CM-Sal, INDP, DGA, IMP)
3. Identify priority actions to support initiatives in other islands
23
 
Instruments:
1. School camp building capacity for monitoring ecological Caretta caretta in Cape
Verde. Schools support the implementation of interventions such as participatory
action research (PAR) to engage with the civilian population in local sea turtle
conservation, supported by the establishment of camps located in the main nesting
grounds during the annual campaigns (Cotton Bay, Costa Fragata, Serra Negra,
Praia Antonio Sousa etc..
2. Club volunteers / School environmental education in order to mobilize the local
volunteering and civil society in general. Support for raising the willingness and
commitment of local communities. Managers of these hatcheries of Santa Maria, with
support from international volunteers.
Tools
1. Action plan for communication, information, awareness and environmental education.
With four target groups and different types of actions as well: communities, institutions for
implementation and coordination, civil society and decision makers / local authority;
2. Action plan for capacity building of local communities for their involvement in
conservation (monitoring of beaches and nesting sites, surveys, monitoring of beaches,
awareness);
3. Action plan for monitoring ecological (in two parts: a scientific and rigorous PAR);
4. Action plan for management and fundraising;
5. Proposed new structure for managing the activities of the initiative Sal;
Priority actions
1. Implementation of School-camp training of "expert" local, seasonal activity;
2. Establishment and operation of the Environmental Club, with activities for the whole year,
training of trainers and support schools and colleges of the island;
3. Implementation of the Action Plan announced in close collaboration and coordination
with the head of ecological monitoring;
a. Measures to promote the interactive sharing of information produced between primary
partners, and institutions involved. Particularly effective ways to identify and request
technical support from the authorities to sanction the infringement of the law to better
understand these processes of application and the criminal justice system in Cape Verde.
4. Monitoring activities, monitoring, evaluation and information sharing with partners;
5. Management and planning.
Support activities
6. The activities related to tourism: the nights, the hatchery, the sale of product;
7. Study of economic and social viability of the project Salinas de Santa Maria, with
management based on an association that organizes the population of the settlement in a
common goal to preserve the natural habitat of salt marshes and wildlife, particularly turtles,
supported by the use of sustainable methods its products: the salt and turtles;
24
 
Needs
1. International volunteer specialist support in the actions and strengthen their capacities for
involvement in multinational operations and teams with multicultural;
2. A charge of communication and community animation;
3. Hiring of national staff to staff a communications specialist, to implement a programme of
social communication and innovative development of the Environmental Club, a marine
biologist for monitoring ecological animate the campaigns through the Camp School,
volunteering and involvement of fishing communities and an external technical advisor
(CTE) to pursue and support the strengthening and re-adaptation of proposed action plans
and technical support to work on a participatory approach, interactive media and
engagement of partners, conflict management etc..
4. Measures to promote the institutional sustainability, organizational economics.
Major Risks
The lack of representation within the SOS Tartarugas, limits the impact of their actions. Its
integration into society of Santa Maria is a challenge. In this sense it is suggested that a
joint strategy of working with fishing communities and volunteers, national and international,
drawing on the strengthening of its capabilities. The strong residential tourism and leisure
activities of mass tourism Sal.
Management proposals for a Phase II initiative - consolidation
The initial phase (2008-2009) initiative of Conservation of Sea Turtles of the island of Sal
was animated and performed by two people, Jacquie Cozens & Euclides Gonçalves and
two institutions, SOS Tartarugas and the Câmara Municipal do Sal. Highlighting 70% in
reduction of locally caught in the period. Aiming at the effective involvement of communities
and institutions and effective engagement of local environmental authorities propose
changes in management actions, see Appendices for the proposed management structure.
We propose the following tools: a steering committee, made up of the SOS Tartarugas,
coordination of PCTM-INDP, DDGA and DIMP. This entity has the task of developing
proposals and actions of a strategic nature. Particularly financial management,
reorientation and adjustment of strategic actions aimed at achieving the expected results.
A coordination unit consisting of the leaders of actions to be implemented through three
sections particular section to develop the communication, information and awareness of this
initiative, a section of ecological monitoring and capacity building of communities and local
partners and a section on ensuring and effective operational management and
sustainability of actions.
To integrate communities in the process of decision making we also propose the

involvement of a representative on the Steering Committee and the creation of a committee
of partners (Representatives of the associations involved, plus representatives from Armed
Forces, INDP-Sal, CM - Sal), as the forum for discussion of local problems and
implementing the initiative as medium to receive suggestions and proposals for
improvement.
25
 
Aimed at capacity building, sharing of results, the involvement of all partners in decision
making and shift of the actions we propose a biannual seminar, which should be directed to
the development of conservation recommendations. This activity may be organized in
partnership / synergy with other national or local initiatives (Taola, PCTM-INDP). The
sections have yet to harmonize the actions in the effective operation and development of
facilities the Club / School for Environmental Education, etc. Camp School. We also
propose the creation of a commission of scientific-technical support (PCTM-INDP, SOS-T,
FWS-NOAA-USA, DIMP, a Lawyer, a specialist in Communication). An external assessor to
support the approach, monitoring and evaluating the implementation of concepts related to
integrated management of coastal and co-management is very convenient.
To better develop national and international capabilities, we propose the level of heads of
sections the integration of national and international volunteering, this will also support
capacity building and passage of know-how between both parties.
We also propose to expand the members of SOS Tartarugas including local associations
and other stakeholders in the conservation of marine turtles. A communication plan will be
convenient. This will support the appropriation of the instrument and the actions of local
CTM - Sal
26
 
Monitoring and evaluation
Evaluation tools propose, annual reports, sections, work plans, recommendations of the
CTE, and even internal evaluations (seminars for partners), external evaluation.
27
 
VIII. Literatura
1. PNUD/GEF, 2009; Stakeholder consultation and engagement, SPWA -

Consolidation of Cape Verde’s Protected Areas System; SPWA/PPG- Project phase
GEF-4176, PIMS Project ID: 4176.
2. Merino S. E; Correia S.M;, Diaz Castillo M; Quensière J;, Vanderlinden J-P; 2008.
Community-based Conservation of Marine Turtles: its contribution to coastal
resources management in islands to the Norwest of Barlavento, Cape Verde. Viii
reunião ordinária do concelho cientifico do indp, 6 -7 de novembro de 2008.
3. Nigel Varty and Sonia Elsy Merino, 2007; Integrated Participatory Ecosystem
Management in and Around Protected Areas (Cape Verde Protected Areas Project,
Phase I), Atlas Project Number GEF 12226-7, UNDP, 2226 PIMS # 1382, Cabo
Verde.
4. DGA/INDP, 2007. Sonia Elsy Merino e Albertino Martins. Guia Metodológico para a
Implementação da Estratégia Nacional e Plano de Acção Sobre biodiversidade,
Cabo Verde.
5. DGA, 2009. Relatório Nacional de Actividades da Conservação das Tartarugas de
Cabo Verde em 2008;
6. DGA, 2007. Plano Nacional de Conservação das Tartarugas Marinhas de Cabo
Verde;
7. López-Jurado, L.F., 2001. Estudio sobre la reproducción de la tortuga común
(Caretta caretta) en la República de Cabo Verde. Informe de proyecto Natura 2000.
8. DGMP, 1999. Plano Nacional de Gestão da Orla Costeira de Cabo Verde;
9. INDP, 1998. Estatutos do Instituto Nacional de Desenvolvimento das Pescas de
Cabo Verde;
IX. Anexos
Tabelas
Notas de campo
Relatório resultados analise inquéritos às comunidades
28
 

Engaging Communities On Sal in Conservation (EN)

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INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO DAS PESCAS

English translation of the original

Sonia Elsy Merino

SOS-Tartarugas/SOS- Non governmental organisation working to conserve

PCTM-INDP The marine turtle conservation Project of the

As requested in the context of the institutional partnership of SOS Tartarugas/Câmara

The priority should be interventions, communication, information, awareness, capacity

It is an action of technical support, where the team of biologists PCTM-INDP act as

The sócio-economic structure of the population of Sal is heterogeneous. Formed originally

To obtain results we rely on a rapid assessment of the availability of fishing communities

Expected results of this study

1. Improve understanding of the mentality of the human population of Sal in relation to

The methodological tools were:

Working with communities

Table No. 1. Profile of communities communities and settlements visited

Fishermen Nature Origin Demographics Expectations

Interviews with local authorities and civil society

Table 2 Profile of Institutions

Autori Natureza/Dificuldades Expectativa com o Condições e áreas de

They indicated that it would be important to include a course on environmental education

Results from analysis of surveys of communities

Effectiveness of activities to protect the island of Sal

The greatest potential of the programme is its strong capacity to

Increasing burden of conservation of marine turtles on Sal

The major constraints in implementing protection measures are in Sal:

On the conservation of sea turtles

Communication and Information Awareness

Impunity and lack of consistency in enforcement by the authorities towards offenders

On the sustainability of the actions

VIII. Recommendations, Priorities for a phase II

Future vision of the initiative

Basic principles of intervention

Priority interventions suggested are the following environmental, communication,

Particular effort of communication, information and networking. Directed at three levels:

Logic of interventions Axis

Expected results and indicators

2. Strengthening the capacity of communities to act as local agents of the

3. Management and future sustainability

Management proposals for a Phase II initiative - consolidation

To integrate communities in the process of decision making we also propose the

1. PNUD/GEF, 2009; Stakeholder consultation and engagement, SPWA -

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INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO DAS PESCAS 