CCA: Policy & Governance Framework for Adaptation

A strong policy and governance framework is essential for effective climate adaptation in Mauritius. The combination of national policies, legal frameworks, government initiatives, and international commitments provides a roadmap for resilience. To strengthen climate adaptation, Mauritius must:
* Enhance policy enforcement through better governance and monitoring.
* Increase financial investment in adaptation projects.
* Strengthen stakeholder collaboration across government, NGOs, and private sector.
* Leverage international climate finance to scale up adaptation measures.

By reinforcing its adaptation strategies, Mauritius can safeguard its economy, ecosystems, and communities from the adverse impacts of climate change.

A strong policy and governance framework is essential to effectively implement climate adaptation strategies in Mauritius. The country must align its national policies, legal frameworks, and institutional mechanisms with international climate commitments. This section explores the key policies, regulations, and stakeholders driving climate adaptation efforts in Mauritius.

Mauritius has developed several national policies and strategies to address climate change adaptation, ensuring resilience across key sectors such as agriculture, water resources, infrastructure, health, and coastal management. These policies and strategies demonstrate Mauritius’ commitment to building climate resilience by integrating adaptation into national development planning.  Examples of the key national adaptation frameworks include:

Mauritius Climate Change Adaptation Policy and Strategy (MCCAPS)

• Outlines priority adaptation actions to address sea-level rise, extreme weather events, water security, and ecosystem protection.
• Aims to mainstream climate adaptation into national planning and economic policies.
• Strengthens sectoral resilience by integrating adaptation into agriculture, fisheries, health, and disaster risk management.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

Mauritius’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement commit the country to:

• Enhance resilience in key sectors through adaptation investments.
• Strengthen early warning systems and disaster preparedness.
• Protect coastal and marine ecosystems to mitigate the impacts of sea-level rise.

National Climate Change Adaptation Framework (NCCAF)

• Provides a sectoral approach for adaptation, focusing on agriculture, water resources, coastal protection, and health.
• Encourages the use of climate-smart technologies and nature-based solutions for adaptation.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Strategic Framework (NDRRMF)

• Focuses on disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and emergency response strategies to address climate-induced disasters.
• Enhances community-based disaster risk reduction (DRR) initiatives.

Mauritius National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)

• Integrates biodiversity conservation with climate adaptation.
• Promotes ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) to enhance climate resilience.

National Environment Policy (NEP)

• Aims to mainstream climate adaptation into national environmental policies.
• Focuses on coastal zone management, water conservation, and reforestation.

Mauritius has enacted several laws and regulations to support climate adaptation efforts. These legal frameworks govern environmental protection, land use planning, disaster risk management, and coastal zone protection.  These laws provide a robust legal foundation for climate adaptation governance, ensuring that adaptation measures are integrated into national policies and enforced through regulatory mechanisms.

Key Legislation Supporting Climate Adaptation:

1. The Environment Protection Act (EPA) 2002 (Amended 2008 & 2022)

• Establishes the legal framework for environmental governance in Mauritius.
• Mandates Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for development projects to assess climate risks.
• Promotes sustainable resource management and conservation initiatives.

2. The Climate Change Act (2020)

• Establishes a legal framework for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
• Strengthens institutional capacity for implementing adaptation policies.
• Creates the Climate Change Committee to oversee national adaptation efforts.

3. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act (2016)

• Provides a legal basis for disaster risk management in Mauritius.
• Mandates the establishment of early warning systems and disaster preparedness programs.
• Strengthens climate resilience at the community level.

4. The Fisheries and Marine Resources Act (2007)

• Regulates sustainable fisheries management to protect marine ecosystems from climate impacts.
• Establishes marine protected areas (MPAs) to enhance biodiversity resilience.

5. The Building Control Act (2012)

• Introduces climate-resilient building codes to withstand extreme weather conditions.
• Requires urban planning policies to incorporate climate adaptation measures.

6. The Water Resources Act (2013)

• Governs water management and conservation policies in Mauritius.
• Regulates groundwater extraction to prevent overuse and salinization.
• Promotes rainwater harvesting and desalination projects as adaptation strategies.

Governmental Institutions Responsible for Adaptation:

Several ministries and agencies are involved in climate adaptation planning, policy implementation, and funding mobilization.

Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Private Sector:

• NGOs such as Mauritius Wildlife Foundation (MWF) and Eco-Sud play a vital role in mangrove restoration, biodiversity conservation, and climate awareness campaigns.
• The private sector contributes by adopting climate-resilient technologies and engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives related to adaptation.

Mauritius actively participates in global climate governance, aligning its national adaptation policies with international agreements and benefiting from climate finance mechanisms.

Key International Commitments:

• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC):

  • Mauritius is a signatory and submits regular National Communications (NCs) and Adaptation Reports.

Paris Agreement (2015):

• Mauritius has committed to enhancing adaptation efforts, integrating climate resilience into national policies, and reducing vulnerabilities in key sectors.

Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030):

• Supports national efforts in disaster risk management and early warning systems.

Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Adaptation Fund (AF):

• Mauritius accesses climate finance to implement adaptation projects in agriculture, coastal protection, and water security.

Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) Climate Initiatives:

• Regional cooperation for climate resilience and disaster risk reduction in small island states.