Environment

Cape Verde is one of the countries most affected by drought and desertification, the main form of natural disaster the country is confronted with. Its geographic location in the sahalian region makes the country extremely vulnerable to unexpected climatic changes, with devastating effects on both the economy and the environment and causing a permanent sense of insecurity among the population.

The effects of the drought during the last thirty years have been very severe on the rural populations. Agriculture does not absorb the labor force turned excessive by the lack of rain and in the rural world there are no other employment alternatives, which partly explains the intense migratory flow to urban centers.

To face the consequences of the drought, the Government assures high-intensive labor force public works on an almost permanent basis as a way of guaranteeing the survival of the most-affected populations. Most of the public works are financed using counterpart funds from food aid provided by foreign partners and complemented with the State’s own resources.

A number of environmental problems and trends, such as global warming, ozone layer depletion, inadequate sanitation, poor hygiene, unsafe drinking water and food and inadequate housing, need to be addressed to ensure the health and well-being of children.

Taking into account the best interests of the children, we commit ourselves to implement sound initiatives, goals, strategies and actions with appropriate adaptations to the specific situation of each island and the diverse situations and circumstances in different regions throughout the country.