Gunter Pauli "delighted" with Cape Verde calls for a strategic investment in the Blue Economy

After the Open Talk with the Prime Minister, Ulisses Correia e Silva, last Monday 28th, the renowned economist and Blue Economy expert, Gunter Pauli, was in São Vicente on Wednesday 30th April, where he held a working meeting with the Minister of the Sea, Jorge Santos. During the meeting, the multiple opportunities that Cape Verde has to assert itself on the international stage through the sustainable utilisation of its marine resources were discussed.

"Delighted" with Cape Verde, Gunter Pauli emphasised that the country has enormous potential, especially in terms of the sea, but stressed the need to turn ideas into concrete projects, and underlined the fact that Cape Verde already has a Blue Economy strategy, but according to him it is necessary to "translate it into concrete projects, with a portfolio of opportunities that can be taken advantage of".

The economist also stressed that sustainable development does not depend solely on public funding, advocating the creation of a customer-centred economy, saying that "if you have a customer, you can mobilise investment".

For Gunter Pauli, life at sea is a true national asset and he encouraged Cape Verde to deepen its knowledge of its biodiversity, invest in scientific research and invest in niches such as diving tourism. He also emphasised the country's potential for building tourism with content, referring to the history of slavery as an important narrative with cultural value to be shared with the world.

After the meeting, the guest of the Minister of the Sea visited the Cruise Terminal and the Cape Verde Shipyards, with the aim of getting to know these two important infrastructures in the maritime sector up close. He was very impressed by the level of investment in the Cruise Terminal, which, he emphasised, represents a decisive step towards providing the country with a modern and attractive space for receiving tourists. He also praised the dynamics and potential of CABNAVE, emphasising the strategic role it can play in strengthening the national maritime economy.

Gunter Pauli's presence is part of the Cape Verde government's ongoing efforts to consolidate the Blue Economy as one of the strategic pillars of sustainable development, by strengthening international partnerships and dialogue with world-leading experts.

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