30 September 2026: The Opportunity to Invest in Cape Verde’s Sustainable Future Through Carbon to Sea – OAE Research Grants 2026
The Cape Verde archipelago, with its rich marine biodiversity and growing vulnerability to climate change, stands as a natural laboratory of excellence for scientific research in this critical area. It is against this backdrop that the “Carbon to Sea – OAE 2026 Research Grants” programme has been launched, a crucial initiative aimed at supporting innovative projects focused on carbon mitigation and the enhancement of marine ecosystems. This call for proposals represents a unique opportunity for Cape Verdean researchers and institutions to contribute actively to global climate solutions, whilst promoting the country’s sustainable development.
Cape Verde, with its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and its unique coastal and marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs and mangrove forests, has untapped potential for blue carbon sequestration. Research projects exploring the capacity of these ecosystems to sequester carbon dioxide, as well as the development of innovative technologies for removing carbon from the atmosphere and the oceans, are of particular interest. Furthermore, the initiative aims to fund studies on the impacts of climate change on Cape Verde’s marine ecosystems and the identification of adaptation and resilience strategies for coastal communities.
The “OAE 2026 Research Grants” are not limited to fundamental research alone. They also aim to promote applied research that yields tangible and replicable solutions capable of having a positive impact on the local economy and environmental protection. From optimising sustainable aquaculture practices that can contribute to decarbonisation, to the development of biomaterials from marine resources, the possibilities are vast. Collaboration between research institutions, businesses and local communities is strongly encouraged, with a view to creating synergies that drive innovation and empower local populations.
This initiative comes at a critical juncture, when the need to take action on the climate crisis is more pressing than ever. By investing in scientific research, Cape Verde is not only strengthening its capacity to respond to environmental challenges, but is also positioning itself as a regional leader in the transition to a blue and green economy. The scholarships represent an investment in the country’s human and intellectual capital, equipping a new generation of scientists and innovators to tackle the complex issues relating to carbon and the marine environment.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the solution.
Deadline for submitting proposals: 30 September 2026
For further information and to submit your application, please visit:
https://www.globalsouthopportunities.com/2026/09/09/oae/
https://www.carbontosea.org/2026-oae-research-call-for-proposals/
