The Cape Verde archipelago is a country used to looking out to sea. In addition to fishing, one of the pillars of its economy, threats of a climate crisis in the form of drought and desertification as well as the solution of desalination also come from the ocean. Its president, José Maria Neves, receives La Vanguardia as part of the Oceans Decade Conference, a United Nations initiative that promotes scientific research and addresses the climate impact on the oceans, from warming to plastic pollution. Neves, familiar with the ebb and flow of the ocean waves that surround his country, warns that the sea needs "solid commitments" from everyone. And the sooner the better.
Cape Verde, with 10% of arable land, is on the front line of the climate crisis. What are your challenges?
For centuries, Cape Verde has suffered from extreme droughts, even with famine and death, but now they are more severe. We have had a severe drought for almost 5 years. And linked to the dramatic water shortage, there is severe soil erosion, in addition to dust storms arriving from the Sahara desert. These phenomena restrict our development.
Is the solution more sea?
I always say that the name Cape Verde is a misnomer, because it is neither a cape nor green, so our future depends essentially on the sea. Faced with increasing desertification, we must produce water from the sea for human consumption, but also for agricultural and livestock production, industries, research or tourism.
When you talk about the climate crisis, you usually look at the land (droughts, fires...), but you point to the oceans. Why are they key in the common fight against climate change?
The poor health of the seas will make the impact of climate change even more painful. Ocean acidification and sea level rise are occurring today, which will be exacerbated by the melting of the Arctic ice. Climate changes will also cause geostrategic changes in the world and changes in the transportation system because non-navigable seas will become navigable seas. And there will be new corridors for the mobility of people and cargo. For Cape Verde, the question has to do with survival. How we fight now will depend on issues such as drought, desertification or the ability to guarantee economic growth and prosperity.
In Barcelona, he asked for "solid commitments" to face the marine challenges. What should be the global response?
The world should be concerned about rising sea levels. But the question is not how it will affect small island states or archipelagos, because it will also impact coastal states or all marine biodiversity. We are depleting the earth's resources, causing profound climate changes such as accelerated warming, sea acidification or the melting of the poles. That is why it is essential that the international community pays attention to the sea because the future of humanity depends on the health of the oceans. The world must make commitments to take care of the oceans so that in the future we can obtain drinking water or produce food. We must be aware of the wealth it provides us.
Last week he met with the Spanish president, Pedro Sánchez. What did they talk about?
To strengthen investments in areas such as the fishing industry, the production of renewable energy or the fight against the climate crisis. But one of the main issues was the idea of desalinizing seawater to combat drought and desertification, which are areas of shared interest. We have experience in Cape Verde: on the islands of Sal or Boa Vista, desalinated water covers 100% of the population's needs. We also have experience in the collection and reuse of waste water. The problem is that these are expensive projects and we need support, not only in technology but in terms of financing. In this matter there could be unique associations between Cape Verde and Spain.
25% of the energy currently produced by Cape Verde comes from renewable sources. Is it the future?
Indeed, and the idea is to reach 50% by 2030, although according to our studies we can produce 40% more of our needs and export some. And we are only talking about solar and wind energy, but we could also have green hydrogen. Cape Verde can be a renewable energy powerhouse.
Species such as tuna will be reduced by 45% in 75 years due to overexploitation. What is the consequence for the world?
This issue is of particular concern to me. The entire fish population is declining drastically and artisanal fishing is becoming increasingly difficult. A strategic plan is needed to ensure the sustainable management of fisheries resources and to better manage the existing fisheries agreements with the European Union.
He also discussed the Sahel with President Sánchez. What can Cape Verde do?
The Sahel corridor suffers from a major problem of terrorism. It played a balancing role in the region, and with the bankruptcy of the Libyan state, weapons and terrorist groups proliferated. In addition, he lost control over migration, because Libya functioned as a migration barrier between Africa and Europe. The solution is to strengthen the defense and security institutions of the countries and to stabilize Libya. Within the framework of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the UN or the African Union, Cape Verde promotes peace and dialogue and works for states to advance in democracy and create strong institutions.
In the Transparency International Corruption Index, Cape Verde ranks 30th out of 180 countries. Spain, in 36...
It is a positive data, which shows that the development of Africa is possible and inclusive political and economic institutions can be created, in addition to putting Africa's resources at the service of Africans if there is a rigorous and transparent management of resources public This is the good news.
You are the son of a single mother. How has growing up surrounded by powerful women influenced your personality and leadership?
It has given me more sensitivity in relation to the issue of gender equality and equity. I have always perceived that men and women have the same rights and are equal. My mother is my hero, she was my mother and my father; it was everything For me at home there was no superman, there was a superwoman.
