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 Adaptation Actions Reported in BTR1 – Mauritius
Mauritius' First Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1) highlights its adaptation efforts aimed at increasing resilience to climate change across key sectors. These actions align with the National Climate Change Adaptation Policy Framework (NCCAPF, 2021) and the forthcoming National Adaptation Plan (NAP). Mauritius is implementing a multi-sectoral approach to adaptation, integrating infrastructure resilience, ecosystem protection, and climate-smart agriculture into its national strategy. However, funding gaps and technical capacity constraints remain key challenges. The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) will further refine and expand adaptation efforts in alignment with the country's long-term resilience goals.
1. Water Resources Management
Enhanced Forecasting & Water Quality Improvement:
- Investment in hydrological and meteorological services for better water resource planning.
Infrastructure Development:
- Upgrading and expanding reservoirs to reduce water losses.
- Encouraging rainwater harvesting through policy and infrastructure support.
- Desalination plants planned for Rodrigues to ensure long-term water supply
2. Infrastructure Resilience
Disaster Preparedness & Response:
- Development of a national disaster risk strategy.
- Strengthening early warning systems.
Resilient Infrastructure Investment:
- Incorporating climate risks into urban planning.
- Protecting critical infrastructure from storm surges, floods, and rising sea levels
3. Agriculture & Food Security
Climate-Smart Agriculture:
- Adoption of Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM).
- Promotion of climate-resilient crop varieties.
- Efficient irrigation techniques to optimize water use.
Knowledge Building:
- Increasing awareness among farmers on climate risks and adaptive practices
4. Coastal & Marine Ecosystem Protection
Coastal Zone Protection:
- Development of storm surge models and hazard mapping for coastal flooding and erosion.
- Strengthening policies to protect beaches, dunes, and coastal vegetation.
Marine Ecosystem Restoration:
- Rehabilitation of coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds.
- Expansion of marine and terrestrial protected areas.
Sustainable Landscape Management (Rodrigues):
- Nature-based solutions, including ecosystem-based adaptation strategies.
5. Health Sector Adaptation
Climate-Resilient Health Systems:
- Strengthening disease surveillance for climate-sensitive illnesses (e.g., vector-borne diseases).
- Implementing heat stress adaptation measures in hospitals.
Community Awareness & Early Warning:
- Establishing early warning systems for extreme weather-related health risks.
- Community-level education on climate-induced health hazards.
6. Governance & Cross-Sectoral Coordination
Climate Change Act (2020):
- Established the Inter-Ministerial Council on Climate Change, chaired by the Prime Minister.
Monitoring & Evaluation Tools:
- Creation of MauRegistry, an online platform to track adaptation actions and measure effectiveness.
International Support & Funding:
- Mauritius has received $118.05 million in climate finance from Green Climate Fund (GCF), Adaptation Fund (AF), Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA+), EU, and others.
Integration into National Planning:
- Strengthening institutional capacity through training, data-driven decision-making, and mainstreaming climate adaptation in policies.
