Fogo and Maio Gain EU Push to Expand Inclusive Nature Tourism in Cabo Verde

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Cabo Verde, Fogo, Maio, Santo Antão and São Nicolau islands are pioneering in promoting sustainable and inclusive nature tourism by virtue of €1.3 million from the European Union for civil society project development, which helps in protecting areas, preserving biodiversity and earning economic returns. The program aims at promoting tourism that involves the participation of tourists in coastal and marine environments, rural communities, and the natural heritage of the archipelago. The EU has recently announced about its 2026 call for proposals in the month of January with the view that civil societies should come up with programs related to sustainable and inclusive nature tourism. The expected outcome of the program is to have projects that involve coastal and marine protected area co-management, biodiversity conservation and generation of incomes for the youth, women, fishing communities and rural communities. Local organisations get the opportunity to participate in tourism product development through environmental management. This program is for the period of 24-36 months while the individual grant ranges from €310,000 to €325,000.

Protected Areas Become Tourism Assets

Cabo Verde’s nature tourism offer extends well beyond its established beach destinations. Mountain landscapes, volcanic terrain, protected ecosystems, coastal habitats and community traditions provide a wide range of experiences for visitors looking for hiking, wildlife, cultural encounters and lower-impact travel.

The new EU funding specifically calls for the co-management of coastal and marine protected areas in cooperation with Cabo Verdean environmental authorities. It also includes measures for the conservation and regeneration of marine and coastal ecosystems.

For travellers, this approach can support a wider range of guided experiences. Nature-based excursions, community tourism, conservation activities and locally managed visitor services can become part of itineraries that move beyond conventional resort stays.

The initiative also includes support for innovation, quality processes and digitalisation in nature tourism. These elements can help local operators present protected landscapes and community experiences to visitors through more structured tourism products.

Fogo Connects Volcanic Landscapes With Community Tourism

Fogo has already become an important location for EU-supported sustainable tourism activity. The Destino Fogo project, funded with €950,000 and running from 2023 to 2026, is designed to strengthen sustainable tourism in protected areas while increasing the participation of local communities and civil society organisations.

The project includes efforts to diversify the island’s ecotourism offer, with women, young people and other groups participating in tourism development. It also supports work towards a co-management model for protected areas.

Fogo is one of Cabo Verde’s two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, alongside Maio. UNESCO identifies the island as the archipelago’s youngest and only volcanically active island, with its highest point reaching 2,829 metres.

For travellers, the island provides a distinctive combination of volcanic landscapes, rural communities, agricultural heritage and outdoor activities. Its protected-area status adds an environmental dimension to experiences around the island.

Maio Brings Marine Nature Into the Visitor Experience

Maio provides a different nature tourism proposition. Its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve covers the entire island and surrounding marine zone, incorporating protected landscapes, natural reserves, beaches and marine ecosystems.

The reserve is particularly relevant to coastal and marine tourism. UNESCO records turtles, cetaceans, seabirds, marine reptiles and other wildlife within the reserve, while local livelihoods include tourism, agriculture, salt production and handicrafts.

Tourism projects on Maio have also focused on community participation and youth development. Earlier EU-supported initiatives included a €3 million contribution to the Maio 2025 territorial development programme, with activities covering youth entrepreneurship, environmental conservation and the integration of local communities into the island’s tourism economy.

This creates opportunities for visitors to combine beaches with community-based experiences, cultural activities, nature excursions and local products.

Santo Antão and São Nicolau Expand Ecotourism Routes

Santo Antão and São Nicolau are also included in the EU’s wider sustainable tourism portfolio. The ECORAIZES project, funded with €900,000 for 2023–2027, focuses on ecotourism, community participation and income generation in protected areas on both islands.

The project supports additional tourism infrastructure and services while strengthening environmental conservation and the capacity of civil society organisations. It also includes environmental awareness activities involving residents and visitors.

Santo Antão is particularly suited to hiking and rural travel, with mountain valleys, agricultural landscapes and traditional settlements providing a different experience from Cabo Verde’s beach-oriented resorts.

Nature Tourism Gains a Broader Local Focus

The most recent effort by the EU puts the community right at the heart of nature tourism development in Cabo Verde. The prioritised areas in terms of funds allocation would include community tourism, social entrepreneurship and local value chain, thus making the direct link between tourists’ expenditure, job opportunities and conservation of the protected area. That way tourists visiting Cabo Verde will have the opportunity to explore the islands of Fogo, Maio, Santo Antão and São Nicolau not only through volcanoes and mountains but also through marine ecosystems, cultural heritage and tourism activities run by locals. Another aspect of EU cooperation with Cabo Verde is sustainable tourism development together with the blue economy, environmental and digital development.