Africa-Press – Cape verde. The Mayor of São Filipe, Nuías Silva, today highlighted the pride and responsibility of the Fogo/Brava Region in hosting an event of relevance to Cape Verde and the international community.
Nuías Silva, who is also president of the Association of Municipalities of Fogo and Brava, welcomed participants to the 4th Ocean Decade Conference, held under the motto “Uniting knowledge, protecting the seas: ocean science for all.”
According to the mayor, the conference brings together decision-makers, scientists, community leaders, and representatives of national and international organizations on the island and in the Fogo/Brava Region to discuss the future of the oceans and reinforce the commitment to their sustainability.
Nuías Silva emphasized that the event assumes “extreme and strategic importance,” not only for Cape Verde, but also for African, Portuguese-speaking, and European countries.
The choice of Fogo Island, classified as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, was considered by the mayor as “strategic and symbolic,” reinforcing the idea that ocean preservation begins locally but has a global impact.
“This is a unique moment to reinforce our commitment to the sustainability of the oceans, which are a source of life, wealth, and identity for our people,” he stated.
In the days leading up to the conference, from October 2nd to 9th, the islands of Fogo and Brava hosted several pre-events that mobilized local communities around ocean literacy, sustainable practices, science, and culture, the mayor of São Filipe stated at the opening ceremony of the 4th Conference.
According to Nuías Silva, these preparatory activities were fundamental to “strengthening the connection between scientific knowledge and traditional wisdom,” valuing the role of communities in inclusive ocean governance.
During his speech, the mayor emphasized the need to revisit the conclusions of the 3rd Ocean Decade Conference, held on Sal Island, and to evaluate the progress made since then.
Among the main recommendations, he highlighted the need to strengthen understanding of the ocean through education and the use of emerging technologies for ocean research and monitoring, as well as the involvement of local communities in conservation and income-generating activities.
“We want this meeting to be not only a space for inspiration, but also for concrete action, where knowledge comes together to protect our seas and promote the sustainable development of our communities,” emphasized Nuías Silva.
Nuías Silva reaffirmed the Fogo/Brava Region’s commitment to promoting the blue economy, conserving marine resources, and implementing local policies that integrate the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainability.
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