On February 28th, 2025, the University Jean Piaget of Cape Verde, in partnership with the Cape Verdean Ecotourism Association (ECOCV), held a workshop dedicated to ‘Adapting to Climate Change’ through the sustainable use of marine resources, with a focus on valuing marine macroalgae and empowering local communities.

The participants presented in the event were the Magnificent Dean of the University Jean Piaget of Cape Verde, Mrs. Joanita Rodrigues, the General Administrator, Mrs. Elisabete de Pina, and the representative of ECOCV Artemisa Gonçalves. Among the speakers were Prof. Dr. W. J. Szymaniak, Edita Magileviciut (ECOCV), Dr. Thierry Tonon (Centre for New Agricultural Products at the University of York, UK), Dr. Leonardo Gomez (Centre for New Agricultural Products at the University of York) and Dr. Lindsay Stringer (University of York). The event also brought together lecturers, UniPiaget students and other guests.

The workshop was divided into two parts. In the first one, important topics for climate adaptation and the sustainable utilisation of marine macroalgae were addressed. Prof Dr W. J. Szymaniak began with a presentation on ‘The Importance of Ocean Literacy in University curricula’.

This workshop was followed by the subsequent topics on:

a) Valorization of marine macroalgae to mitigate climate change and empower women in rural areas of Santiago, by Edita Magileviciut (ECOCV);

b) Biomass composition and its applications, by Dr Thierry Tonon;

c) Strategies for the recovery of seaweed biomass, by Dr Leonardo Gomez;

d) Waste recovery and innovation in local communities at global level: opportunities and challenges, by Dr Lindsay Stringer;

e) The presentation of the socio-economic surveys results in the communities of Praia Baixo and Moia Moia, by Prof Marlene de Jesus and student Adilson.

The speakers have emphasized the importance of marine macroalgae, presenting practical examples and studies that highlight its potential in agriculture, livestock and other areas.

In the second part of the event, the participants were divided into two discussion groups, moderated by Edita Magileviciut and Artemisa Gonçalves. The first group, led by Artemisa, debated the challenges and socio-economic benefits of valorising marine macroalgae, while the second group, guided by Edita, analysed the technical and ecological aspects of introducing these products onto the national market.

The conclusions of the discussions were shared among the participants, followed by a guided tour of an exhibition on ocean literacy.

The University Jean Piaget of Cape Verde thanks everyone for their participation and involvement, and reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development and the valorisation of marine resources as a strategy for adapting to climate change.