Kategorie: News
When Dune Conservation Becomes Reef Conservation
The dune landscapes of Boa Vista are among the most ecologically valuable coastal habitats in the Cape Verde Islands—and are coming under increasing pressure. Illegal encroachment, uncontrolled vehicle traffic, and growing tourism are putting stress on sensitive ecosystems that have evolved over millennia. Without effective protective measures, permanent damage is imminent.
There is still time to act: Despite increasing pressure, many sections of the dunes on Boa Vista remain in a comparatively intact condition. Now is the time to take action—before isolated instances of damage turn into irreversible loss. Although legal protection measures exist, they are not enforced in many places. Among the greatest stressors are:
- Illegal sand mining
- Off-road vehicles driving across the dunes
- Sensitive vegetation trampled by uncontrolled access
- Tourist construction projects in ecologically sensitive zones
- Lack of regulation regarding access to protected areas
Collaboration with Projeto Biodiversidade
For the new pilot project, the organization is collaborating with Projeto Biodiversidade, a partner organization on the neighboring island of Sal that has already gained experience with similar restoration measures. The sister organization, Fundação Tartaruga, participated in a workshop on Sal to adapt the methods tested there for use on Boa Vista.
| Poster: Identifying Sea Turtles The Turtle Foundation is also pleased to announce the release of a new poster on identifying sea turtles. The poster was developed as part of the Ranger Handbook for the projects in Indonesia and is now available for free viewing and download on the Turtle Foundation’s website. https://turtle-foundation.org/de/medien/ressourcen-presseveroeffentlichungen/ |
The project focuses on several objectives:
- Restoration of native vegetation and natural dune formation processes
- Return of the characteristic wildlife to the dune landscape
- Increased resilience of coastal zones to erosion and climate impacts
- Preservation of important ecosystem services
- Nature-friendly tourism instead of unregulated use
The pilot site: Boa Esperança
Morabeza Beach in the Boa Esperança Nature Reserve on the outskirts of Sal Rei serves as the test area. Here, the planned measures are being tested and scientifically monitored over an extended period:
- Cordoning off and fencing sensitive dune areas to prevent off-road traffic
- Propagating and planting native plant species
- Sand-trapping fences to promote natural sand deposition
- On-site information signs
- Regular monitoring of the project area
- Environmental education programs and engagement of the local population
- Coordination with local tourism providers
Dunes do not recover overnight. Initial measures will begin shortly, but real ecological progress will only become apparent over several years. The pilot project aims to provide valuable insights that can be applied throughout Boa Vista in the future—laying the foundation for the long-term protection of a unique coastal landscape that lies right on the doorstep of the reefs, especially for nature lovers who enjoy diving and snorkeling.
Anyone who would like to support this work can make a donation https://turtle-foundation.org/de/spenden/ to help ensure that the dunes of Boa Vista are preserved for the future.