Context (Rodrigues)

Official Name:

Rodrigues
Rodrig (Morisyen)

Coat of Arms

• Autonomous outer island of the Republic of Mauritius since October 2001
• THE RODRIGUES REGIONAL ASSEMBLY ACT 2001
• Area:  Total: 108 km²
• Capital: Port Mathurin (Coordinates: 19°41S 63°25E)
• Population:  44,661 (Estimated, Mid-year 2022)
• Demonym:  Rodriguan

Rodrigues, an island of 108 km² nestled 625 km east of Mauritius, is located at latitude 19°43”S and longitude 63°25”E. 

Rodrigues gained independence in union with Mauritius in 1968. Rodrigues is an integral part of the Republic of Mauritius and gained autonomy in October 2001, charting its own course while retaining its close ties. Rodrigues is governed by the Rodrigues Regional Assembly (RRA) and a dedicated Ministry of Rodrigues within the Mauritian Government. It possesses its own Regional Assembly and an Executive Council tasked with formulating and implementing socioeconomic policies. Governance on the island is managed by the Regional Assembly, with elections conducted every five years.

For additional information, please visit the Rodrigues Regional Assembly website: http://assembly.rra.govmu.org.

The Natural Environment of Rodrigues

Rodrigues, the youngest and smallest island in the Mascarene archipelago, spans 108 km² and features a rugged, volcanic landscape with a peak at Mont Limon (398 m). 

Rodrigues island is dominated by a steep central ridge which crosses the island almost throughout from the East to the South-West, over a distance of about 10 km, tapering off in the West into a calcareous coral plain. The island's terrain includes many steep river valleys and a jagged coastline, with a shallow lagoon fringed by about fifteen islets. The island's composition varies, showcasing both basaltic lava and volcanic ash in different regions.

It's surrounded by one of the Indian Ocean's largest lagoon (encompassing a staggering 240 km²), fringed by a nearly continuous coral reef platform stretching an impressive 90 km and varying enormously in width from 50 m in the east to 8-10 km in the west.  The island measures about 18 km in length and 6.5 km at its widest point.

Rodrigues boasts a mild tropical maritime climate year-round, with consistent trade winds providing a refreshing breeze. While Rodrigues enjoys a generally pleasant climate, it is susceptible to extreme weather events like cyclones, droughts, and floods. These events can cause damage to infrastructure and disrupt economic and social activity on the island.

A Blend of Cultures

The population of 44,661 (estimated mid-year 2022, Statistics Mauritius) showcases a diverse blend of cultures from African, Malagasy, French, and Asian descendants, reflecting its rich history and vibrant customs. Whilst the descendants arrived in the 18^th and 19^th centuries to form the foundation, with French settlers adding to the cultural tapestry during the early colonial period, the 20^th century saw a further diversification with the arrival of Asians, particularly from China. 

Aspirations and Challenges

Rodrigues is determined to transform into an "Île Écologique," reflecting a strong political will and commitment to sustainable development. The island's dependency on its natural resources intertwines its economy and social fabric with the environment, making it highly susceptible to climatic adversities such as cyclones, droughts, and floods. These challenges lead to environmental degradation and diminished agricultural productivity. Key infrastructures like roads, educational facilities, ports, and water systems are particularly vulnerable. Moreover, unsustainable practices like overfishing, uncontrolled grazing, and disorderly construction exacerbate these issues.

Strategic Environmental Initiatives

Rodrigues has embarked on significant initiatives to mitigate environmental impacts and promote sustainability. The island adopted the Sustainable Integrated Development Plan in 2009, which lays out strategies for sustainable growth. The Rodrigues Regional Assembly further reinforced this commitment by establishing the Sustainable Development Goal Committee in 2020, focusing on integrating and executing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These efforts are supported by substantial investments, including a Rs1 billion allocation detailed in the broader Rodrigues Master Plan, which aligns with the Republic of Mauritius Master Plan for the Environment.

Regulatory and Institutional Framework

The Environment Act 2024 of Mauritius, which extends to Rodrigues, serves as the backbone of the island's environmental policies. Under this Act, the Rodrigues Environment Committee, supplemented by an Environment Unit, takes the lead in environmental management and protection. This setup ensures that the Rodrigues Regional Assembly can enact and manage local environmental regulations effectively.

Environmental Challenges and Sustainability Efforts

Major environmental challenges include significant land degradation due to uncontrolled agricultural practices and deforestation, a decline in native biodiversity from invasive species, water scarcity exacerbated by decreased rainfall and saline intrusion, and coastal erosion threatening infrastructure and livelihoods.   

Commitment to Ongoing Environmental Stewardship

Despite these obstacles, Rodrigues remains steadfast in its pursuit of sustainable development. The island is taking proactive steps to mitigate climate-related risks, such as establishing the Rodrigues Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre and appointing a Commissioner of Environment. Efforts to restore degraded ecosystems, protect coastal zones, and promote sustainable agricultural practices are underway. To have a better comprehension of the environmental management, more resources, relevant data, capacity building, public engagement are required.

Drivers

Pressures

State

Impact

Response

Biodiversity Loss: Over-exploitation and habitat loss threaten Rodrigues' rich biodiversity, with negative impacts on marine life and terrestrial fauna and flora.