MORABEZA: ecotourism for change in Cabo Verde

The MORABEZA initiative (word that in Cabo Verde means “hospitality”) functions within the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education framework to advance sustainable ecotourism which supports socio-economic development and environmental protection while also empowering women in Cabo Verde. By creating development opportunities for higher education institutions together with community participation and private sector collaboration, the project solves educational disparities while supporting digital transformation and reducing socio-economic disparities. Through a Challenge-Based Learning interdisciplinary and participatory approach MORABEZA develops Training Rural Workshops (TRWs), mobilities and a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) to deliver skills training that meets local labour market needs. MORABEZA focuses on rural community progress through educational opportunity participation and entrepreneurship, and ecotourism business development. Through the MORABEZA Hub and Network initiative, EU and Cabo Verdean HEIs work together with local businesses and policymakers while they engage members of the rural communities. The initiative focuses on promoting employment expansion and reducing rural migration patterns as well as protecting natural ecosystems and promoting equal gender opportunities. MORABEZA merges educational programs with sustainable methods and community development to provide a scalable ecotourism educational model which aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and European Green Deal targets.