National Science–Policy–Practice Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
How the platform started
Work to establish a National Biodiversity Platform in Cabo Verde began under the CABES project to strengthen coordination between science, policy and practice on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Early discussions between the Government of Cabo Verde, national experts and civil society highlighted the need for an inclusive, practical platform that could support implementation of national biodiversity priorities, align with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and strengthen engagement with IPBES.
With CABES support, Cabo Verde agreed to build the platform around an existing, trusted national network rather than creating a new institution from scratch.
Where things stand now
Cabo Verde’s National Biodiversity Platform is actively under development and moving into implementation. Following national consultations in 2025, the Government formally agreed to designate TAOLA+ (Cape Verde Environmental Conservation Network) as the host and secretariat of the platform, working in close partnership with the National Directorate for the Environment (DNA) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.
A clear governance approach has been agreed, government ownership confirmed, and a focused, costed work plan for 2026 has been co-developed to guide the first phase of implementation.
Formalisation and legal status
The platform has not yet been formalised through a legal instrument, but the steps for its formal recognition have already been agreed. The Government and TAOLA+ have committed to promoting an appropriate governmental instrument (such as a Resolution, Ministerial Order, or Decree) to formally recognise the platform and clarify its long-term governance mechanisms
Project - at a glance
- Status: Under active development; implementation phase starting
- Year initiated: 2025
- Host institution: TAOLA+ (Cape Verde Environmental Conservation Network)
- Government lead: National Directorate for the Environment (DNA), Ministry of Agriculture and Environment
National Biodiversity Platform Annual Action Plans
Key successes and achievements
Several important milestones have already been achieved:
- Formal government endorsement of TAOLA+ as the implementing partner and host of the national platform.
- Strong political and technical commitment confirmed during high-level meetings with the National Directorate for the Environment and other stakeholders.
- Co-development of a practical 2026 work plan, prioritising a rapid landscape review of biodiversity-related policies and initiatives, stakeholder mapping, identification of key policy entry points, and preparation for a formal platform launch.
- Early engagement with stakeholders across sectors, including government, civil society, protected area authorities and academia, grounding the platform in implementation realities.
The platform constitutes a strategic mechanism to strengthen the implementation of the NBSAP (National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan), reporting to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the national uptake of IPBES assessments.
Key partnerships and support
Cabo Verde’s platform development is supported through:
- CABES, providing technical guidance, peer learning and structured support for platform establishment.
- UNEP-WCMC, leading technical support under CABES Output on national biodiversity platforms ;
- WASCAL, managing project funds and contractual arrangements.
- TAOLA+, serving as the national platform host and coordinator; and
- the Government of Cabo Verde (DNA / Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), providing leadership, political support and alignment with national priorities.
Cabo Verde has also expressed strong interest in strengthening engagement with IPBES, including exploring pathways towards IPBES membership and participation in regional peer-learning activities.
Latest updates
Workshops, publications, and field activities.
