Women Drive Sustainable Development in Cape Verde through RENATURMAC Project
The Institute of Renewable Energy and Technology (ITER), part of the Tenerife Council, is leading a significant initiative in Varanda, a community on Santiago Island, Cape Verde. The MAC 2021-2027 RENATURMAC project aims to encourage sustainable development by protecting cultural and natural heritage while strengthening local social ties.
Varanda, located near the Serra Malagueta Natural Park, is predominantly populated by women who are organised in a community association. They work together to preserve their land, maintain traditional practices, and support local residency.
ITER collaborates closely with the Cape Verde Institute of Cultural Heritage on this project. They have initiated two strategic studies showcasing the crucial role of rural women in natural conservation and identifying new sustainable tourism-related economic opportunities.
These studies emphasise the women’s traditional knowledge and sustainable resource management practices, highlighting their potential as key contributors to local land management.
In response to these findings, new initiatives will be launched to enhance women’s skills and visibility, including awareness campaigns targeted at female heads of households. These will focus on environmental best practices, cultural tourism, and business opportunities associated with the Serra Malagueta Natural Park.
Additionally, interpretive content and signage will be developed along the Ribeira de São Miguel–Serra Malagueta trail. This enhancement is expected to boost tourism, enrich visitor experiences, and highlight Varanda’s natural and cultural heritage through accessible, multilingual information aligned with sustainability criteria.
Through these efforts, RENATURMAC champions a participatory model that places women at the heart of local development, recognising them as vital agents of heritage conservation, social cohesion, and sustainability in rural areas.
