Objectives 

As per the 2024 Environment Act, the Observatoire de l'Environnement (ODE) shall act as an interface and communicate with all stakeholders, including the public on environmental parameters, for – 

 (a) environmental monitoring and management;   

(b) the development and evaluation of environmental policies; and 

 (c) the dissemination of environmental information. As the central hub for environmental data in Mauritius, the Observatoire  will be facilitating informed decision-making through the aggregation and dissemination of environmental statistics and research. ODE aims to support evidence-based policy development by fostering collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and the public. Through these efforts, ODE strives to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development across Mauritius. 

First Observatory of Mauritius (Meteorological) Erected circa 1832 by John Augustus Lloyd.
 

A vital component of Port Louis's heritage, l'Observatoire holds distinction as the inaugural meteorological observatory in the entire Indian Ocean region.

 
During its active years, the observatory played a crucial role in aiding sailors in navigating away from cyclones and significantly contributed to weather forecasting for the harbour. Presently, l'Observatoire remains an integral part of the city's harbour history.

Functions of ODE

The functions of the Observatoire shall be to –

(a) collect environmental data on themes identified as relevant by the Ministry, statutory committees under this Act or stakeholders;
(b) determine, prioritise and monitor environmental indicators to assess the state of the environment;
(c) generate periodic reports such as the state of the environment and other thematic reports;
(d) disseminate such information in the form of reports or by publication of research works;
(e) ensure public participation in the discussion of environmental matters through the maintenance of an online platform and such other medium;
(f) host relevant platforms to facilitate the Observatoire, such as a Science to Policy Platform;
(g) obtain guidance from the Science to Policy Platform; and
(h) undertake such other activities as may be relevant to the fulfilment of the objective of environmental protection and sustainable development.

Scope of ODE

• The Republic of Mauritius consists of the Islands of Mauritius, Rodrigues, Agalega, Tromelin, Cargados Carajos and the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia and any other island comprised in the State of Mauritius. The Republic of Mauritius has an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of approximately 2.2 million km². It also shares joint jurisdiction with the Republic of Seychelles over an extended continental shelf area of about 400,000 km² in the Mascarene Plateau region. The official maps for the Maritime Zones of the Republic of Mauritius have also been updated and can be found here.

Motto: 

Empowering Action with Data: For a Sustainable Tomorrow

Core Values:

Integrity and Transparency: Uphold honesty and open communication to make environmental data and decisions accessible and understandable. Align with our vision to transform Mauritius into a leader in sustainable and resilient practices through informed and transparent environmental stewardship.

Innovation and Excellence: Continuously strive for improvement and innovative solutions in environmental monitoring and research. This commitment supports our mission to empower Mauritius with essential environmental intelligence, enhancing our capacity to address sustainability challenges effectively.

Collaboration and Partnership: Foster strong partnerships with government, local communities, international agencies, and the private sector. These collaborations are crucial in realizing our vision of a sustainable and resilient society, driving effective environmental action that is both informed and innovative.

Responsibility and Stewardship: Take proactive steps in managing and conserving Mauritius' natural resources, ensuring we safeguard the environment for future generations. This core value is a direct reflection of our mission to enhance resource conservation and ensure community resilience against environmental challenges.

Adaptability and Resilience: Develop flexible strategies and systems that anticipate, respond to, and recover from environmental threats. This adaptability supports our vision of transforming Mauritius into a resilient society capable of overcoming natural and environmental challenges.

Inclusivity and Engagement: Engage and empower every segment of the community in environmental decision-making and sustainable practices. This engagement fosters a culture of eco-awareness and participation, crucial for achieving the sustainable and informed stewardship envisioned in our mission.

The ODE platform stands as an evidence-driven policymaking platform designed to streamline the transformation of scientific knowledge and research discoveries into pragmatic policies and actionable initiatives. It also includes a Citizen Science portal.