RTP África recently broadcast an episode of a documentary mini-series dedicated to the BIOTUR – Biodiversity and Tourism Project in Cape Verde, an initiative that has played a key role in integrating biodiversity conservation into tourism planning and development. The series, composed of several thematic episodes, revisits the work carried out under the project and highlights its contribution to a more sustainable and differentiated tourism model in the country.
The episode includes an intervention by Giacomo Cozzolino, SETIN associate consultant, within the framework of the technical support provided to the Cape Verdean National Directorate of Environment. His participation reflects SETIN’s involvement in institutional strengthening processes and technical assistance activities aimed at integrating biodiversity considerations into public policies and tourism sector practices.
The BIOTUR Project was implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment through the National Directorate of Environment, with co-financing from the Global Environment Facility, the United Nations Development Programme and the Government of Cape Verde. The project’s core objective was to integrate biodiversity conservation into tourism planning and operations at both national level and in priority islands, namely Boa Vista, Santiago, Sal and Maio.
Recognising tourism as the main driver of the Cape Verdean economy, the project addressed the increasing pressure on terrestrial and marine ecosystems by promoting approaches that reconcile economic competitiveness, environmental protection and territorial value creation. In this context, BIOTUR focused on strengthening the management of protected areas, promoting sustainable tourism standards and practices, and ensuring the active involvement of local communities as a central element of long-term sustainability.
SETIN’s contribution to this process is embedded in a technical approach oriented towards policy integration, institutional capacity strengthening and the promotion of sustainable solutions aligned with international standards and best practices. The rebroadcast of this documentary series by RTP África reinforces the continued relevance of the BIOTUR project, highlighting the importance of development models that coherently integrate tourism, biodiversity and environmental governance.
👇Access the full episode here:
https://www.rtp.pt/play/p15562/e893659/biotur-biodiversidade-e-turismo-de-cabo-verde
