Cabo Verde’s climate action planning at local level

Context

Cabo Verde, a small island country composed of 10 islands and 22 municipalities, faces increasing climate threats such as rising sea levels, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather events. These risks affect essential sectors such as water, agriculture, health, and infrastructure, and disproportionately impact vulnerable communities. While national climate strategies are in place, local authorities often lack the tools, data, and capacity to respond effectively. This project addresses these gaps by strengthening local climate planning, improving coordination between national and municipal levels, and empowering communities to participate actively in climate action. It builds on previous efforts and ensures that climate resilience reaches all parts of the country.

Objectives

The project aims to make climate adaptation a reality at the local level. It supports the development of Local Climate Action Plans in 16 municipalities, helping them identify risks, set priorities, and design solutions tailored to their specific vulnerabilities. It builds the capacity of municipal staff, civil society, and private sector actors to plan, implement, monitor and report on climate actions. It also improves data systems and monitoring tools to track progress and inform decision-making. By connecting local efforts with national strategies, the project ensures that climate resilience is inclusive, effective, and sustainable. It promotes a just transition, leaving no community is behind, and enabling climate action to contribute to social inclusion and poverty reduction.

Beneficiaries

Direct beneficiaries include municipal governments, local institutions, civil society organisations, youth, women, children, people with disabilities, universities, and private sector actors. These groups gain access to training, planning tools, and platforms for participation. The project also strengthens the role of local NGOs and community-based organisations in shaping climate policies. Indirectly, all Cabo Verdeans benefit from improved climate services, stronger local governance, and more resilient communities.

Target geographical area

The project covers 16 of Cabo Verde’s 22 municipalities, selected for their climate vulnerability and strategic importance. Nevertheless, capacity-building activities include all municipalities to ensure national coverage and equity. This approach ensures that lessons learned and tools developed are shared across the country, reinforcing national climate resilience.

Stakeholders

The project is implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, in partnership with Cabo Verde’s Ministry of Finance, the National Secretariat for Climate Action, and key ministries. It engages local authorities, civil society, youth and disability associations, universities, and the private sector. 

Strategic partners include the National Association of Municipalities, the Chambers of Commerce and Tourism, and international organisations such as the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization.