AGP Executive Report

World Habitat Day 2026: The UN marked the 40th observance in Muscat with a clear message: adequate housing underpins dignity and security, and upgrading informal settlements can cut poverty and strengthen climate resilience. Climate diplomacy for small islands: Ahead of COP31, world powers are meeting in Fiji to push action on global warming and sea-level rise, but outside-Pacific leader attendance is thin—while Cabo Verde is among the confirmed participants. Early warnings in Cabo Verde: Cabo Verde has validated its “Early Warnings for All” roadmap after Tropical Storm Gonzalo, linking hazard monitoring, warning communication, and preparedness to help communities act sooner. Air pollution and ozone: A new global analysis says nearly 40% of people were exposed to harmful ground-level ozone in 2026 so far, driven by heat and pollution—raising risks for health, ecosystems, and crops. Wildlife monitoring: Camera-trap work in western Tanzania (on a scale comparable to Cape Verde) logged 150,000+ images, including rare serval sightings, showing how better monitoring can track biodiversity changes.

Coastal Risk & Early Action: Cabo Verde has validated its “Early Warnings for All” roadmap after Tropical Storm Gonzalo, linking monitoring, warning communication, and preparedness so communities can act faster when hazards hit. Climate Diplomacy: Cabo Verde is among the confirmed outside-Pacific leaders attending a pre-COP meeting in Fiji focused on sea-level rise and climate finance ahead of COP31 in Turkey—though reporting says the guest list is thinner than island nations hoped. Air Quality Pressure: New global analysis finds nearly 40% of people were exposed to harmful ground-level ozone in 2026 so far, driven by heat and pollution—an issue that matters for health and ecosystems in small island states too. Wildlife & Biodiversity: A large camera-trap project in western Tanzania (area comparable to Cabo Verde) logged 150,000+ images, including rare serval patterns and signs of declining lions—useful for how Cabo Verde could think about monitoring fauna. Tourism & Footprint: RIU reopened the renovated 1,181-room Riu Touareg on Boa Vista, redesigning rooms and facilities and shifting the resort to a more family-focused model, raising the usual questions about water and energy use in high-season tourism.

Climate Diplomacy in the Pacific: Only a handful of leaders beyond the Pacific are confirmed for the pre-COP meeting in Fiji, with Cabo Verde among the few outside the region—highlighting how hard it is to keep global attention on sea-level rise and extreme weather ahead of COP31. Sea-Level Rise & Legal Protection: A UN Sea Level Rise Declaration approved by all member states pushes for shared approaches to protect low-lying nations—an issue that directly connects to Cabo Verde’s own vulnerability to coastal hazards. Cabo Verde Early Warnings: Cabo Verde validated its Early Warnings for All roadmap after Tropical Storm Gonzalo, aiming to strengthen the chain from monitoring and forecasting to warnings and preparedness. Air Pollution Pressure: New global findings show nearly 40% of people exposed to harmful ground-level ozone in 2026, driven by heat and pollution—raising the stakes for cleaner air planning. Wildlife Monitoring at Scale: A Tanzania camera-trap project spanning an area about the size of Cape Verde logged 150,000 images, including rare serval patterns—showing how large-scale monitoring can guide conservation. Jobs & Training That Track Outcomes: Cabo Verde’s Employment Promotion and Training Fund (FPEF) links training funding to co-financing and employment tracking, with strong reported job outcomes for graduates. Regional Water Governance: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a shared West Africa water agenda and named Cabo Verde to host the next forum, focusing on climate resilience and cross-border water management.

Cabo Verde Climate Preparedness: Cabo Verde has validated its Early Warnings for All roadmap after Tropical Storm Gonzalo, using a multi-hazard approach that links monitoring, warnings, and preparedness across civil protection, meteorology, regulators, and the Red Cross. West Africa Water Security: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a stronger regional agenda to manage shared rivers and boost climate resilience, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum after the Abidjan Declaration. COP31 Pre-Talks and Island Stakes: World powers are meeting in the Pacific ahead of COP31 in Turkey, but attendance is thin; Cabo Verde is listed among confirmed leaders, as sea-level rise and a major adaptation finance gap remain central. Air Pollution Watch: New global analysis finds nearly 40% of people exposed to harmful ground-level ozone in 2026, driven by heat and pollution—an issue for health and ecosystems. Wildlife Monitoring: Camera traps across western Tanzania (area about the size of Cape Verde) captured 150,000+ images, including rare serval patterns and new records—showing the value of sustained biodiversity data. Jobs and Training Model: Cabo Verde’s Employment Promotion and Training Fund (FPEF) is highlighted for tracking outcomes and boosting employment, with women and low-income groups strongly represented.

Climate Diplomacy: World powers are sending delegates to the Pacific for pre-COP31 talks in Nadi (Oct 5–8), with island nations pushing for the 1.5°C goal, more climate finance, and stronger focus on ocean impacts as sea levels rise and adaptation funding remains far short of needs. Cabo Verde Preparedness: Cabo Verde has validated its Early Warnings for All roadmap after Tropical Storm Gonzalo, linking risk monitoring, warning communication, and preparedness into a whole-of-society plan. Regional Water Security: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted the Abidjan Declaration at the West Africa Regional Water Forum, aiming for stronger shared-river governance and naming Cabo Verde as host for the next forum. Air Pollution & Health: New analysis finds nearly 40% of the world’s population exposed to harmful ground-level ozone in 2026, with heat and pollution driving worse air quality—an issue that also matters for island health and ecosystems. Wildlife Research: A large camera-trap project in western Tanzania (area about the size of Cape Verde) logged 150,000+ images, including rare serval patterns, helping track biodiversity and threats. Jobs & Training: Cabo Verde’s Employment Promotion and Training Fund (FPEF) is highlighted for tracking outcomes and boosting employment rates, with women and low-income groups strongly represented.

Climate resilience planning: Cabo Verde has validated its “Early Warnings for All” roadmap after Tropical Storm Gonzalo, linking risk monitoring, warning communication, and preparedness so communities can act faster as storms and extremes intensify. Storm impacts: Tropical Storm Gonzalo brought heavy rain, fallen trees, power outages, coastal flooding, and the loss of several fishing vessels; early warnings helped and no deaths were reported. Regional water security: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a stronger agenda to manage shared rivers and tackle water insecurity, climate pressures, transboundary disputes, and underfunding, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum. Ozone and heat stress: A new Copernicus analysis says nearly 40% of the world’s population was exposed to harmful ground-level ozone in early 2026, with heat and pollution worsening air quality. Wildlife monitoring: Over 300 custom camera traps across western Tanzania captured 150,000+ images, including rare serval patterns, helping track biodiversity and threats. Sea-level diplomacy: UN member states approved a declaration on sea level rise, pushing legal and financial protections for low-lying island nations. COP31 pre-talks: World powers are meeting in Fiji to set the course for COP31, with Pacific leaders urging stronger 1.5°C focus and more climate finance for ocean and sea-level impacts.

Climate Diplomacy: World powers are heading to Nadi, Fiji (Oct 5–8) for pre-COP31 talks, with Pacific leaders pushing for the 1.5°C warming limit, more climate finance, and stronger focus on ocean impacts as sea levels rise fast. Cabo Verde Spotlight: A Reuters report says Cabo Verde is among the few non-Pacific leaders confirmed for the Tuvalu/Fiji pre-COP push, highlighting how small island states are trying to keep climate pressure on the agenda. Early Warnings in Action: Cabo Verde validated its “Early Warnings for All” roadmap after Tropical Storm Gonzalo, linking monitoring, forecasting, warning communication, and preparedness to reduce harm from extreme weather. Wildlife & Data: A large camera-trap project in western Tanzania (over 300 traps, 150,000+ images) is revealing rare wildlife findings—useful for biodiversity monitoring methods that Cabo Verde researchers can learn from. Air Pollution: A new Copernicus analysis finds nearly 40% of the world exposed to harmful ground-level ozone in early 2026, with heat and pollution driving worse air quality. Water Security (West Africa): ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a regional water agenda, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum.

Climate Diplomacy: World powers are meeting in the Pacific ahead of COP31, but attendance is thin for leaders outside the region—Reuters notes Cabo Verde is among the confirmed non-Pacific leaders, underscoring how small island states are pushing for stronger climate action and ocean-focused protection. Storm Impacts & Preparedness: Cabo Verde validated its Early Warnings for All roadmap after Tropical Storm Gonzalo, which brought heavy rain, coastal damage, power outages and a missing person—highlighting how warnings can buy time and how links between monitoring, alerts and response must keep strengthening. Air Pollution: A new global analysis warns nearly 40% of people were exposed to harmful ground-level ozone in 2026 so far, driven by heat and pollution—an urgent reminder for Cabo Verde’s public health and ecosystem risks. Water Security (West Africa): ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a regional water agenda, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum, aiming to tackle transboundary water stress and climate-driven insecurity. Wildlife Monitoring: A large camera-trap project in Tanzania (area about the size of Cabo Verde) logged 150,000+ images, including rare serval patterns—showing the value of sustained biodiversity data. Skills-to-Jobs Model: Reporting highlights Cabo Verde’s Employment Promotion and Training Fund (FPEF) as a rare case that tracks training outcomes into employment, not just course completion.

Climate Diplomacy: World powers are meeting in Fiji for pre-COP31 talks in Nadi (Oct 5–8) to set the agenda for COP31 in Turkey, with Pacific leaders pushing for 1.5°C, better climate finance, and stronger focus on oceans as sea levels rise fast. Cabo Verde Spotlight: A Reuters report notes Cabo Verde is among the few confirmed non-Pacific leaders attending the Tuvalu-and-Fiji pre-COP events, underscoring small-island stakes in climate negotiations. Storm Impacts & Preparedness: Cabo Verde validated an “Early Warnings for All” roadmap after Tropical Storm Gonzalo, linking monitoring, warning communication, and preparedness/response in a multi-hazard plan. Air Pollution: New Copernicus analysis finds nearly 40% of the world’s population exposed to harmful ground-level ozone in 2026 so far, driven by heat and pollution—an urgent health and ecosystem risk. Wildlife Monitoring: A large camera-trap project in western Tanzania (area about the size of Cape Verde) logged 150,000+ images, including rare serval patterns and new records—showing how sustained monitoring can reveal biodiversity trends. Water Security (West Africa): ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a regional water agenda, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum, as transboundary water stress fuels climate resilience needs.

Storm Response in Cabo Verde: Tropical Storm Gonzalo brought heavy rain, gusty winds, fallen trees, power outages and urban flooding across the islands, with fishing vessels lost at sea and one person reported missing—early warnings helped authorities and residents prepare. Early Warning Systems: Cabo Verde validated its “Early Warnings for All” roadmap after Gonzalo, using a multi-hazard approach that links monitoring, warning communication and preparedness, with a whole-of-society plan to mobilize resources. Climate & Health Risk: A Copernicus analysis found nearly 40% of the world’s population exposed to harmful ground-level ozone in 2026 so far, driven by heat and pollution—bad news for health, ecosystems and crops. Wildlife Monitoring: Over 300 custom camera traps in western Tanzania captured 150,000 images, including rare serval patterns and new records of elusive species—showing how better monitoring can guide conservation. Water Security in West Africa: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a regional action plan to tackle the West Africa water crisis, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum. Skills-to-Jobs Model: A report highlights Cabo Verde’s Employment Promotion and Training Fund (FPEF) for tracking outcomes and boosting employment rates through co-financed, demand-led training.

Tropical Storm Gonzalo and Cabo Verde readiness: Gonzalo brought gusty winds and heavy rain to the Cabo Verde islands, with fallen trees, power outages and urban flooding; early warnings helped, and no deaths were reported, but one person was missing and some fishing vessels were lost at sea. Early Warnings for All roadmap: Cabo Verde validated its multi-hazard Early Warnings for All roadmap after Gonzalo, linking risk monitoring, warning communication and preparedness with a whole-of-society push to mobilize resources. Ozone pollution warning: New Copernicus data says nearly 40% of the world’s population has been exposed to harmful ground-level ozone in 2026 so far, driven by heat and emissions—an air-quality risk that also threatens ecosystems and crops. Wildlife camera-trap breakthrough: A Panthera project using 300+ custom camera traps across western Tanzania (area comparable to Cape Verde) captured 150,000+ images, including rare serval patterns and new records for several elusive species. Water security in West Africa: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a regional action plan to tackle the water crisis, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum and a focus on shared rivers, climate resilience and financing. Ocean monitoring funding: OceanEye’s alliance launched with major pledges (including Canada and the EU) to expand global ocean observing, supporting weather forecasts, climate predictions and coastal protection. Skills-to-jobs model in Cabo Verde: Cabo Verde’s Employment Promotion and Training Fund (FPEF) is highlighted for tracking outcomes into the labor market, with strong employment rates and equity targets for women and low-income groups. Winter-sun demand touches Cabo Verde: TUI’s winter programme keeps growing in the Atlantic, including the Cape Verde islands, as demand for short-haul warm-weather breaks remains strong.

Tropical Storm Gonzalo’s Cabo Verde impacts: The storm brought gusty winds and heavy rain, with fallen trees, power outages, and urban flooding across the islands; several fishing vessels were lost at sea and one person was reported missing before Gonzalo weakened and dissipated. Wildlife monitoring boost: A large camera-trap effort in western Tanzania (300+ custom traps) produced 150,000+ images, including rare serval patterns and new records for several species—highlighting how better field data can guide biodiversity protection. Regional water security push: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted the Abidjan Declaration at the West Africa Regional Water Forum, with Cabo Verde set to host the next meeting, aiming to strengthen shared river governance and climate resilience. Climate-linked security warning: ECOWAS lawmakers warned that shrinking land and water are intensifying farmer-herder conflicts and migration pressures, turning climate stress into a regional security risk. Cabo Verde skills-to-jobs model: Reporting highlights how Cabo Verde’s Employment Promotion and Training Fund tracks outcomes into the labor market, with strong employment results and equity targets.

Storm Impacts in Cabo Verde: Tropical Storm Gonzalo brought gusty winds and heavy rain to the islands, triggering fallen trees, power outages, and urban flooding; several fishing vessels were lost at sea and one person was reported missing before the storm weakened and dissipated on Sept. 26. Wildlife Monitoring: A large camera-trap survey in western Tanzania (300+ traps, 150,000+ images) highlights how hidden monitoring can reveal rare wildlife patterns and track threats like declining lions—useful for strengthening similar biodiversity work across island ecosystems. Water Security for the Region: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a regional agenda at the West Africa Regional Water Forum, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum—aimed at better shared-river governance, climate resilience, and funding for water systems. Skills-to-Jobs Model in Cabo Verde: Cabo Verde’s Employment Promotion and Training Fund (FPEF) is praised for linking financing to competitive training grants, employer co-funding, and graduate employment tracking—an approach that could support greener, more resilient livelihoods. Ocean Observation Funding: Canada and the EU helped launch OceanEye, securing major pledges to expand global ocean monitoring that supports climate forecasts and coastal protection.

Wildlife Monitoring: A new Panthera camera-trap survey in western Tanzania used 300+ custom traps to collect 150,000 images, including rare serval “freckle” morphs and early records of aardwolves, bat-eared foxes and springhares—plus signs of dwindling lions in key reserves. Storm Impacts in Cabo Verde: Tropical Storm Gonzalo brought gusty winds, heavy rain, fallen trees, power outages and urban flooding across the Cabo Verde Islands, with fishing vessels lost at sea and one person reported missing before the storm weakened and dissipated. Regional Water Security: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a shared agenda to strengthen control of shared rivers and climate resilience, with Cabo Verde set to host the next West Africa Regional Water Forum. Climate at the UN: At the UN General Assembly, Cabo Verde’s prime minister highlighted drought, desertification, water scarcity and rising seas as present realities for small island states. Ocean Data Funding: Canada and the EU helped launch OceanEye, pledging C$339m+ to expand global ocean observation that supports climate and coastal protection.

Tropical Storm Gonzalo Impacts Cabo Verde: Gonzalo brought gusty winds, heavy rain, fallen trees, power outages, and urban flooding across the Cabo Verde Islands before weakening and dissipating as it moved away. Wildlife Monitoring Boost: More than 300 custom camera traps across an area the size of Cape Verde helped generate 150,000+ images, including rare wildlife records—useful for biodiversity work relevant to island ecosystems. Water Security Push for West Africa: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted the Abidjan Declaration at the West Africa Regional Water Forum, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum—aiming to strengthen shared river governance, climate resilience, and financing. Climate Risk at the UN: At the UN General Assembly, Cabo Verde’s PM Francisco Carvalho highlighted drought, desertification, water scarcity, ocean acidification and rising seas as present realities for small island states. Jobs Through Training Finance: Cabo Verde’s Employment Promotion and Training Fund (FPEF) is credited with tracking outcomes into the labor market, with strong reported employment rates and employer co-financing.

Regional Water Security: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted the Abidjan Declaration at the West Africa Regional Water Forum, pushing stronger shared river management, climate resilience and better financing—plus Cabo Verde will host the next forum. Climate & Security Warning: ECOWAS parliamentarians in Accra warned that shrinking land and water are feeding farmer-herder conflicts, livelihood stress, displacement and wider security risks. Cabo Verde at the UN: Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho told the UN General Assembly that for small islands the climate crisis is already here—citing drought, desertification, water scarcity, ocean acidification and rising seas. Tropical Weather Watch for Cabo Verde: Tropical Storm Gonzalo is bringing tropical storm conditions and heavy rain risk to the Cabo Verde islands, with warnings in effect as it tracks near/over the islands before weakening. Ocean Monitoring Push: OceanEye International Alliance launched with major pledges to expand global ocean observation—supporting climate prediction and coastal protection.