Elisia Da Cruz

Elisia Da Cruz is a Sociologist and Researcher serving as Director of the Fisheries Promotion and Development Department at the National Institute for the Development of Fisheries Development (INDP), with documented work across Senegal, Cabo Verde, and Brazil. She holds a Doctorate in Marine Science, Technology and Management from the University of Vigo, Spain.

Her academic foundation includes:

• Bachelor of Sociology (2008) from University of Mindelo, Cape Verde
• Master in Sustainable Development Management (2013)
• PhD in Marine Science, Technology and Management (University of Vigo)

Dr. da Cruz's research integrates sociological perspectives with marine resource management through:

• Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) frameworks
• Governance analysis of fisheries policy implementation
• Sustainable development applications in Marine Protected Areas
• Community-driven fisheries management models

Her fieldwork emphasizes participatory approaches where academic research directly informs community-based resource governance.

At INDP, she directs:

• Research monitoring across three West African study sites
• Technical training programs for fisheries communities
• Policy extension activities linking academic findings to practical fisheries management

Her leadership focuses on bridging academic research with on-the-ground sustainable development in vulnerable coastal regions.