Municipalities in Cabo Verde are taking concrete and structured steps in response to climate change through the development and approval of Local Climate Action and Sustainable Energy Access Plans (PLACs/SEACAPs). These strategic instruments, now finalised and published on the Climate Portal, are positioned as key pillars for local sustainable development, with particular emphasis on the municipalities of Boa Vista, Brava, Mosteiros and Ribeira Brava.
More than technical documents, PLACs/SEACAPs serve as true roadmaps for action. They define concrete mitigation and adaptation measures to address climate change, while also promoting access to sustainable energy. With clear targets, defined timelines and assigned responsibilities, these plans enable the transformation of commitments into real and measurable interventions on the ground.
A local response to a global challenge
As a Small Island Developing State, Cabo Verde faces high vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. Phenomena such as prolonged droughts, water scarcity, intense rainfall, flooding, rising temperatures and pressure on natural resources pose significant challenges to the country’s development.
In this context, municipalities play a central role in designing solutions tailored to local realities. The approval of the PLACs/SEACAPs, under the Climate Action Programme, represents an important milestone in defining integrated and sustainable responses to these challenges.
Strategic planning with tangible impact
The plans make it possible to identify sources of greenhouse gas emissions, assess specific vulnerabilities and define investment priorities in key areas such as renewable energy, sustainable mobility, energy efficiency and sustainable water management.
In addition, they contribute to strengthening the technical and institutional capacity of municipalities and promote an integrated approach across sectors, ensuring greater coherence and effectiveness in the implementation of public policies.
Pilot projects underway
The implementation of PLACs/SEACAPs is already translating into concrete initiatives across the municipalities:
- Boa Vista: regeneration of salt pans and creation of climate shelters
- Brava: protection against landslides in Furna and integration of the Climate House into the maritime terminal
- Mosteiros: promotion of sustainable fisheries management and valorisation of marine resources
- Ribeira Brava (São Nicolau): wildfire prevention in Monte Gordo Natural Park and introduction of 100% electric public transport for social purposes
National alignment and access to climate finance
PLACs/SEACAPs also play a key role in aligning local policies with national strategies and international commitments, particularly the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
By structuring priorities and actions clearly, these plans facilitate access to climate finance, enabling municipalities to mobilise resources to implement sustainable and resilient solutions.
Participatory governance and collective mobilisation
Beyond their technical dimension, PLACs/SEACAPs stand out as tools for good governance. Their development and implementation involve multiple stakeholders — local communities, municipal authorities, the private sector and international partners — fostering more participatory, inclusive and effective climate action.
A sustainable path forward
In summary, PLACs/SEACAPs represent a significant step forward in how Cape Verde addresses climate challenges at the local level. These plans:
- translate commitments into concrete actions
- strengthen community resilience
- accelerate the energy transition
- facilitate access to climate finance
- promote more sustainable and inclusive development
Through this initiative, Cape Verdean municipalities demonstrate leadership and commitment in building a more resilient, sustainable future adapted to global challenges.