Biosfera's Newsletter - September to December 2024 - EN
EXPEDITION TO SANTA LUZIA
ASSOCIATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE
Graphic Design Christian Morais
Texts Tommy Melo; Nadina Rodrigues; Alberto Queiruga; Jessica Matos; Odair Cardoso; Zuleica Duarte; Stiven Pires; Isabel Fortes; Hércules Sousa
Review Christian Morais e Nathalie Melo
Coordination Odair Cardoso
Photographs Biosfera; Christian Morais/Biosfera; Jessica Matos/Biosfera; Alberto Queiruga/Biosfera; Isabel Fortes/ Biosfera; Nathalie/Biosfera; Zuleica Duarte/Biosfera; Tommy Melo/Biosfera; Odair Cardoso/Biosfera; Nadina Rodrigues/ Biosfera; Madelene Reis; IUCN
@BiosferaCV BiosferaCV geral@biosfera1.com
biosferacv BiosferaCaboVerde
(+238) 231 79 29
984 44 47
982 37 09
5th Street, South of the Cemetery, Sao Vicente, Cabo Verde
SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER
1st capeverdean interisland swim
“When I crossed the canal for the first time in a handmade boat, I was 12 years old at the time. I was really impressed by the deep blue waters, the strength of the waves and the currents that sometimes made the boat look like it had been grabbed by the hands of an invisible giant and wouldn’t move forward a millimeter. In my imagination I saw the various creatures that must circulate in those depths, and that’s when a desire arose within me to overcome that fear and one day merge with that fantastic world. More than 30 years later, I decided that I was in perfect balance between my physical and mental shape, and after training for just one month, I set out to fulfill this long-held desire.
At 10:12 a.m. on November 24, 2024, I launched myself into the sea and throughout the journey I never felt any fear, just a sense of integration into the environment and a healthy effort from all my muscles. My mind was focused on the movements and my imagination danced among the waves trying to idealize the 12-yearold child who had been scared to cross those waters for the first time for over 30 years.
12,580 meters and exactly 5 hours and 6 minutes after I lifted my feet from the sands of Ponta Branca beach in Santa Luzia, they touched white sands again, this time on Boca de Lapa beach, on the island of São Vicente... weighting 4 kilos less, my heart was smiling, and the sea was smiling back at me.”
Tommy Melo Co-founder of NGO Biosfera
CONTENT
2 EXPEDITION TO SANTA LUZIA
5 BIOSFERA WINS FILM CONTEST
6 CONSERVATION GAINS A NEW TOOL
7 A COLLECTIVE IMPACT
8 FROM WASTE TO RESOURCE
9 A SUSTAINABILITY LABEL
10 ORGANIZATIONAL STRENGTHENING OF THE TAOLA+ NETWORK
11 CONNECTIONS ACROSS BORDERS
12 AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE 14 PROTECTING TURTLES
15 URDI GIVES A VOICE TO CABO VERDE’S BIODIVERSITY
EXPEDITION TO SANTA LUZIA
Over the last three years, Biosfera, with financial support from PPI, has implemented this important project in the Santa Luzia Reserve
The project “Sustainable Management and Monitoring of Threatened Species and Vulnerable Ecosystems in the Santa Luzia Reserve” has been completed, along with the implementation of its various activities.
We now present the final results and concerns for the future. One of the main components was the study, protection, conservation and monitoring of various species, both endemic and threatened, present on the island, such as the loggerhead sea turtle, the Raso lark and three species of terrestrial reptiles, with a focus on the Hemidactylus bouvieri, a gecko endemic to the reserve that is critically endangered.
With regard to sea turtles, the results show a stable population with signs of growth, according to the nesting data: 1695 (2022), 5434 (2023) and 6089 (2024). In addition to monitoring, studies have been carried out on the impact of marine debris on the survival rate of chicks and the impact of climate change on nest temperatures.
The monitoring of the Raso lark, following its introduction to the island of Santa Luzia, provided promising data on the status of the critically endangered endemic species, as well as its expansion to different areas of the island. The censuses carried out over the three years showed an increase in the population, far exceeding the project’s initial target of 200 individuals.
The study of terrestrial reptiles has revealed one of the most interesting results: the rediscovery of Hemidactylus bouvieri, a species previously considered almost extinct.
Three populations were identified, with a total of 10 individuals. In the study transects, 2199 individuals of Chionina stangeri and 3736 of Tarentola raziana were counted, resulting in population estimates of 91,126 and 109,145 individuals, respectively.
The second block of activities focused on the ecological restoration of the Achados coastline, with large-scale cleanup campaigns and the first steps of our plastic transformation pilot project. Each year, a major clean-up campaign was coordinated with around 300 volunteers, removing more than 180 tons of marine debris from the nesting areas. In addition, detailed studies were carried out on the origin, types, quantities and rate of return of marine waste to the coast of Achados. With regard to the processing of plastics, the equipment needed for the process was purchased. The container donated by MAERSK was refurbished to house the processing unit, and molds for various products were purchased and presented at local/national markets. In total, 1,200 kg of plastic were collected and processed, of which more than 320 kg were transformed.
The final block of the project focused on raising awareness and involving civil society and the authorities in environmental conservation issues. A citizen science program was developed, with more than 75 students and volunteers actively participating in the conservation and study of the target species. More than 300 people took part in the clean-up campaigns, and various communication and awarenessraising tools were implemented, reaching more than 600 recruits and other social groups.
Although the project is over, we know that these activities will need to continue to be
“Rediscovery of the gecko Hemidactylus bouvieri, 2199 individuals of Chionina stangeri and 3736 of Tarentola raziana.”
implemented and funded in the coming years to further strengthen the results achieved and address their weaknesses.
Monitoring the threats to sea turtle and Raso lark populations, studying the biology and ecology of terrestrial reptile species, research into Hemidactylus bouvieri populations, solutions to the problem of marine waste in Santa Luzia, promoting the recycling and reduction of plastics, strengthening the plastics processing plant and the continued involvement of authorities and civil society in environmental conservation are essential issues for the sustainability of the country’s largest nature reserve.
BIOSFERA WINS FILM CONTEST
Biosfera was the winner of the first edition of the “International Film Festival for Atlantic Climate Action” (FIAC) competition with the documentary “Oasis Submerso”, a production that aims to draw the attention of decision-makers and the national public to the importance of the oceans and the need to preserve our fishing resources.
In addition to taking first place in the FIAC competition, our “Playing With Seabirds animation” came third and we also received two honorable mentions for our marine pollution animations - “How does garbage end up in the sea” and “The importance of the ocean”. This festival was an initiative of the Cinema and Audiovisual Association of Cabo Verde and aimed to raise awareness of climate issues, using films as educational and dynamic tools.
For us - Biosfera - these awards symbolize recognition of our work,
not only in the area of conservation, but also in the area of Communication and our work with schools, especially children, in which we have been looking for new ways and tools over the years to raise awareness and draw everyone’s attention to the importance of conservation and environmental preservation actions in Cabo Verde. It gives us great satisfaction to see our visual content being known as a tool for environmental education in schools and contributing to a change in attitudes and ways of preserving the extraordinary wealth of biodiversity in our country.
A recognition of our work, not only in the area of Conservation, but also in the area of Communication.
Watch documentary
#24ê
CONSERVATION GAINS A NEW TOOL
The main objective of the #IlhasMais (Islands More) Project is to produce the first “Atlas of Cabo Verde’s Breeding Birds”. This atlas will map the distribution and abundance of breeding species in the archipelago, providing essential data for the preservation of habitats and critical areas, as well as supporting the updating of the Red List of Cabo Verde’s Birds.
The initiative aims to empower NGOs in Cabo Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe with technical and organizational skills, promoting sustainable biodiversity management. Before fieldwork began, a training workshop was held in June to align methodologies, divide responsibilities and validate methods with the teams involved in the project.
Field trips to collect data began in September and were scheduled according to the breeding seasons of marine and terrestrial birds: the rainy season (September to December
2024) and the dry season (from March 2025).
Activities in the field included daytime and directed censuses, nocturnal listening to identify species and evidence of nesting based on pre-defined codes in 5km2 squares for each island or islet. Despite the challenges, especially on the mountainous islands, the work covered all the islands and involved the collaboration of several volunteers as well as the NGOs: Terrimar, Projeto Biodiversidade, BiosCV, Fundação Maio Biodiversidade, Lantuna and Projeto Vitó. This collective effort is essential to guarantee the quality and scope of the data collected, strengthening the conservation of Cabo Verde’s breeding birds.
An important tool for the conservation of Cabo Verde’s breeding bird species.
A COLLECTIVE IMPACT
We dedicated another year to the mission of restoring coastal ecosystems through clean-up campaigns. These actions not only provided a safer environment for nesting sea turtles, but also represented a collective initiative of motivation and love for nature, promoting the reduction of marine pollution, especially plastic pollution.
During the year, a series of 9 clean-up campaigns were carried out, bringing together more than 360 volunteers who joined forces, achieving the impressive result of 3.2 tons of garbage removed from the island’s coastal areas, contributing significantly to the recovery of these ecosystems. Most of the waste collected is from the fishing industry, which damages marine ecosystems in various ways before it reaches the shore. In addition to visible waste, such as fishing industry waste, a major challenge is the presence of microplastics in coastal ecosystems. These fragments from the decomposition of plastic materials are easily ingested by various marine
species, causing digestive blockages, poisoning and even the transfer of toxic chemical substances along the food chain, impacting not only animals, but also humans who depend on these ecosystems. Therefore, removing larger pieces of garbage from beaches also helps to minimize the future formation of microplastics.
The participation of local companies, combined with the dedication of their employees, has become necessary to achieve the results of these clean-up campaigns.
More than 360 volunteers joined forces, achieving the impressive result of 3.2 tons of garbage removed from coastal areas.
FROM WASTE TO RESOURCE
The improper disposal of fishing gear, such as nets, lines and hooks, represents a serious environmental problem, impacting marine ecosystems on several fronts. As well as contributing significantly to the amount of macro and microplastics present in the oceans, this waste has the potential to continue “fishing” even after it has been discarded, causing the death of countless marine species.
In Cabo Verde, from waste characterization studies carried out by Biosfera in São Vicente and Santa Luzia, we know that more than half of all the garbage that reaches our beaches comes from the fishing industry, for example: nets, ropes, lines, buoys, traps and 1/2 corresponds to plastic items.
Aware of this problem, Biosfera, in collaboration with local associations such as Simili, Ecobilongo and São Pedro Tour, promoted training in the transformation of fishing nets in the fishing community of São
Pedro, stimulating a creative sense with sustainable practices. During the training, the trainees (both men and women) learned techniques for creating reusable bags and other souvenirs from fishing net waste.
The reuse of abandoned fishing nets promotes a circular economy which, in addition to reducing environmental damage, generates extra income for the families of this community, so that materials once seen as waste become valuable resources, promoting a change in culture.
You’ll soon be able to find these authentic products in the community of São Pedro.
Reusing fishing nets, which end up on our beaches as garbage, to create reusable bags and other souvenirs.
A SUSTAINABILITY LABEL
The “Sustainable from the Sea to the Plate” project is an initiative launched by Biosfera in 2019, which aims to value artisanal fishermen and responsibly caught fish, respecting the standards established by national legislation, by awarding the sustainable fishing label and integrating this fish into the local market and restaurant menus.
Currently, in addition to its implementation in São Vicente by Biosfera, this initiative is being implemented on the islands of Sal and Fogo by the Associação Projeto Biodiversidade and Projeto Vitó, respectively.
A guide has been drawn up, in partnership with BeSafe Group, which contains not only the necessary criteria that restaurants must follow in order to receive the sustainability label, but will also serve as a guideline for the NGOs that are part of the
project, detailing all the necessary steps to be followed.
In October, Biosfera met with representatives of different restaurants in São Vicente to present this guide and understand their position on this initiative to award the sustainability label. We can say that the initiative was very well received and that the restaurants present all agreed to be part of the scheme and join the project.
Finally, it’s worth pointing out that this is a sustainability label only for grouper, which is a species we’ve been working on for the last few years and has management measures in national legislation, but we don’t rule out including other species in this label in the near future.
The label aims to value artisanal fishermen and responsibly caught fish and to integrate this fish into the local market and restaurant menus.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRENGTHENING OF THE
Over the last few years, environmental conservation in Cabo Verde has been equipped with instruments and tools to create synergies between civil society, communities and the country’s government structure. In order to strengthen these synergies, investment has been made in the creation of an environmental conservation network in Cabo Verde called “TAOLA+”, which is currently made up of 14 national environmental NGOs.
As part of the project “Strengthening Citizens’ Organizations for Nature Protection in Island Environments”, funded by the Camões Institute, in coordination with the Portuguese Society for Bird Studies (SPEA), a protocol was signed with the TAOLA+ network which aims to strengthen the network’s institutional and organizational capacity, creating management tools such as a strategic plan, procedures manual and developing exchanges between network members.
TAOLA+ NETWORK
To move forward with the TAOLA+ capacity-building process, in November on the island of Sal, 12 environmental organizations, members of the network, met for three days to discuss and define the main axes and strategic objectives of the network that will guide the next environmental conservation actions in Cabo Verde.
The TAOLA+ strategic plan is a tool that will contribute to a healthy and resilient environment for Capeverdean communities and will be presented to members and partners in the first half of 2025.
We would like to thank the members and partners who have supported the process of organizational and institutional strengthening of the Network, such as: Instituto Camões, PRCM, PPI and CEPF.
The TAOLA+ network is made up of 14 environmental NGOs in Cabo Verde working on a strategic plan that will contribute to a healthy and resilient environment for Capeverdean communities.
CONNECTIONS ACROSS BORDERS
The year 2024 was marked by Biosfera’s presence in the diaspora! Our NGO represented Cabo Verde at the seminar entitled: “Dialogues of Lusophone Youth for the Environment and Climate Justice” at the invitation of the Department of Environmental Education and Citizenship of the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change of Brazil and Redeluso, in the federal capital of Brazil, from November 21 to 25. The main objectives of the seminar were: to promote training and the strengthening of young people; to rebuild the National Plan for Youth and the Environment (PNJMA); and to draw up a letter from Brazilian youth for Climate Justice to be delivered at COP30.
Guinea-Bissau was another destination. With a focus on activities aimed at continuing the organizational support and internal capacity building of the Nindjon association, based on the island of Bubaque, our Director, Nadina Rodrigues Matias, was present from
November 23 to December 1 to support this Guinean association in disseminating the work of the marine pollution and community engagement project developed on the Bijagós islands. Together with the Nindjon board, we met with the Institute for Biodiversity and Protected Areas (IBAP), the Camões Institute, the European Union and the Organization for the Development of Wetlands (ODZH), with the aim of publicizing the work being done and creating financial and technical partnerships for the NGO Nindjon. In the end, we visited the islands of Bubaque and Rubane, meeting the team and the work carried out by the association, where we realized the strong potential of the Nindjon Association in community engagement on the Bijagós islands.
Brazil and Guinea-Bissau were two important diaspora destinations for Biosfera where Environmental Education and Marine Pollution were on the agenda.
AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE
This year, the Shark and Ray Conservation program continued its efforts with the support of RAMPAO in the Santa Luzia Marine Reserve.
The project aimed to improve and understand the biology, ecology and conservation status of sharks and rays, especially the species Blackchin guitarfish (Glaucostegus cemiculus) and the Atlantic weasel shark (Paragaleus pectoralis), which occur in Cabo Verde and especially in the Santa Luzia Marine Reserve.
The main activities included external passive tagging and the Baited Remote Underwater Video System (BRUV), making it possible to improve biological and ecological knowledge of the elasmobranchs present in the Santa Luzia Marine Reserve, as well as investigating habitat use and the importance of Santa Luzia as a nursery.
More than just improving and understanding the biology, ecology and conservation status of sharks and rays in Cabo Verde, the project has an international impact from the IUCN reports.
After 20 years, the IUCN, together with 353 authors from 115 countries, has developed the Global Report on the State of Conservation of Sharks, Rays and Chimeras. And for the first time Cabo Verde had a chapter in this report.
This is particularly important for endemic and threatened species, such as the endemic Cape Verde Skate, the endangered Atlantic Weasel Shark (a species endemic to West Africa), or the critically endangered Blackchin guitarfish, which are the main targets of Biosfera’s research. For them research into all aspects must be intensified, including basic biology and important habitats.
This report becomes the first document to highlight the importance of sharks and rays for Cabo Verde, their importance for protection and conservation, as well as demonstrating the current governance framework, current protection policies and how they are being applied, and suggesting new governance and protection policies based on knowledge, research and science.
PROTECTING TURTLES
For the second time, in two years, Biosfera set up the hatchery on Salamansa beach, São Vicente island, to relocate unprotected sea turtle nests. 80 nests were relocated from July to September and a total of 5763 eggs were laid, with an average of 73 eggs per nest. We released more than 4,000 turtles, including those from the hatchery and others found disoriented on the beaches. On average, the nests had a hatching success rate of 71.76%.
As well as protecting the nests from possible threats in their natural habitat, the hatchery also serves the purpose of environmental education. Many people, both national and international, have taken part in the excavations.
The work to protect and monitor sea turtles on São Vicente and Santa Luzia went very well, thanks to the great involvement of volunteers and partners.
On both islands we carried out a temperature variation study. On the island of São Vicente we placed 8 temperature loggers, 4 in the shade and 4 in the sun, to record temperature variations. On Santa Luzia we placed 14 temperature loggers, both in the sun, with the temperature variation mainly between 21 and 41 days (above 30º). It is possible that the majority of the hatchlings were females, since it is the temperature of the sand that determines the sex of the sea turtles.
Overall, the balance of the season was positive, but we must highlight the high number of dog attacks on sea turtles this year.
A season marked by good results in terms of monitoring sea turtles, but we must highlight the large number of dog attacks on beaches.
URDI GIVES A VOICE TO CABO VERDE’S BIODIVERSITY
In its 9th edition, the URDI craft fair, which takes place in São Vicente, once again brought together artisans from various parts of the country. With the motto “Reinterpretation of Matter”, the event highlighted creativity and sustainability, valuing the use of recycled materials and the transformation of resources into unique pieces of art.
Biosfera was invited to participate in the fair, an opportunity to present the results of our work in recycling and transforming plastic into new utensils such as chairs, keychains, tables, glasses and several other objects. So our stand was dedicated to presenting pieces made from recycled plastic, showing the potential of reusing waste and how discarded materials can be converted into useful items for our daily lives. Furthermore, during the fair, our team raised awareness among visitors about the importance of preserving the oceans, the need to use plastic correctly, the importance of recycling and, last but not least, we
addressed the impacts that plastics cause to marine ecosystems and species.
The reusable bags of the Sako Dayo initiative were also presented, a brand of reusable alternatives, which aims to combat the use of single-use (disposable) products and contribute positively to the fight against plastic pollution in Cabo Verde. Based on circular economy principles, Sako Dayo’s mission is to give new life to waste that would otherwise end up in the trash, as well as to promote the adoption of more sustainable habits and behaviors by citizens.
This craft fair was an opportunity to present the results of our work in recycling and transforming plastic into new utensils and to promote more sustainable habits and behaviors among citizens.
New audiovisual materials to reinforce awareness-raising actions
Biosfera, as part of its environmental education plan, developed four animated videos with the aim of raising awareness among children about the problem of ocean pollution. This project was supported by the 11th Hour Racing Team and the French Embassy in Cabo Verde.
In these videos, we present the mascot Tico, a doll created from different types of garbage discarded at sea. Through his adventures, we illustrate the serious problems that marine litter causes in ecosystems, both marine and terrestrial.
Continuing this strategy, and in the context of our sea turtle protection program, we have developed two additional animations that highlight the life cycle of turtles, the threats they face until adulthood and the risks they face when nesting on our beaches.
With these animations, we want to convey to young people the importance of adopting responsible behavior, valuing marine ecosystems and preserving species. The change we desire starts with each one of us.
