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Ocean Conservation
Island Innovation and Fundação Carlos Albertino Veiga Sign Partnership at Cabo Verde Ocean Week to Strengthen Youth Ocean Leadership
As part of the Compromisso do Mindelo, the closing act of Cabo Verde Ocean Week 2025, Island Innovation and the Fundação Carlos Albertino Veiga (FCAV) launched a new strategic partnership to expand collaboration on ocean sustainability, communication, and capacity building.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Porto de Cruzeiros do Mindelo formalized the partnership, representing a tangible step in transforming the week’s shared commitments into lasting cooperation that connects Cabo Verde’s ocean vision with global island networks.
Under the new agreement, Island Innovation and FCAV will work together to strengthen youth capacity, ocean literacy, and leadership in Cabo Verde, developing joint initiatives that connect the country’s emerging ocean leaders with peers across the Caribbean, Pacific, and beyond.
This partnership reflects the spirit of the Mindelo Commitment - turning dialogue into collaboration. Cabo Verde is uniquely positioned to lead in sustainable ocean governance and inspire other islands through its commitment to education, innovation, and cooperation.— James Ellsmoor, CEO of Island Innovation
Building on Island Innovation’s international experience and FCAV’s national leadership, the partnership will co-create training and mentorship initiatives focused on ocean leadership and blue-economy innovation, tailored to island realities and priorities.
Through this collaboration, we aim to build the next generation of Cabo Verdean ocean leaders and strengthen our global connections in the blue economy. This partnership reflects our belief that Cabo Verde’s youth have the creativity, discipline, and international perspective to drive the sustainable transformation of our islands and the wider Atlantic region. By connecting them to global expertise, we are investing not only in individual potential but in the country’s long-term blue economy strategy.— Paulo Veiga, President of the Fundação Carlos Albertino Veiga
The initiative contributes directly to Cabo Verde’s long-term vision of sustainable ocean governance and showcases the country’s role as a bridge between continents and among island nations worldwide.
About the Organizations
About Island Innovation: Island Innovation is a sustainable development consultancy that works to accelerate sustainable development on islands worldwide. Through events, media, and collaborative projects, Island Innovation aims to inspire and empower island communities as they transition to a sustainable future. For more information, visit www.islandinnovation.co
About Fundação Carlos Albertino Veiga: Fundação Carlos Albertino Veiga is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development, social innovation, and community empowerment in Cabo Verde. The Foundation supports initiatives that advance education, entrepreneurship, environmental stewardship, and inclusive growth, fostering opportunities that improve the lives of vulnerable populations and strengthen local resilience. For more information, visit fcaveiga.org
Media Contact: Island Innovation – mikayla@islandinnovation.co