Mauritius' First Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1) is a key document submitted under the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) of the Paris Agreement. It highlights the country's efforts to track and report greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, mitigation actions, adaptation strategies, and financial and technical support received and required. BTR1 underscores the country's commitment to climate action, despite contributing only 0.01% of global GHG emissions. It provides a transparent account of emissions, mitigation progress, adaptation efforts, and financial needs, reinforcing the need for international support to achieve its climate ambitions.
Summary of Mitigation Actions Taken by Mauritius
Mauritius has implemented a range of mitigation actions across various sectors to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in line with its commitments under the Paris Agreement. These mitigation actions align with Mauritius' Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which target a 40% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 compared to the business-as-usual scenario.
The key initiatives include:
1. Energy Sector
- Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy: Scaling up renewable energy through policy support and infrastructure improvements, including institutional strengthening, improving grid capacity, and deploying photovoltaic (PV) mini-grids
- Energy Efficiency Measures: Implementing minimum energy performance standards and mandatory labeling for household appliances
- Mass Transport System (Light Rail): Development of the Metro Express Project to reduce emissions from road transport
- Decarbonization of Air and Sea Transport: Initiatives such as energy-efficient aircraft, reduced fuel consumption during taxiing, electric vehicles for airport operations, and energy-efficient shipping practices
2. Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU) Sector
- Phasing Down Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs): Implementation of the Kigali Implementation Plan to reduce the use of high-global warming potential refrigerants
- Energy Audits in Manufacturing: Grants to incentivize industrial energy efficiency improvements
3. Waste Sector
- Waste Management and Resource Recovery Act 2023: Establishing regulatory frameworks to promote circular economy practices, including waste reduction, recycling, and proper disposal
4. Agriculture Sector
- Climate-Smart Agriculture: Development of climate-resilient farming methods and sustainable irrigation technologies
- Biogas Production: Promotion of bioconversion of organic waste to biogas to reduce methane emissions
5. Land Use, Land Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF)
- Tree Planting and Forest Restoration: Reforestation programs, removal of invasive species, and incentives for private landowners to restore forests
6. Cross-Cutting Measures
- National Climate Change Mitigation Strategy and Action Plan (NCCMSAP) 2022-2030: A roadmap to achieve a net-zero carbon society by 2070
- Sustainable Island Mauritius (SIM) Project: Encouraging sustainability in tourism through green practices and energy efficiency
- Climate Change Integration in Higher Education: Establishment of MSc programs and research partnerships in climate change mitigation
