Mauritius is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, particularly in its coastal zones and marine environments. The main challenges include rising sea levels, increased frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones, coral bleaching due to warmer sea temperatures, and coastal erosion.
| Challenges | Impact |
| ||
| Sea Level Rise and Coastal Erosion | Rising sea levels threaten to submerge low-lying areas, exacerbate coastal erosion, and lead to the salinization of freshwater resources. | Mauritius has been actively engaged in building seawalls and implementing coastal rehabilitation projects to protect against erosion. For example, the restoration of beaches with geotextile bags has been employed at sites like Mon Choisy to prevent further erosion. | ||
| Increased Cyclone Activity | Increased intensity and frequency of cyclones can lead to significant damage to infrastructure, loss of life, and disruptions to the local economy and biodiversity. | Mauritius has improved its early warning systems and disaster preparedness strategies. Regular drills and community education programs help in enhancing the resilience of coastal communities. | ||
| Coral Bleaching | Elevated sea temperatures have led to widespread coral bleaching, which undermines the integrity of reefs, thereby affecting marine biodiversity and the protective nature of the barrier reefs against storm surges. | Initiatives such as the coral farming and transplantation projects aim to rehabilitate damaged reefs. Programmes in places like the Blue Bay Marine Park focus on growing heat-resistant coral species to enhance reef resilience (Munbode et al, 2023; UNDP, 2021) | ||
| Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Biodiversity Conservation | Climate change affects fish populations and habitats, impacting food security and economic activities dependent on fisheries. | Mauritius has adopted sustainable fishing practices and established marine protected areas to conserve marine biodiversity. Efforts include regulating fishing quotas and protecting breeding grounds, which help maintain healthy fish populations. | ||
| Freshwater Resources | Increased temperatures and irregular rainfall patterns threaten freshwater resources, essential for both human consumption and agriculture. | The government promotes rainwater harvesting and efficient water management practices to ensure water availability, especially in rural and coastal areas. | ||
Public Awareness and Education
- Public awareness and education on climate change impacts and disaster risk reduction are vital for community resilience. Mauritius conducts ongoing educational campaigns and workshops to inform the public about climate risks and sustainable practices. Schools and local communities engage in programs that emphasize environmental stewardship and disaster preparedness.
International Cooperation and Funding
- Mauritius actively participates in international climate initiatives to secure funding and technical assistance for local adaptation and mitigation projects. The participation in global frameworks like the Paris Agreement helps Mauritius align its national policies with international best practices and secure necessary funding for large-scale climate resilience projects.
