As the waves hit the beaches of CaboVerde, they bring not only the beauty of the ocean, but also an urgent warning. Climate change poses a real threat to this archipelago. Although the country contributes little to global warming, its vulnerability is high due to the fragility of its island ecosystems and exposure to climate impacts such as rising sea levels, droughts and extreme weather events. On the other hand, the country’s economy has limited resources, which requires a coordinated and effective response to climate issues in order to maximise synergies and make optimal use of available resources. This includes integrating environmental policies into all sectors of the economy, identifying opportunities for international and regional funding, and promoting public-private partnerships to develop innovative solutions.

In Cabo Verde, where the population depends essentially on tourism, agriculture and fishing, climate change is a devastating reality that affects people’s daily lives. In this context, in addition to the adaptation measures that the country needs to implement, active participation in climate negotiations is crucial to ensure the resilience and sustainable development of the country and the planet.

The upcoming Conferences of the Parties (COP29 and COP30) represent essential opportunities for Cabo Verde to ensure that its concerns and needs are heard globally. At COP29, the focus will be on climate finance, providing a platform for Cabo Verde to seek critical resources for the implementation of its adaptation and mitigation strategies. At COP30, the central discussions will revolve around the adoption of more ambitious mitigation actions through the new generation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Taking advantage of these conferences to highlight the country’s vulnerability and the need for specific support can strengthen Cabo Verde’s position and guarantee international commitments that are truly transformative.

However, the COPs are known for the high number of topics on the agenda, which include, in addition to the issues mentioned above, adaptation to climate change, technology development and transfer, and capacity building and transparency of climate action. These conferences also address crucial issues such as the carbon market, loss and damage mechanisms, the protection of forests and other critical ecosystems and support for the most vulnerable countries. In addition, discussions on climate-resilient agriculture, ocean governance and public-private partnerships for green technology innovation are also part of the COPs’ wide-ranging agendas, reflecting the complexities of climate change.

For developing countries in general, and particularly SIDS, including Cabo Verde, participating in these negotiations is challenging. While developed countries send hundreds of delegates to the COPs, SIDS often manage to send only a small group of representatives. This imbalance puts great pressure on delegates, who need to address a wide range of topics simultaneously. Therefore, Cabo Verde, with a reduced delegation, needs to optimise its presence and influence in the discussions. This is only possible with a clear strategy that focuses efforts on the most critical areas, establishes alliances with other countries and ensures that delegates are well prepared to defend national interests.

It is therefore crucial that Cabo Verde develops a climate negotiation strategy with clear objectives that are aligned with its international commitments. This includes the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which defines the country’s emission reduction targets, and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which aims to strengthen climate resilience. Having clarity on these objectives will allow delegates to defend Cabo Verde’s position firmly and effectively.

However, effective climate action is not an isolated endeavour. Promoting co-operation and solidarity in the negotiation processes must be part of this strategy. Cabo Verde must work together with other SIDS and vulnerable nations to strengthen common positions.

For Cabo Verde, developing a clear and assertive strategy for the climate negotiations is more than a necessity; it is essential for effective participation in the COPs. Through a well-defined approach focused on key priorities, Cabo Verde can maximise the impact of its participation and contribute to the promotion of climate justice. The country can do this by pressurising, in its speeches and interventions, major polluters to adopt more ambitious mitigation targets, in line with a global average temperature increase of no more than 1.5°C. In addition, it should continue to advocate for a climate index that takes into account the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), facilitating access to fair funding for SIDS and pushing for the rapid operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund, through a transparent structure that is accessible to the most vulnerable countries.

Cabo Verde’s climate negotiation strategy should not only be a set of guiding principles, but above all a vital action plan to optimise delegate participation, prioritise relevant topics and maintain clear objectives. In this way, Cabo Verde will be better placed to make a significant contribution at the COPs and protect its interests and the well-being of its population.

Author

Alexandre Nevsky Rodrigues,
Special Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture and Environment