Page 8 - Mauritius REPORT

Box 1: Community involvement in mangrove recovery

Mangrove Propagation Programme which focused on reforesting the denuded areas. Through the
Programme, almost 13 hectares of mangrove forest has been restored. Between 1995 and 1996,
about 12,400 seedlings had been planted around the island covering an area of 22,750 square
kilometres. The second phase, between 1997 and 1998, witnessed the planting of 47,500 seedlings
along the west coast covering an area of 23,750 square kilometres. The third, and fourth phase
Country Profile
saw the planting of 40,000 and 58,000 seedlings. To date a total of 214,800 seedlings covering
approximately 13 hectares and with a survival rate of 78% had been planted.
Mauritius has over the years optimized the involvement of the communities in mangrove restoration
The Republic of Mauritius
programs and coral reef restoration. Community based coral reef restoration has been possible
through the efforts of Mauritius Oceanography Institute which initiated a three-year Community
Based Coral Culture Project. The project focused on capacity building and training of coastal
communities on reef rehabilitation and coral farming methods.
http://moi.govmu.org/research/ongoing-projects
https://www.ser-rrc.org/project/mauritius-mangrove-restoration/

Biodiversity loss
The discovery and subsequent colonization of the uninhabited Mascarenes (the archipelago consisting of
Mauritius, Reunion and Rodrigues) played a significant role in the rampant loss of Mauritian biodiversity
and extinction of some of its endangered species. According to the World Bank, approximately 7 species
of mammals, 9 species of birds, 19 species of fish and 90 species of higher plants, are threatened
(World Bank, 2017). UNEP estimates the level endemism at 39 per cent of plants, 40 per cent of bat
species, 80 per cent of reptiles and 80 per cent of non-marine birds (CBD, 2019).

Mangroves have also been declining from 20 km in 1987 to 14 km in 1994. This has been
2
2
catalyzed by traditional methods of harvesting firewood, building and construction purposes and also
for boat building.

Alien invasive species
Further, the introduction of invasive exotic species predated and competed with the indigenous species
leading to the latter’s extinction and drastic reduction in numbers. Other contributing factors include
climate change, urbanization, pest and diseases, pollution and population growth and alien invasive
species.

The opportunities
Integrated Coastal Zone Management

lCZM is recognized as a cornerstone to the good management of coastal resources in an integrated
manner and mainstreaming environment into the development planning process. The Environment
Protection Act 2002, establishes an ICZM Committee. It was set up in 2002 and comprises Ministries,
parastatal bodies, NGOS and Private sector. In 2010, an ICZM Framework was developed including
ICZM Action and Area Plans, ICZM Strategy, ICZM legislative and Policy Framework amongst others.

8