Illegal Sand Mining Erodes Coastline on Cape Verde's Santiago Island

Illegal sand extraction for the construction industry is eroding the coastline of Santiago Island in Cape Verde.

This environmental degradation threatens the long-term stability of the island's shores and the livelihoods of local residents. The removal of sea sand disrupts natural coastal defenses, leaving the region more vulnerable to ocean surges and land loss.

Operators have been harvesting sand illegally for decades ^[1]. This practice is driven by the high demand from the construction sector, where sand is a primary raw material for building infrastructure and housing. Despite the environmental risks, the trade continues to operate across the coastline of Santiago Island ^[1], ^[2].

The impact extends beyond the shoreline. The extraction process has led to the salinization of nearby farmland, making it difficult for local farmers to grow crops. This loss of agricultural productivity creates a cycle of economic instability for rural communities.

Local women are particularly affected by these activities. The dossier indicates that the extraction process endangers women's health and disrupts their traditional roles within the local economy. As the coast erodes and soil quality drops, the resources these women rely on for survival are disappearing.

Environmental damage is compounding as the problem has intensified in recent years ^[1]. The loss of natural buffers makes the island more susceptible to the effects of rising sea levels and storm events. Without regulation, the physical geography of Santiago Island continues to change, permanently altering the landscape for future generations.