The Republic of Mauritius Voluntary National Review (VNR) 2024 addresses SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, focusing on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. Mauritius’ emphasis on a green economy and sustainable practices provides insight into its efforts.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production in the Mauritius Voluntary National Review 2024
Key Achievements
Circular Economy Initiatives:
Private sector projects, such as glass (Prozer Ver Recycling) and cardboard (WeCycle Ltd) recycling, promote resource reuse and waste reduction.
Skills training for women detainees in rug-making from recycled cloth exemplifies sustainable production at a community level.
Sustainable Agriculture:
Transition to sheltered farming (e.g., hydroponics, aquaponics) and organic practices, like seaweed compost, reduce chemical use and enhance sustainable food production.
The Mauritian Standard on Good Agricultural Practices (MauriGAP) ensures environmentally friendly crop cultivation.
Policy and Innovation:
Efforts to phase out coal and achieve 60% green energy by 2030 align production with sustainability goals.
Academic and private sector collaborations, such as agro-processing incubators, drive innovation in sustainable production methods.
Challenges
Import Dependency: Reliance on imported staples like rice and wheat complicates efforts to localize sustainable consumption.
Climate Impacts: Extreme weather events disrupt production systems and resource availability.
Opportunities and Future Outlook
Waste Management: Expanding recycling and circular economy practices can further reduce environmental footprints.
Consumer Awareness: Promoting sustainable consumption habits can complement production efforts.
Technological Advances: Leveraging innovation can enhance efficiency and sustainability in resource use.
Conclusion
Mauritius advances SDG 12 through circular economy initiatives, sustainable agriculture, and green energy policies. Challenges like import reliance and climate risks persist, but opportunities in waste management and technology support responsible consumption and production patterns.
