Participatory approaches to marine conservation, seaweed valorisation and women’s empowerment in Santiago, Cabo Verde
Event details
Speaker
Edita Magileviciute is a marine biologist, NGO ECOCV, Cabo Verde. Edita has more than 20 years of experience working on projects that range from pure species research (cetaceans, corals, seagrass) to a community development focus on rural ecotourism and waste recycling, to consultations to the government on the management of biodiversity and building strategies for marine protected areas. She works both at the international level and with small island communities. Geographically and culturally, her experience ranges from Honduras to Kenya to UK, Turkey, Romania, Croatia to the Cabo Verde Archipelago.
Abstract
Non-profit organization, Cabo Verdean Ecotourism Association, ECOCV, was created in June 2015 by a group of professionals working in various fields from social development, research and tourism to nature conservation. The main areas of work include:
- development and implementation of a community-based participatory monitoring and conservation for marine and coastal biodiversity on Santiago Island;
- empowerment of ruralwomen and youth through community-based ecotourism, waste management/recycling of plastic and glass, and agroecological practices;
- creation and training of small community-based businesses to strengthen the local blue economy; adaptation to and mitigation of
climate change for coastal communities; - monitoring, awareness-raising, ocean literacy and conservation of blue carbon ecosystems: corals, seagrasses, and rhodoliths; and community based and women-led valorization and management of seaweed.
Following a short overview presentation, this interactive session will begin a conversation to exchange knowledge and practical experience. Discussions will focus on bridging social and environmental aspects for the sustainable development of communities, ensuring a continuous flow of ecosystem services and the overall importance of environment literacy for various different societal
groups.
Refreshments will be served.