Calao Conservation Project SAL

Despite its isolation in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, CaboVerde islands are suffering from an ever-increasing pollution made of plastic wastes, which are being carried by oceanic currents and trade winds. Most debris are generated by the fishing industry, that is flourishing along the Western African coasts. We have decided to start our action on Sal, one of the worst affected islands, where plastic wastes are accumulating all over the eastern shore, exactly where turtles head to lay their eggs during the nesting season. The wastes are mainly made of of plastic bottles and containers, fishing nets, which represent a massive hazard for turtles. Plastic wastes are usually being pushed all over the islands by the strong winds contaminating the whole ecosystem, before ending up once again in the sea. This pollution endangers the biodiversity of the islands, which represents on the other hand one of its main assets of the archipelago. Marine species such as whales, dolphins, but also endemic birds and wild dogs have also been affected by this alarming phenomenon. We have a unique chance to pick up this plastic, before it once again finishes in the sea !!

The Calao Association proposes two objectives:
- Regular (starting on a monthly basis) beach cleanings on all beaches of Sal island, including the most isolated ones: our first campaign should start in June with the help of local associations, and the Army.
- Awareness raising programme on waste recycling and the creative use of properly collected waste among schools and local communities.
The amount we are looking to raise will cover all expenses for our program in 2015.