Nature-based solutions encompass strategies aimed at mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events and the associated risks, while harmoniously integrating human activities with the natural environment. Avenida 5 de Julho in Plato de Praia is an example of a nature-based solution. Because urban forests have enormous significance for urban development and climate resilience.
The Climate Action Program of the National Directorate for the Environment, with the support of Luxembourg Cooperation, is implementing an approach focused on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to combat the challenges of climate change.
The project lasted six months, running from September 2023 to February 2024, with the main objective of identifying NBS to reduce climate vulnerability and improve the resilience of the populations and ecosystems most affected by the climate.
The study focused on five pilot municipalities, defined in the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) for having risk maps – Praia, Mosteiros, Brava and Ribeira Brava, and for having a Coastal Zone Management Plan (POOC) – Boa Vista.
The project began with a comprehensive review of Cape Verde’s climate situation and the identification of relevant potential NBS for each target municipality. Field missions in the five pilot municipalities were carried out with interviews and dialogues with relevant stakeholders such as municipal councils, civil society organizations and fishermen’s and farmers’ associations, among others.
The aim was to validate and complement the information gathered, resulting in detailed municipal profiles available on the Cape Verde Climate Portal. During a working session in Praia on February 15, the results were presented and validated, promoting a constructive dialog with reactions and comments to further refine the strategies. In addition, the study developed some recommendations on improvements in terms of risk analysis and methodologies for defining adaptation options to climate change, in the integration of SbN into municipal plans and policies
This collaborative effort culminated in the preparation of reports and summaries that were presented to the National Directorate for the Environment and consequently shared on the Cape Verde Climate Portal. With a holistic and nature-based approach, we are leading the way in the fight against climate change, standing out as an example of innovation and resilience for other regions facing similar challenges.
Working session for the presentation and validation of the study in Praia, on February 15
NBS gained more traction in the late 2000s, receiving support from the World Bank and the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The evolution of NBS has transformed it into a globally recognized approach, covering ecosystem restoration, infrastructure projects and ecosystem-based management, among others. This innovative approach aims to align adaptation and mitigation actions with natural resources, promoting long-term sustainability.
For each of the pilot municipalities, SbN have been identified, such as:
Boa Vista
1. Rainwater collection
The municipality of Boa Vista faces water scarcity problems, and rainwater harvesting helps to solve this problem by providing an additional source of water for agricultural and domestic use.
2. Sustainable drainage systems
Water management concerns are addressed through the implementation of ecological drainage systems that incorporate vegetation and natural processes to control runoff. It is contributing to the availability of water for agricultural and domestic purposes.
3. Creation of cool centres/shelters
It is thought out strategically, promoting small-scale green spaces in urban areas, contributing to biodiversity and climate resilience, especially in Boa Vista which suffers from the urban heat island effect.
4. Protection/reforestation with native species
Preserves natural ecosystems, ensuring the conservation of biodiversity and supporting ecosystem services.
5. Artificial reefs
Like “Baliza” or “Jangada”, an SbN identified during the fieldwork, artificial reefs create environments conducive to the growth of small ecosystems, supporting sustainable fishing, and improve marine biodiversity.
6. Gabions (walls) with vegetation
They function as dikes and terraces using wire cages filled with stones or other materials, promoting soil stabilization and preventing erosion, similar to a solution identified during the fieldwork called “fences with date palm branches”.
7. Acacia wood fences
Similar in concept to the fences with date palm branches used locally for protection, these acacia fences present an adaptable solution for preserving the dunes, contributing to the resilience of the ecosystem.
8. Protection strips and hedges
Building living barriers in coastal areas with date palms, coconut palms and other plants not only controls the flow of water, but also protects against erosion caused by wind and sea. These natural barriers promote biodiversity and habitat connectivity, contributing to soil stability and benefiting marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Support documents
Brava
1. Agroecology and agroforestry
These practices maximize water efficiency, promote biodiversity conservation and increase agricultural productivity. This approach not only addresses soil conservation, but also aligns with ongoing efforts on Brava to harness cloud moisture collection, sustainable grazing.
2. Rainwater collection
3. Resilient pastures
This involves the management of pasture areas to increase resilience against droughts induced by climate change. This initiative aims to transition from free grazing to controlled grazing, protecting the fragile Brava ecosystem and improving livestock yields. The project includes the development of a sustainable grazing management plan and the promotion of fodder production techniques using indigenous and local species.
4. Organic farming
This approach improves soil health, reduces environmental impact and increases biodiversity. Aligned with local preferences for sustainable and resilient agriculture, organic farming contributes to overall ecological health and can offer economic benefits by increasing the market value of organic products.
5. Sediment collection ponds
The sediment capture ponds, implemented at Brava, capture runoff to prevent soil erosion and improve water quality.
6. Protection/ conservation of native forests
7. Sustainable drainage systems
8. Collection of water from clouds
The island of Brava is mountainous, which favours the creation of clouds. The aim is to create a mechanism that retains some of the moisture from the clouds that pass over the high parts of the island. Condensed, the moisture turns into water.
9. Creation of cool centres/shelters
Support documents
Mosteiros
1. Rainwater collection
2. Protection/ conservation of native forests
3. Diversification of tree species
This approach increases adaptability to changing climatic conditions, offering a more robust response to potential threats. Diversification of tree species not only supports climate resilience but also enriches the local environment by providing various products and services.
4. Community gardens
By integrating composting and waste recycling into local gardening practices, this SbN addresses the challenges of waste production. Not only does it produce sustainable and local food, but it also promotes community involvement, creating a symbiotic relationship between waste reduction and agriculture.
5. Creation of cool centres/shelters
6. Artificial reefs
7. Groundwater replenishment
Groundwater recovery/recharge involves implementing measures to increase groundwater recharge, such as protecting recharge areas and reducing water extraction. It addresses water scarcity concerns and is particularly beneficial for agriculture and renewable energy.
Support documents
Praia
1. Bio-swales and rain gardens
Bio-swales and rain gardens are essential for urban development as they act as natural drainage systems, helping to manage rainwater run-off and prevent flooding. They improve water quality by filtering out pollutants, contributing to sustainable urban water management.
2. Green avenues
Green avenues contribute significantly to urban development, creating tree-lined streets that provide shade, aesthetic value and better air quality. They improve the overall environmental quality of urban areas, contributing to a sustainable and resilient urban landscape.
3. Permeable sidewalks
Permeable sidewalks help to meet the challenges of urban development by reducing runoff and effectively managing rainwater. They allow rainwater to infiltrate, mitigating flood risks and promoting sustainable water management.
4. Green roofs
Extensive green roofs contribute to urban development by providing insulation, reducing heat islands and managing rainwater. They improve environmental quality and promote biodiversity in urban areas.
5. Creation of cool centres/shelters
6. Natural playgrounds
Natural playgrounds integrate play areas with natural elements, promoting children’s environmental awareness. They contribute to sustainable urban development by providing recreational spaces with ecological benefits.
7. Sustainable drainage systems
Support documents
Ribeira Brava
1. Protection strips and hedges
2. Sustainable drainage systems
3. Rainwater collection
4. Crop diversification and rotations
Implementing diversified and rotating crops in Ribeira Brava’s agriculture can improve soil health, reduce pest pressures and improve overall agricultural sustainability. Agriculture, a key sector in Ribeira Brava, benefits from greater resilience and productivity, contributing to both agriculture and renewable energy.
5. Organic farming
6. Groundwater replenishment
7. Agroforestry for soil conservation
Agroforestry integrates trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes, increasing biodiversity, preventing soil erosion and improving overall soil health. In Ribeira Brava, this approach can benefit both agriculture and nature conservation.
8. Creation of cool centres/shelters
Support documents
Municipal Profile: Ribeira Brava
Author
Pedro Malheiro,
Junior Technical Assistent, Ação Climática Program