Strengthening local climate action planning

Cabo Verde is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Strengthening climate governance is therefore crucial, both at the national and local levels. On 8 May, the Green Climate Fund approved the readiness proposal for the National Adaptation Plan, aiming to develop and implement Local Climate Action Plans. Promoted by the Cape Verdean government with the support of the Luxembourg Cooperation via the Climate action programme, these tools are being implemented by municipal councils and committed stakeholders, offering a local response to climate challenges through integrated measures to reduce emissions, adapt to climate change and ensure fair access to sustainable energy.

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges to Cabo Verde’s sustainable development, with increasingly visible impacts at the local level. Its geographical location, insularity and high socio-economic vulnerability expose the country to increased risks such as prolonged droughts, heavy rains, landslides, heat waves and coastal erosion. These climate phenomena directly affect livelihoods, compromise food security, threaten critical infrastructure and weaken natural ecosystems, deepening existing inequalities.

In this context, strengthening local climate adaptation is both a strategic and urgent priority. However, the response remains constrained by gaps in planning, institutional capacity, data generation and sharing, monitoring mechanisms, and private sector involvement. These limitations weaken climate governance and hinder the development of sustainable, inclusive, and fair solutions, particularly for the most vulnerable communities.

In this context, on 8 May 2025, the Green Climate Fund approved the readiness proposal for the National Adaptation Plan for a duration of 24 months and an amount of $3M.

This readiness proposal aims to strengthen local adaptation to climate change by developing Local Climate Action Plans and raising awareness. These tools will ensure that all municipalities – and therefore the entire territory – are covered by local climate planning and have prioritised actions to enhance climate resilience and promote greenhouse gas mitigation.

The proposal also focuses on enhancing institutional synergies, improving access to climate and territorial data, and promoting private sector engagement – all contributing to sustainable, inclusive and community-driven local resilience, in line with the strategic framework of the National Adaptation Plan.

Local Climate Action Plans are far more than technical documents. They are strategic tools grounded in local realities, designed to lead Cabo Verde’s municipalities towards a sustainable, low-carbon and climate-resilient future. Each plan represents a firm commitment to people’s well-being, charting a course that combines climate ambition with social and economic development.

Acting as roadmaps, these plans shape the local response to climate challenges through integrated measures for greenhouse gas emissions reduction, adaptation and the promotion of fair access to sustainable energy. Led by municipal councils and local stakeholders actively engaged in the energy and climate transition, they are grounded in rigorous technical assessments and inclusive dialogue, reflecting the voices and knowledge of local communities, municipal experts and institutional stakeholders.

With the pilot municipalities of Brava, Mosteiros, Praia, Boa Vista and Ribeira Brava joining the Covenant of Mayors for Sub-Saharan Africa, Cape Verdean municipalities are taking bold and forward-looking leadership. This regional alliance connects them to a broad network of African cities committed to tackling climate risks through innovation, cooperation and resilience. It gives them access to specialised technical assistance and international financing mechanisms, accelerating climate solutions that are rooted in local realities and backed by global support.

The Climate action programme, promoted by the Cape Verdean government with the support of the Luxembourg Cooperation, has supported the development of four Local Climate Action Plans: those of Brava, Mosteiros, Boa Vista and Ribeira Brava de São Nicolau. For the first time, a gender-sensitive perspective has been integrated, marking an important step towards more inclusive and equitable climate governance.

These plans involve all levels of governance, as well as the private sector, civil society and citizens. They were unanimously approved by their respective municipal assemblies. The municipalities of Praia and Ribeira Grande de Santiago also have their plans in place, thus further expanding the reach of local climate action.

The Climate action programme is funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.