Climate Change & Hazards Impacts (Rodrigues)

Discover how rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and increasing frequency of droughts, and  the growing variability of other extreme climatic events, including severe cyclones and flooding, and rising sea level will impact the island's biodiversity, agriculture, and socio-economic sectors.  We emphasize the urgent need for adaptation measures and resilience-building strategies to protect the island and its inhabitants from the adverse effects of climate change.

Climate change and hazards present substantial challenges to ecosystems, economies, and community well-being globally.  Just like Mauritius and the other outer islands, the impacts of climate change and hazards are noticeable in Rodrigues too. 

Rodrigues' Vulnerability to CC

Several elements of vulnerability to climate change have been observed in Rodrigues, including increased frequency of landslides, floods and inundations. 

Landslides and Hazards

The estimation of landslides presented in the DRR report for Rodrigues was obtained by applying digital terrain models to geological, soil map and land use data (GoM, 2013). This study found that the observed increase in frequency of extreme weather events has led to floods, soil erosion and landslides. Soil erosion in turn leads to scouring of foundations and collapse of embankments, and landslides cause destruction to buildings and road infrastructure. 

Figure shows a map of Rodrigues indicating the locations most at risk from landslides. 

Table shows the distribution of agricultural land, built up areas and roads across four levels of exposure to climate-related hazards, specifically relating to landslides.

TNC Source: DRR (2013)

Figure 3.10 Rodrigues hazard map and landslides distribution

Floods and Inundation

The DRR report for Rodrigues has applied the standard hydrologic and hydraulic study methods to determine areas that are likely to be affected by flood and inundation (GoM, 2013).  

Figure presents the flood hazard map of Rodrigues, and the Table presents risk classes arising from flood risk for different land use categories. 

Flood hazard map of Rodrigues 

Challenges in priority sectors in Rodrigues, Adaptation and Resilience Strategies

The three main strategic objectives for Rodrigues are to:

1. avoid and reduce damage from climate change
2. build capacity to understand, analyse and pre-empt, in a timely manner, any future climate change impacts
3. integrate and mainstream climate change adaptation measures into core development policies, strategies and plans of RoM to create new opportunities in Rodrigues.

There are several areas of overlap across sectors, indicating the potential both to achieve considerable budget savings, and to reach effectively several sectoral goals across sectors simultaneously. It is important that in Rodrigues, which is characterized by heavily interconnected social, economic and environmental drivers of change, adaptation strategies are designed and implemented accordingly, to improve well-being effectively.

An integrated approach is used where the intervention options, which turn challenges into opportunities, are identified along with required investments, policy-induced avoided costs and added benefits. 

Agriculture

Climate change vulnerabilities

Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy in Rodrigues, not only in terms of income generation, but also in terms of full-time and, especially, part-time employment. 

Traditional farming systems produce the basic food commodities. However, adverse climatic conditions and water stress have severely constrained agricultural development (see Table). 

Soil erosion has become a major problem and soil fertility has been considerably reduced. Fodder is available only on high ground and has almost disappeared from the coastal region. Consequently, livestock has suffered from the change in climate patterns.

Adaptation policies

In order to address the challenges posed by climate change impacts and reach national targets of food security and competitiveness in the agriculture sector, RoM through the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, and in collaboration with other relevant entities, could actively support the transition to sustainable agriculture in Rodrigues (Table 3.25). 

The development challenges for Rodrigues in agriculture are similar to those of Mauritius except that it is far less dependent on food imports. Otherwise, the goals and the VAA strategies to address current problems and create new opportunities are very similar. These are given in Table 3.3.

An integrated approach that identifies the intervention options, which turn challenges into opportunities, and the corresponding required investments, and the resulting policy-induced avoided costs and added benefits in the agriculture sector, are given in Annex 9. 

 Climatic conditions that constrain agricultural development

Strategies in support of transition to sustainable agriculture

Coastal areas and Tourism

Climate change vulnerabilities

Unlike Mauritius, the main economic resource on the coasts of Rodrigues is fisheries combined with some tourism activities. However, the number of fish and octopus caught during the past few years is on the decline. This decrease is attributed to the loss of marine biodiversity, unsustainable fishing practices, and beach erosion that is causing  sedimentation in the sea. The main cause of beach erosion in Rodrigues is the continuous sand movement pattern that exists along the beaches, and the presence of hard infrastructure placed on the sea. Sand extraction practices also exist in the Rodrigues lagoon at Banc Catherine. It is estimated that about 25 000 t of sand are removed annually. Though control measures at sand landing station have been strengthened, to this date there is no study that assesses the sand stock required to ensure sustainable exploitation. Furthermore, higher sea surface temperature and sea level rise are foreseen to worsen beach erosion and the problems faced by the fisheries sector in the decades tou come.

Coral bleaching has been a recurrent problem in Rodrigues. The coral reefs of Rodrigues were some of the few reef areas in the Indian Ocean to escape the mass coral-bleaching event of 1997-1998. The 2016 El-Nino event is believed to have brought massive coral bleaching as per visual inspection made. Unusually warm sea conditions had resulted in coral bleaching, particularly at sites in the North and West of Rodrigues. Surveys showed occurrences of severe bleaching leading to the mortality of up to 75% of corals at some sites. If widespread coral mortality does not decrease in the near future, this may result in a decline in fish population, loss of the protective function of the reef, and a possible increase in toxic dinoflagellates. The North and West of the island are particularly vulnerable. These areas would benefit from immediate protection in order to allow the corals to recover, and further management measures could be taken to protect the beach from further damage. Furthermore, some islets such as Ile Coco are vulnerable to sea level rise. Considering a sea level rise at 5 mm/yr, as predicted by a few studies, the loss of sandy beaches may be of the order of 5 m every decade, threatening these islets.

Adaptation policies

In order to address sea level rise and temperature increase, and the resulting impacts on coastal erosion in Rodrigues, RoM through the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, and in collaboration with other relevant entities, could undertake to:

i) Preserve natural landscapes through the establishment of natural parks for eco-tourism. This action may not only protect valuable ecological resources and biological diversity but could also foster high-value and low-impact tourism, which ensures more revenues than mass tourism

ii) Plant mangroves to decrease infrastructure damage arising from climate change vulnerability. Mangroves not only act as nurseries for fish and control aspects of water chemistry in coastal zones, they also serve as a critical buffer against storm waves and other extreme weather events The implementation of the VAA strategies (Table 3.26) is expected to reduce vulnerability to climate change on coastal areas and, consequently, reduce potential economic damage to infrastructure and the operational costs of the fishery sector. 

An integrated approach that identifies the intervention options, which may turn challenges into opportunities, the corresponding required investments, and the resulting policy-induced avoided costs, and the added benefits in the coastal area and tourism sector are given in Annex 10. 

Table 3.26 VAA strategies for addressing current problems and transforming development challenges into new opportunities for achieving the development goals in the coastal area and tourism sector damage)

Note1: T1 etc. refer to proposed strategies to address current problems

Note2:TN1 etc. refer to strategies for creating new opportunities while addressing the current problems

Water resources

Climate change vulnerabilities

Rodrigues is a water scarce island. The main sources of water are rainfall, especially during the heavy rain season, and coastal boreholes. Most of the annual precipitation occurs in the summer months from December to April.

Long-term mean annual rainfall is 1 104 mm, with mean rainfall totalling 724 mm (65%) in summer and the remaining 380 mm in winter. Sixteen boreholes provide around 60 to 70% of the water supply in the island.

Traditionally, rain harvesting at household level has been a common practice to address the issue of water shortage.

Nowadays, desalination is considered as a valuable option (Figure 3.12) in spite of its high cost. Three plants are now in operation.

They supply about 1 250m³ of water per day to the main water network. The establishment of additional desalination plants are being envisaged. However, the high-energy consumption of desalination plants may inevitably lead to an increase in GHG emissions. Moreover, the need to mitigate environmental impacts of the desalination process has to be considered. The process generates a very concentrated and continuous stream of brine. In fact, the management of the plant has to do not only with the generation of potable water, but also with the disposal of the salt extracted.

Adaptation policies

In order to address the challenges posed by water scarcity and progress towards reaching national development goals in Rodrigues, RoM through the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, and in collaboration with other relevant entities, may undertake to:

i) Increase water use and production efficiency. Water use efficiency can be increased by improving infrastructures, increasing consumers’ awareness, and reducing the need for irrigation in agriculture. On the other hand, water production can be made more sustainable by reducing the environmental impact of desalination

ii) Promote integrated flood management. The process promotes the coordinated management and development of water, land and related resources, in order to maximise the resultant economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems

iii) Generate data and improve the reliability of their analysis. Data processing aids in the understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns in water quality, taking into consideration the natural processes and characteristics of a water body.It allows the impact of human activities to be understood and the consequences of management action to be predicted.

In the water sector, the development challenges, goals and the VAA strategies to address current problems and create new opportunities are very similar to those proposed for Mauritius. In particular, the implementation of the VAA strategies (Table 3.7) in Rodrigues is expected to reduce water scarcity, by increasing supply and improving efficiency of use. In so doing, the water sector will turn from a potential constraint to an enabler of inclusive growth, through interventions that value natural capital and favour the adoption of new technologies.

An integrated approach that identifies the intervention options, which turn challenges into opportunities, the corresponding required investments, and the resulting policy-induced avoided costs and added benefits in the water resources sector are given in Annex 11. 

Desalination Plant at Anse aux Anglais.  Credit: MoESDDBM

Biodiversity

Climate change vulnerabilities

Rodrigues is most likely the oldest of the Mascarene Islands. This has allowed a very high density of endemic taxa per unit area. Rodrigues has 150 native flowering plants, of which 47 are single island endemics, and 72 are Mascarene endemics (Baider et al., 2010). 

A list of endemic species unique to Rodrigues is given in Box 3.5. 

Rodrigues has undergone a marked destruction of its native forests (Carl Jones, in Cheke and Hume, 2008) since the island’s colonisation in the early 18th century. Forest clearance for agriculture and the advent of forest fires, hunting, mammalian predators and invasive plants has had a heavy toll on the biodiversity of Rodrigues, making it one of the most degraded islands in the world. Of the 36 to 38 taxa of endemic flowering plants, nearly all are threatened (Strahm, 1989). The main threats to forest biodiversity are past forest clearance and unsustainable agricultural practices (Figure 3.13) that lead to habitat fragmentation, soil erosion, and water scarcity. Invasive alien species are rampant both in cultivated and forested areas. However, there are a few and degraded native forest patches which are being restored, namely those. at Grande Montagne, Anse Quitor, and in some of the valleys and on some islets including Ile Cocos and Ile aux Sables. The most relevant direct impacts of climate change expected in the future are similar to those for Mauritius, and the main ones are given in Table 3.27. 

Adaptation policies

The policies related to adaption to climate change for Rodrigues are similar to those for Mauritius. As a result, in order to address the challenges posed by loss of biodiversity and degradation of ecosystems and reduced ecosystems services, and progress towards achieving biodiversity goals, RoM through the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, and in collaboration with other relevant entities, including conservation NGOs, could undertake to:

i) Increase significantly the restoration of native forests, or recreate native forests, in order to conserve biodiversity and improve ecosystems services such as regulation of water supply, soil conservation and air quality. This is already a policy decision in Rodrigues, with the Forestry Service creating new forests with native species solely. The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation and the Forestry Service are also restoring large areas of the nature reserves of Rodrigues

ii) Increase ex-situ conservation of plants as a safety measure against extinction, and provide plants for reintroduction into native forests iii) Address the issue of domestic and stray cattle grazing in forests that accelerate soil erosion and the spread of invasive species

iv) Improve habitats for native animals to use and recolonise forested patches, and reduce risks of decline or extinction of animals, and reinstate plant-animal interaction

v) Expand and improve protected areas to promote the creation of a functional corridor ecosystem, and explore a ridge to reef connection

vi) Promote the creation of local capacity to undertake research on the effects of climate change on biodiversity, and on the impacts of measures taken to address these effects

vii) Conduct ecosystems valuation to promote the importance and mainstreaming of biodiversity In the biodiversity sector, the development challenges, goals and the VAA strategies to address current problems and create new opportunities are very similar to those of Mauritius. In particular, the implementation of the VAA strategies (Table 3.9) in Rodrigues is expected to reduce vulnerability of biodiversity to climate change, improve ecosystems services, support eco-tourism, and provide forests for the enjoyment of the population of Rodrigues and visitors.

An integrated approach that identifies the intervention options, which turn challenges into opportunities, the corresponding required investments, and the resulting policy-induced avoided costs and added benefits in the biodiversity sector are given in Annex 12. 

Box 3.5. Endemic species unique to Rodrigues 

Figure 3.13 Forest cover in the region of La Ferme  Credit:MoESDDBM 

Table 3.27 Projected direct impacts of climate change

Fisheries

Climate change vulnerabilities

The main type of fisheries practiced in Rodrigues is artisanal fishery with line, basket trap and large net, octopus and off lagoon fisheries (Figure 3.14). There are 1 221 registered fishers out of which 190 are fisherwomen and 31 are large net fishers, and a fleet of 1973 registered fishing boats. In 2014, about 502t of octopus along with 1 158t of fish were caught within the lagoon, and 363t outside the lagoon (Figure 3.14). It is recognised that the lagoon around Rodrigues has degraded to the point of suffering from overfishing and this is largely due to the large number of casual fishers who use unsustainable fishing practices for their daily living. As regards octopus, since 2011, the practice of marine co-management of resources in Rodrigues by periodic octopus fishery closure (Box 3.6) has been successful in restoring gradually the stock. 

The main critical ecosystems include mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs. In Rodrigues there are 493 fish species, 138 coral species, 175 gastropod species, 104 species of algae, 109 bivalve species, 74 species of echinoderms and 41 bryozoan species (Oliver and Holmes, 2004). Planted mangroves (Figure 3.15), cover an area of 24 ha (MoESD, 2009). The stresses on fisheries in Rodrigues are intense fishing and decreasing habitat and habitat quality, which are likely to be exacerbated by climate change. These developments may in turn cause local shifts in catch, altered growth rates of fish population and stock migration.

The fisheries sector is influenced indirectly by climate change. Rodrigues has a lagoon area of 240 km2 with the South East Marine Protected Area (SEMPA) covering some 43 km2 and four Marine Reserves. These areas are known to be very diverse and highly productive, but they remain relatively shallow which make the ecosystem vulnerable to climate change, especially when considering the rising trends of temperature and ocean acidification.

As in Mauritius, coral and fish in Rodrigues are vulnerable to the effects of increased sea surface temperature, sedimentation increase with more frequent intense rainfall and fish reproduction is adversely affected by reduced mangroves (Section 3.2.5.1). The resulting socio-economic implications of climate change are expected to be significant in Rodrigues (as experienced in the past in the case of overfishing). 

Adaptation policies 

In order to address the challenges within the fisheries sector and progress towards reaching national development goals, RoM through the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, in collaboration with other relevant entities could undertake to implement suitable strategies (Table 3.28). 

For the fisheries sector in Rodrigues, the development challenges, goals and the VAA strategies to address current problems and create new opportunities are very similar to those of Mauritius. In particular, the implementation of the VAA strategies (Table 3.11) in Rodrigues is expected to reduce the loss of marine habitat and thus improve landings and the competitiveness of the fisheries sector and in doing so improve the livelihoods of the inhabitants in the coastal areas. 

An integrated approach that identifies the intervention options, which turn challenges into opportunities, the corresponding required investments, and the resulting policy-induced avoided costs and added benefits in the fisheries sector are given in Annex 13. 

Figure 3.14 Fish catch by type of activity in Rodrigues  Source: MoFED (2015)

 Figure 3.15 Mangrove at Baie Malgache   Credit: MoESDDBM

Periodic closure of octopus fishery in Rodrigues

Octopus exports dropped from about 411t in 1992 to an all-time low of 72t in 2011 most likely due to intensive fishing and ineffective enforcement of the regulations. In monetary terms the income went down from MUR 41.1 million to MUR 3.6 million To remedy the situation, a single annual ‘Octopus close season’ from 15 August to 15 October was adopted by the Rodrigues Regional Assembly (RRA) and implemented in 2012. Alternative activities were provided to the 1 387 fishers so that they could earn a living during the period of closure. 

Following the re-opening of the octopus-fishing season in October 2012, the mean catch per fisher, increased by a factor of five compared to the catch during the previous season. Since then, the exercise has been repeated every year with continued success (Figure 3.16). 

In view of the overwhelming success, two close seasons are now being proposed as from 2016: 15 February to April and 15 August to 15 October. Mauritius has adopted a similar scheme and its first annual Octopus close season is from 15 August to 15 October in 2016. 

Credit: Rodrigues Regional Assembly Figure 3.16 Re-opening of octopus fishing period attracts big crowds 

Table 3.28 Adaptation policies aimed at reducing the vulnerabilities of the fisheries sector 

Health

Climate change vulnerabilities 

Climate change will lead to negative health impacts. For Rodrigues the re-location of its vulnerable population may pose serious difficulties and disproportionately impact the island population, with resulting impacts of its health. The circumstantial evidence from Mauritius and elsewhere (Section 3.2.6.1) argues for the fact that climate change may induce epidemic-prone diseases in Rodrigues. It will also increase the vulnerability in the health sector requiring increased health care services. As health is inextricably linked to development, the adverse impact of climate change may have profound socio-economic impacts on the island. 

Adaptation policies 

In order to address the challenges posed by health impacts of climate change and concomitantly attain the Sustainable Development Goals by 2035 in Rodrigues, RoM, through the Rodrigues Regional Assembly and in collaboration with other relevant entities, could adopt the three-pronged approach as in the case of Mauritius and given in Table 3.12. In the health sector in Rodrigues, the development challenges, goals and the VAA strategies to address current problems and create new opportunities are very similar to those of Mauritius. In particular, the implementation of the VAA strategies is expected to reduce vulnerability to climate change, and decrease morbidity and mortality in Rodrigues (Table 3.13). 

An integrated approach that identifies the intervention options, which turn challenges into opportunities, the corresponding required investments, and the resulting policy-induced avoided costs and added benefits in the health sector are given in Annex 14. 

Infrastructure 

Climate change vulnerabilities 

Concentrated within an area of 108 km2, are the main components that constitute Rodrigues’s infrastructure sector, namely, 

(i) Land transport – The main road network of Rodrigues, extending either landside of Port Mathurin to Baie Malgache in the West, Anse aux Anglais in the East, and uphill to Mont Lubin to the Centre extending to Pointe Coton on one side and Plaine Corail and Port Sud-Est on the other, aggregate some 50 km. Other secondary roads, tarred and untarred amount to some 6 km. There had been major improvements on the road network over the last 10 years and this has been accompanied by a marked increase of 39% in the number of motor vehicles over the period 2010 to 2014. 

(ii) Electricity supply - A total of 33 GWh of electricity was generated, out of which 9% was from renewable sources primarily wind farms (Figure 3.17). Nonrenewable sources are mostly derived from diesel and heavy fuel oil (CEB, 2011) 

(iii) Water resources – Rodrigues is characterised by highly rocky reliefs and steep slopes and it lacks dams and impounding reservoirs. The run-off from rivulets flows rapidly to the sea. River abstraction, boreholes and a few springs are the main sources of water supply, providing some 7 500 m³/day during periods of abundant rain, and as little as 3 000 m³/day during dry spells. Newly constructed desalination plants provide a maximum of 2 000 m³/day. The water requirement for a population of 42 000 (2014) is some 7 000 m³/day for domestic consumption only. The shortage of water poses severe restrictions on development, and the impacts of climate change may further aggravate this situation. Credit:MoESDDBM Figure 3.17 Wind turbines at Trèfles 

(iv) Building infrastructure – The building infrastructure comprise approximately 12 000 residential units, 340 institutions and public buildings, 50 industrial buildings, 375 commercial buildings and 85 unclassified buildings.. 

Climate change-related impacts similar to those in Mauritius have been observed on the infrastructural assets in Rodrigues, as follows: 

(a) Temperature rise of 0.5 to 1.0?C during the last ten years when compared to the 1961 – 90 long-term mean (Meteorological Services, 2016) has resulted in the deterioration of tarred surfaces, development of surface and thermal cracks, increased corrosion to steel and soil shrinkage, as is the case in Mauritius (Table 3.15)

 (b) Annual rainfall over Rodrigues indicates significant variation from year to year but long-term analysis shows a decreasing rainfall trend (Meteorological Services, 2016). This results in an acute water stress in Rodrigues which is estimated to have only three weeks of water shortage during dry periods. In addition, the increase in frequency of extreme weather events has led to soil erosion, landslides and floods with ensuing consequences for infrastructure, as is the case in Mauritius (Table 3.15)

 (c) Sea level data in SWIO based on reconstructed tide gauge data and Topex/Poseidon altimeter for the period 1950 – 2001 show a rise of about 1.3 mm/year (Meteorological Services, 2016). Figure 1.5 gives more recent data on sea level rise for the period 1987 to 2012 which shows a more significant rise of 5.6 mm/year. Such rises in sea level together with surges during adverse weather conditions are adequate to inundate the low-lying areas constituting almost three quarters of the capital, Port Mathurin 

Adaptation policies 

In order to address the challenges posed by climate change impacts on the infrastructure sector, RoM in collaboration with the Rodrigues Regional Assembly (RRA) and other stakeholders, could undertake to enforce adaptation policie, as is the case in Mauritius (Table 3.16). 

(a) Structural measures As for Mauritius, the structural measures include improvement of coastal, transport and building infrastructure and others as described in Section 3.2.7.2 and also in Table 3.16. Additional sectoral measures may comprise: a) Water infrastructure 

(i) de-siltation of existing reservoirs to maintain their retention capacities 

(ii) rehabilitation and improvement of the distribution system of potable water 

(iii) construction of desalination plants powered by wind energy 

(iv) identification of potential small dam sites to cater for medium and long-term water needs of the population 

(v) construction of small dams across valleys and using high density polyethylene (HDPE) liner to arrest infiltration 

(vi) better design and planning of rain water harvesting techniques (vii) grey water recycling for irrigation 

b) Agriculture: Increasing the number, resilience and height of retaining walls to terraces for crop plantation (b) Non-structural In addition to those mentioned for Mauritius and applicable to Rodrigues as given in Table 3.17, non-structural measures will also include: 

(i) Training and capacity building on efficient use of water in all sectors, proper monitoring of quantity and quality of water, and improving cooperation and collaboration with end-users 

(ii) More sustainable, cost-effective and eco-friendly buildings and infrastructure to protect workers, occupants and the environment 

The implementation of the VAA strategies in Rodrigues as in the case of Mauritius (Table 3.18) is expected to reduce vulnerability to climate change by protecting existing infrastructures and incorporating more stringent  material and design criteria into new infrastructures, thereby protecting the population and the environment alike. The implementation of green technologies would continue to be subsidised to a large extent by the Government in order to encourage sustainable results in the long-run. An integrated approach that identifies the intervention options, which turn challenges into opportunities, the corresponding required investments, and the resulting policy-induced avoided costs and added benefits in the infrastructure sector are given in Annex 15. 

Credit:MoESDDBM Figure 3.17 Wind turbines at Trèfles 

a. Biodiversity Conservation and Restoration: Rodrigues must prioritize the conservation of its unique biodiversity by establishing protected areas, promoting reforestation efforts, and implementing measures to safeguard vulnerable habitats such as coral reefs and endemic species.

b. Sustainable Agriculture and Water Management: Implementing climate-resilient agricultural strategies, such as diversifying crops, improving irrigation systems, and adopting appropriate water management practices, can help mitigate the impacts of changing rainfall patterns on the island's food security and agriculture sector.

c. Infrastructure Resilience: Rodrigues should develop infrastructure that is resilient to extreme weather events, such as cyclone-resistant buildings and improved coastal protection mechanisms. Infrastructural upgrades should also prioritize sustainable energy solutions to reduce the island's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.

d. Public Awareness and Education: Raising awareness about climate change, its impacts, and the importance of adaptation measures is crucial to fostering community engagement. Education and outreach programs can empower individuals and communities to take part in climate action and build resilience collectively.

Conclusion:

While sea level rise is often a focal point, climate change impacts extend far beyond that singular factor. Rodrigues, like many other regions, faces various challenges arising from rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and the increased occurrence of extreme weather events. To protect its biodiversity, agriculture, and socio-economic sectors, the island must prioritize implementing adaptation measures and building resilience. By taking swift action, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering community engagement, Rodrigues can navigate through these challenges, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.

Source: Ministry of Environment, Sustainable Development, Disaster and Beach Management (MoESDDBM) 

Average yearly sea level (in blue) when decreasing and (in red) when increasing, with trend line and 2-year moving average for Mauritius (1987- 2011) 

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• Overview of Climate Change in Rodrigues

• Rodrigues has experienced a significant warming trend over the last 50 years, with average temperature increases between 0.5-1.0 °C. This change has profound implications for the island's environmental stability and community resilience.
• The rising temperatures are indicative of the broader impacts of global climate change, which affects local weather patterns and exacerbates natural disasters.
• Given its geographical and socioeconomic conditions, Rodrigues faces unique challenges in addressing these changes, necessitating tailored strategies for adaptation and resilience.
•  

• Vulnerability and Natural Disasters

• Rodrigues contends with severe climate-induced impacts, including tsunamis, heavy rainfall, prolonged droughts, and increasingly unpredictable cyclones.
• These events particularly threaten critical sectors like water resources, agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure, impacting overall human health and biodiversity.
• Coastal regions are at heightened risk, with predictions of increased cyclonic activity and storm surges, compounded by rising sea levels that pose flooding threats to low-lying areas.
•  

• Challenges in Climate Change Management

• Institutional and Resource Limitations: Rodrigues faces a lack of adequate adaptation measures and resources to effectively manage disaster risks. This includes insufficient financial, human resources, and institutional capacity to foster effective information sharing and coordination.
• Early Warning and Disaster Preparedness: Limitations in the early warning systems due to geographic and technical constraints hinder timely and effective responses to imminent threats. The existing disaster management schemes need further validation and improvement to ensure comprehensive emergency preparedness.
• Infrastructure and Community Readiness: The condition of cyclone evacuation centers and the overall community infrastructure is suboptimal, presenting challenges during disaster-induced displacements. Maintenance and clarity on jurisdictional responsibilities need addressing to enhance community safety and resilience.
•  

• Data Management and Staff Capacity

• Systematic data collection, analysis, and management are lacking, making it difficult to assess risks and plan accordingly. Information is often decentralized and inconsistently managed.
• Effective disaster risk management depends on a robust understanding of risks, which in turn relies on comprehensive and centralized data.
• Enhancements in data management processes and the capacity building of staff across relevant sectors are critical to improving Rodrigues’ resilience to climate change and natural disasters.

Policy Framework

• Rodrigues is committed to enhancing resilience through the integration of climate change and disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies into all developmental planning. The National Climate Change Adaptation Policy Framework (2012) guides these efforts, addressing the needs of both Mauritius and Rodrigues across various sectors. This framework includes:

1. A 20-year National Climate Change Adaptation Policy.
2. A 10-year Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan.
3. A 3-year Climate Change Adaptation Investment Plan.

• Specific focus on flood risk management under the DRR initiatives.
•  

Institutional Mechanisms

• The establishment of the Rodrigues Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Centre and the appointment of Disaster Management Coordinators are pivotal in strengthening the island's disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
• Climate Change Act 2020: Led to the creation of the Rodrigues Climate Change Committee (RCCC) and three sub-committees focused on Sensitisation, Data and Research, and Disaster Management, enhancing coordinated action and governance in climate-related issues.
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Climate Resilience and Environmental Conservation Measures

• Coral Reef and Mangrove Initiatives: Projects focusing on the restoration and protection of coral reefs and mangroves underscore their crucial role in disaster risk mitigation. Efforts include establishing new coral colonies and replanting mangroves, which have proven effective in protecting against cyclone impacts.
• Challenges: A notable challenge is the shortage of seedlings, which hampers replantation efforts and the scalability of these conservation initiatives.
• Sustainable Landscape Management: Development of landscape management strategies and ecosystem-based/nature-based solutions contributes to sustainable environmental practices and enhances resilience against climate impacts.
• Master Plan for the Environment: This plan outlines comprehensive, cross-disciplinary policy directions with strategic measures aimed at bolstering climate change resilience across Rodrigues.

Table 1: Policy orientation and related strategies for climate change and disaster risk reduction in Rodrigues (RoM 2022)

 A comprehensive overview of the current challenges and vulnerabilities that Rodrigues faces due to climate change are discussed. It emphasizes the need for integrated strategies that enhance resilience and mitigate the adverse effects of environmental changes. It also highlights Rodrigues's strategic approach to integrating climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction into its development agenda. These initiatives not only aim to safeguard the environment but also enhance the community's capacity to manage and respond to climate-induced challenges effectively.