Projects: Climate Change

Adaptation in the face of climate change takes the form of “climate resilient development” while mitigation/sequestration of GHG emissions corresponds to “low carbon development” (National Climate Change Adaptation Policy Framework for the Republic of Mauritius, 2012).

Study of Coastal Risks in Mauritius and Rodrigues

 

Projects by Mauritius Oceanography Institute

  1. Sea Level Rise (SLR) prediction in the Republic of Mauritius

The Mauritius Oceanography Institute (MOI) is implementing a project on the prediction of Sea Level Rise (SLR) to monitor and assess the impacts of rising sea levels across the Republic of Mauritius. The project responds to the growing threat posed by climate change, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as Mauritius, where coastal communities, critical infrastructure, tourism facilities, and economic activities are concentrated in low-lying coastal zones. The project combines satellite remote sensing and in-situ observations to improve understanding of sea level trends and support informed decision-making. The main objectives of the project are to determine the rate of sea level rise using satellite altimetry and remote sensing techniques, establish a network of tide gauge stations for continuous sea level monitoring, forecast future sea level changes at local scales, and provide scientific advice to the Government of Mauritius on sea level rise and its implications. Preliminary analyses of satellite altimetry data from 1993 to 2019 indicate that sea levels in the Indian Ocean have risen at an average rate of approximately 3.19 mm per year, with localized variations observed around the islands of the Republic of Mauritius. Indicative results from altimetry data also suggest that sea level rise is more pronounced along the western coast of Mauritius and the north-eastern coast of Rodrigues.

To validate satellite-derived observations and improve prediction capabilities, the MOI is in the process of installing tide stations at strategic locations across the Republic of Mauritius. These monitoring stations will provide continuous sea level measurements over several years, enabling accurate assessment of local sea level rise trends and strengthening national climate adaptation and coastal management efforts.

2. Study of beach topography evolution and sediment characterisation of selected priority sites around the Republic of Mauritius

Beach erosion is emerging as one of Mauritius's most critical coastal challenges, with direct consequences for shoreline stability, tourism infrastructure and the ecosystems that depend on a healthy coast. This study examined beach topography and sediment characteristics at five sites identified as priorities: Mont Choisy, Flic-en-Flac, Le Morne, Belle Mare and Blue Bay, with the aim of better understanding erosion and accretion patterns and generating data that can support coastal management decisions.

Topographic surveys were carried out using Post-Processed Kinematic (PPK) GNSS methods, complemented by sediment sampling at the berm crest, high-water mark, low-water mark and adjacent lagoon at each site. These samples were then examined through sieve granulometry, spatial interpolation in GIS and stereomicroscopic analysis to characterise their composition.
A consistent pattern emerged linking beach slope to grain size: steeper profiles tended to coincide with coarser sediments, a signature typically associated with active erosion. Grain size varied markedly not only between different sampling zones within each site (e.g., berm crest, high-water mark, low-water mark and lagoon) but also across the five sites overall, likely reflecting differences in reef pass location, bathymetry and local hydrodynamic conditions. Finer material accumulated in calmer, deeper zones, while coarser sediment collected closer to reef passes and other high-energy areas. This variability points to beach-lagoon systems that remain highly dynamic, with sediment continuing to be reworked and redistributed rather than settling into a stable equilibrium.

Under the microscope, foraminifera stood out as the dominant biogenic sediment component across all five sites. However, when compared against earlier studies, their relative abundance appears to have dropped considerably over recent decades, a trend that may point to intensified sediment transport and erosion, with possible knock-on effects for the carbonate budget that helps sustain Mauritian beaches over the long term.

Together, these results show that combining detailed beach measurements with sediment and biological data gives useful information about coastal change and beach stability. This study provides a starting point for tracking future changes and shows the need for regular seasonal monitoring, along with studies of waves and marine life, to help manage erosion and protect the coastline of Mauritius.
 

3. Restoring Marine Ecosystem Services by Rehabilitating Coral Reefs to Meet a Changing Climate Future (AF-UNDP funded project)

Corals that survive bleaching events provide a critical opportunity to restore degraded reefs and maintain their ecological functions. However, the rapid pace at which climate change is negatively affecting coral reefs means that conservation measures alone are no longer sufficient to ensure that reefs remain functional and continue to deliver essential ecosystem services to coastal communities, including food security, shoreline protection from storms and erosion, and resilience to sea-level rise. Active intervention through coral reef restoration, particularly using thermally tolerant coral species or genotypes, is therefore required to enhance reef resilience and facilitate adaptation to ongoing and future climate change.

This project seeks to increase climate resilience in the Republic of Mauritius and the Republic of Seychelles by implementing coral reef restoration using thermally tolerant corals as a climate change adaptation measure. The project benefits both countries through on-the-ground coral restoration activities, complemented by a regional capacity-building programme and structured knowledge exchange to strengthen technical expertise and promote best practices in coral reef restoration and climate adaptation.

With regard to the research component on coral genetic structure, the results generated will provide critical insights into patterns of genetic diversity and potential adaptive variation within and among coral populations. This information will support the identification of resilient coral genotypes and inform science-based decision-making for restoration efforts, thereby improving the long-term success and sustainability of reef rehabilitation initiatives. 

(Source: Guillaume et al., 2026. “Coral Genetic Structure in the Western Indian Ocean Mirrors Ocean Circulation and Thermal Stress History.” Evolutionary Applications 19(2): e70206. https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.70206. )

 

Climate resilient development projects

 

Low carbon development projects


Both Climate Resilient Development and Low Carbon Development

 Building a Shared “Vision 2050” for a Climate-Resilient and Carbon-Neutral Country by 2050:  Funded by Agence française de développement (AFD), this project supports the development of long-term strategies to decarbonize the energy and transport sectors (low carbon development) and to strengthen the resilience of tourism and agriculture sectors (climate resilient development), guiding Mauritius toward a sustainable, climate-proof future by 2050.

Fourth National Communication for the Republic of Mauritius:  Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through UNEP, this project supports Mauritius' climate reporting obligations under the UNFCCC by preparing a comprehensive national communication that includes a GHG inventory, assessments of climate vulnerability, mitigation measures, and cross-cutting issues, thereby informing both low-carbon and climate-resilient development strategies.

Others:

 

National Environment and Climate Change Fund

The National Environment and Climate Change Fund (NECCF) was created under an Act of Parliament in 2002 to finance environment-related projects. The main objectives of the NECCF are, among others:

  1. to carry out programmes aimed at reducing pollution;

  2. to encourage education and research in the field of environment;

  3. to provide support to NGOs which are engaged in environment protection;

  4. to encourage local environmental initiatives;

  5. to promote activities relating to environment protection and management; and

  6. to compensate victims in situations of environmental emergency and spills.

The NECCF covers projects, programmes and schemes in the following main areas:

  1. rehabilitation, protection and management of beaches, lagoons and coral reefs;

  2. management of solid waste;

  3. disaster risk reduction;

  4. cleaning and embellishment works; and

  5. landslide management, green economy and environment protection.

 

Get In Touch

Location:

Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste
Management and Climate Change, Ken Lee Tower Cnr. Barracks & St Georges Streets Port Louis, Mauritius

Email:

ode@govmu.org

Phone:

 (230)203 6200

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