WorldCape Verde: Illegal sand extraction for construction erodes coastline

On Cape Verde’s Santiago Island, some beaches have almost lost their postcard-perfect appearance. For decades, sea sand has been illegally removed to supply the construction industry, accelerating coastal erosion. The trade now threatens ecosystems and contributes to farmland salinization. It also leaves women risking their health in order to earn a living.

Cape Verdeillegal sand extractioncoastal erosionenvironment

FFrance 24★★☆☆☆2026-08-06 09:13Original