Eco Education Project – Cape Verde

The Republic of Cape Verde consists of 10 islands (9 inhabited), located about 375 miles off the western coast of Africa, opposite Mauritania and Senegal. It is part of the Sahelian arid belt, and suffers from scant rainfall and limited fresh water.

Cape Verde has considerable underground reserves of water, but extraction has proved extremely costly.

Farming is the main economic activity. However, the country has few natural resources, and 80 to 90% of all food consumed has to be imported.

Cape Verde is susceptible to deforestation and desertification due to the demand for wood to be used for fuel. It is subject to the effects of climate change and to extreme weather.

There are concerns that tourism poses a threat to the local environment, including the rich marine life. Cape Verde is an important nesting site for loggerhead turtles and humpback whales feed in the islands' waters.

Environmental damage has threatened several species of birds and reptiles. Illegal beach sand extraction and overfishing are additional environmental concerns.

The environmental education plan will include three trainings for teachers. Of primary importance to Water Charity is one entitled Health, Hygiene and the Environment.

Additional trainings will be entitled Climate Change, Biodiversity and Local Ecosystems, and Reusing “Trash” for Educational Materials.

Although most of the projects we are involved in are more direct and hardware-oriented, we recognize the multiplier effect that can be achieved through education and training. In the segment entitled Educating EcoEducators, professors will be taught using innovative teaching methods, which will reinforce their knowledge base of global and local environmental and health concerns.

In addition, students will be motivated by EcoContests to think creatively about environmental issues. This will allow teachers an opportunity to put new teaching skills to practice.

There is important community and school collaboration, which has yielded the contribution of space for trainings, expertise to lead training sessions and assistance in organizing the EcoContests and getting prizes donated.

The municipal government will provide posters, other publicity materials, and transportation costs. In addition, it will fund an Earth Day Celebration where teachers and students will exhibit their new knowledge and work.

Project funds will be used for training supplies and to facilitate student participation.

You can designate your desire that your donation be used for this project and other Projects in Cape Verde by clicking on the Donate button below.