Deadline: 16-Mar-2026
The European Commission is funding civil society organizations in Cape Verde to promote sustainable and inclusive nature tourism, protecting biodiversity while generating income and employment for local communities. With a total budget of EUR 1,300,000, grants range from EUR 310,000 to EUR 325,000, prioritizing projects in coastal and marine protected areas that engage women, youth, fishing communities, and vulnerable populations.
Programme Overview
The European Commission seeks to strengthen civil society organizations (CSOs) as key actors in inclusive, sustainable, and community-engaged nature tourism in Cape Verde. This initiative contributes to democratic governance, sustainable development, and the EU Global Gateway priorities, especially in the blue economy sector.
The programme emphasizes:
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Protection of coastal and marine areas
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Implementation of participatory and co-management models
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Preservation of biodiversity
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Generation of income and decent work opportunities for youth, women, rural populations, fishing communities, and vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities
Why It Matters
Cape Verde’s fragile ecosystems, endemic species, and high-value natural landscapes require careful management. Tourism, a major pillar of the economy, carries sustainability risks if unmanaged. By funding CSO-led initiatives, the programme ensures:
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Responsible and equitable nature tourism models
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Conservation of biodiversity and protected areas
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Local economic benefits for communities
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Strengthened civil society engagement in policy and governance
Funding Details
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Total indicative allocation: EUR 1,300,000 (combining EU 2025 and 2026 budgets)
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Grant amount per project: EUR 310,000 – EUR 325,000
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Eligible applicants: Civil society organizations with capacity to implement large-scale sustainable tourism initiatives
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Contracting authority discretion: Not all funds may be allocated depending on proposal quality and alignment
Project Priorities
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Inclusive Nature Tourism
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Promote tourism that benefits local communities and vulnerable populations
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Support employment opportunities and professional development in coastal and marine sectors
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Environmental Protection
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Protect terrestrial and marine ecosystems
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Preserve biodiversity in protected and emerging areas
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Align with UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and global environmental conventions
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Participatory Governance
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Reinforce co-management models
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Promote CSO engagement in policy dialogue and service delivery
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Territorial Focus
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Priority to clearly defined areas, preferably single islands or functional island groups
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Balanced territorial coverage for equitable distribution of benefits
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Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
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Civil society organizations active in Cape Verde
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Organizations capable of implementing sustainable and inclusive nature tourism projects
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Initiatives that prioritize women, youth, fishing communities, rural populations, and vulnerable groups
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Projects focused on coastal, marine, or protected areas
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Applicants able to demonstrate measurable local and territorial impact
How to Apply
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Confirm Eligibility: Ensure the organization is a registered CSO in Cape Verde and has the capacity to implement the project.
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Define Scope: Prepare a project focused on sustainable nature tourism with clear environmental and community outcomes.
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Territorial Definition: Identify a clearly defined area for impact, preferably within a single island or functional island group.
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Prepare Proposal: Include a detailed work plan, budget within EUR 310,000 – EUR 325,000, and anticipated benefits.
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Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrate collaboration with local communities, private sector, and other civil society actors.
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Submit Application: Follow EU submission guidelines and deadlines.
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Evaluation: Proposals will be assessed on alignment with programme priorities, territorial impact, sustainability, and inclusivity.
Common Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
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Avoid overly broad multi-island proposals without clear local focus
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Highlight measurable community and environmental impacts
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Ensure project benefits include women, youth, and vulnerable populations
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Avoid projects unrelated to tourism, biodiversity, or protected area management
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Demonstrate capacity for effective governance and co-management
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for this funding?
Civil society organizations active in Cape Verde with experience in sustainable nature tourism and community engagement.
2. What is the total budget for this call?
EUR 1,300,000, with individual grants ranging from EUR 310,000 to EUR 325,000.
3. Are multi-island projects eligible?
Yes, but priority is given to projects focused on a clearly defined territory, preferably a single island or island group.
4. Which communities should projects target?
Youth, women, fishing communities, rural populations, and vulnerable groups including persons with disabilities.
5. What types of areas are prioritized?
Coastal and marine protected areas, emerging protected areas, and territories where biodiversity and ecosystem conservation is critical.
6. Does the programme support economic development?
Yes, through inclusive nature tourism that generates income, decent work, and professional opportunities for local communities.
7. How will proposals be evaluated?
Proposals are assessed based on alignment with programme priorities, territorial focus, environmental and social impact, sustainability, and inclusivity.
Conclusion
This programme empowers civil society to develop sustainable and inclusive tourism models that protect Cape Verde’s biodiversity, support economic opportunities, and strengthen governance. By fostering locally rooted, community-engaged projects, the European Commission ensures equitable benefits, long-term ecosystem preservation, and stronger civil society participation in the blue economy.
For more information, visit EC.