Climate change poses significant threats to the freshwater systems of Mauritius, primarily through the impacts of drought and saline intrusion. These challenges compromise both the availability and quality of freshwater resources, which are critical for domestic, agricultural, and industrial uses. Addressing the threats of drought and saline intrusion in Mauritius requires a multi-faceted approach that combines technological, ecological, and policy-driven solutions to enhance the resilience of freshwater systems to the impacts of climate change.
Drought | ||
Vulnerabilities
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Consequences
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Saline Intrusion | ||
Vulnerabilities
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Consequences
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Adaptation Strategies | ||
Water Conservation and Efficiency
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Infrastructure and Policy Improvements
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Technological and Ecological Solutions
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Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM)
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1. Water Resource Challenges
Projections from the MAGICC_SCENGEN model predict a significant reduction in water resources in Mauritius by 2050 due to:
- Shifting Rainfall Patterns: Rainfall is expected to occur in short, intense bursts followed by prolonged dry spells.
- Reduced Water Capture: These changes will likely reduce the amount of water stored in reservoirs, exacerbating water scarcity issues.
- Projected Decline: Utilisable water resources could decrease by up to 13%, worsening the already strained water supply.
2. Government Strategic Response
To address these challenges, the Government of Mauritius has prioritized increasing water storage capacity and modernizing water supply systems through the "Development of Water Resources in the Republic of Mauritius" Master Plan, which outlines initiatives up to 2025 and 2050. Key strategies include:
- Infrastructure Improvements:
- Midlands Dam: Completed to enhance water supply for domestic and agricultural use, particularly benefiting the northern flatlands.
- Bagatelle Dam: Plans for two additional dams to further increase storage capacity and manage runoff during flash floods.
- Rainwater Harvesting Initiatives:
- Subsidy Scheme: To promote rainwater harvesting, the government has implemented a subsidy scheme that offers:
- Soft loans for households to install water tanks.
- Grants for farmers to acquire rainwater collection systems.
- Budget Allocation: MUR 7.2 million was allocated in 2016/2017 to enhance rainwater harvesting in government buildings, schools, local authorities, and NGOs.
- Public Awareness: Efforts to raise awareness on the benefits of rainwater harvesting, aiming to reduce potable water consumption for non-potable uses and operational costs.
- Subsidy Scheme: To promote rainwater harvesting, the government has implemented a subsidy scheme that offers:
3. Ongoing Challenges
Despite these efforts, challenges persist:
- Increased Demand: Growing water demand puts additional pressure on the existing water supply.
- Climate Change: Reduced precipitation and heightened evapotranspiration contribute to worsening water scarcity.
- Water Scarcity Classification: In 2010, water availability was already below the water-scarce threshold, with just 965m³ per person.
4. Future Strategic Interventions
The Government of Mauritius (GoM), in collaboration with stakeholders, is implementing strategic interventions to transform the water sector from a constraint into a driver of inclusive growth. This involves:
- Valuing Natural Capital: Recognizing the importance of sustainable water resource management.
- Innovative Technologies: Embracing new technologies to improve water efficiency and sustainability, ensuring the water sector contributes to long-term growth and resilience.
By addressing both immediate water shortages and long-term challenges, Mauritius aims to secure a reliable water supply and support its socio-economic development.
