São Vicente Coastal Communities Gain Voice on Rádio Morabeza

Coastal communities on São Vicente are now being heard through a new program on Rádio Morabeza called “Entre Redes e Marés.” This initiative, a collaboration between the radio station and the Mindelo Fisherwomen's Association (APM), is part of the “1 Mar d’Comunidad” project, supported by Paz y Desarrollo, Biosfera, and funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). The program empowers these communities to produce and present their own episodes, sharing their stories, traditions, and daily lives. APM President Eloísa Mota explained that the goal is to give these communities a platform, allowing both locals and those abroad to understand their functioning and history. Participants like Germana Soares emphasized the importance of recording testimonies to give them a stronger voice and potentially help resolve issues. Risete Delgado, a presenter from Calhau, highlighted the program's role in combating the media invisibility of peripheral areas and showcasing the realities and challenges faced by fisherfolk. The program covers Calhau, Salamansa, São Pedro, and Mindelo, aiming to boost self-esteem and recognize the vital role of fishing in the national economy and food security. Project technician Roseno Oliveira stressed the need to give visibility to artisanal fishing, often portrayed superficially, within the broader concept of the blue economy.

This initiative empowers marginalized coastal communities by providing them with a media platform to share their experiences, fostering greater understanding and potentially addressing their challenges.