Sal Island, Cape Verde
Sal Island, part of the Cape Verde archipelago in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, is characterised by a flat, arid landscape shaped by volcanic origins and persistent trade winds. The island and its marine surroundings host fragile ecosystems, including coral reefs, salt flats, and nesting sites for seabirds and marine turtles. These environments play an important role in supporting regional biodiversity and local livelihoods linked to fisheries and tourism.
Sal is visible in this image acquired by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites on 8 December 2025. The island’s sparse vegetation appears in muted green tones, while bare volcanic terrain and sandy areas are shown in shades of brown and beige. Urban areas such as Espargos and Santa Maria are visible in light grey, contrasting with the surrounding landscape.
Copernicus data is key to monitoring land cover, coastal change, and environmental pressures in small island states, helping to support sustainable development and the protection of ecosystems.
