1. Leading Mauritius’ environmental protection and climate resilience agenda
The Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change (MoESWMCC) is the national institution mandated to oversee environmental management across the Republic of Mauritius, supported by relevant Ministries acting as enforcing agencies.
The Ministry leads policy and strategic direction for environmental protection through provisions vested across a number of key legal frameworks, namely the Environment Act 2024, the Waste Management and Resource Recovery Act 2023, the Climate Change Act 2020 and the Beach Authority Act 2002.
Over and above its strategic roles, the ministry’s operational responsibilities are delivered via 5 key technical arms, namely:
the Department of Environment, which, amongst others, handles environmental planning and management, monitoring, coordination and awareness raising
the Solid Waste Management Division, which is tasked with managing solid waste operations;
the Department of Climate Change, whose work focuses on climate-related initiatives;
the Beach Authority, which oversees beach management and protection; and
the Living Environment Unit, which, in essence, designs, implements, manages and maintains projects such as creating green spaces, health tracks, gardens, amongst others.
The Police de L’Environnement, which is a subsidiary of the Police Force, assists the MoESWMCC with enforcing environmental laws.
2. Advancing policies for biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources
The Government Programme 2025-2030 is a clear signal that climate change and resilience building are high on the agenda. Aligned with this vision for a climate-resilient and low-emission future, Government is committed to investments in adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect its people and the environment. Government will also follow a just and people-driven transition to ensure an inclusive society.
Moreover, Government aims to create a statutory Just Transition Commission (JTC) for the socio-ecological transformation of Mauritius in line with the climate and ecological crisis. The JTC will be an inclusive and broad-based engagement by all citizens of the country.
In addition, Mauritius aims to set up a Regional Centre for Research and Education on Climate Change and Socio-ecological Transformation with the objective of being a bridge between the peoples of the Indian Ocean who share, as islanders, the threats of the global climate and ecological crisis. This Centre will be a hub for knowledge sharing, research and dissemination for the peoples of the Indian Ocean. While the Ministry of Agro Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries has overall leadership on matters pertaining to terrestrial and marine biodiversity conservation, as well as some responsibilities with regard to sustainable management of natural resources, it is to be noted that environmental governance across the Republic of Mauritius empowers a number of different ministries and authorities with related roles on these topics. For instance, the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities oversees sustainable management of water resources, the Prime Minister’s Office, through its Department for Continental Shelf, Maritime Zones Administration & Exploration, oversees sustainable management of the non-living resources through marine special planning, amongst others.
At its end, the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change addresses biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of natural resources through a number of policy instruments. Indeed, scheduled activities are required through the Environment Act 2024 to go through an environmental licencing process, whereby strict conditions are imposed to mitigate the effects of such undertakings on the environment. Other measures of relevance include beach erosion control projects, oil spill coordination, integrated coastal zone management, standards setting, as well as solid waste management and beach management.
On the issue of advancing such policies, it is to be stressed that the Ministry is currently spearheading the development of an Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) Bill, with the support of the UNDP. This new bill will operationalise commitments taken by Government within the Government Programme 2025-2029.
In essence, the ESA Bill will significantly enhance legal protection around the protection, conservation and management of 14 ESA types, namely: 1. boreholes (wells); 2. Caves (and other geological features); 3. Coastal freshwater marshlands; 4. Coral reefs; 5. Forests with high native content; 6. Inter-tidal mudflats; 7. Islets; 8. Lakes and reservoirs; 9. Mangroves; 10. Rivers and creeks; 11. Sand beaches and dunes; 12. Seagrass beds; 13. Steep slopes; and 14. Upland marshlands.
Consultations on the scope of this Bill are currently ongoing with various actors of society.
3. Strengthening climate change adaptation strategies to safeguard coastal zones, ecosystems, and communities
Mauritius, a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), faces acute vulnerabilities due to climate change, with rising sea levels, intensified tropical cyclones, and coastal erosion posing serious threats to its ecosystems, infrastructure, and livelihoods, despite contributing less than 0.01% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Some of the latest damaging events being cyclone Belal in 2024 and several torrential rainfall episodes. Over 40% of the population resides in coastal areas, making the urgency to strengthen climate adaptation strategies more critical than ever.
Among the key challenges is the accelerated sea-level rise, which is between 4.5 to 5.8 mm per year, according to the Mauritius Meteorological Services.
The accelerated rate of coastal erosion is also a pressing concern. More than 37 km (17.6%) of our coastline have been affected by erosion and the width of the certain beaches has shrunk by up to 20 m over the last few decades. Beaches like Mont-Choisy and Flic-en-Flac have experienced significant shoreline retreat, affecting both natural habitats and tourism infrastructure. Sea-level rise, coupled with more frequent tropical cyclones, has intensified flooding and saltwater intrusion, threatening freshwater resources and agricultural lands. Coral reefs and seagrass beds, critical for marine biodiversity and coastal protection, are under stress due to warming waters. To address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change, Mauritius is embracing a holistic "ridge-to-reef" approach that integrates adaptation efforts across upland forests, rivers, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems. This strategy acknowledges the interconnectedness of natural systems and aims to strengthen resilience from the island’s interior all the way to its marine environments. Central to this approach are ecosystem-based strategies, which have gained prominence through initiatives such as mangrove restoration, coral reef rehabilitation, and seagrass protection. Mangroves are being replanted in vulnerable coastal areas to stabilize shorelines, reduce erosion, and provide critical habitats for marine life. Coral reefs are being rehabilitated using artificial reef structures like reef balls, which help dissipate wave energy and promote coral growth. Meanwhile, seagrass meadows are being safeguarded for their role in supporting fisheries, enhancing water quality, and storing carbon. Together, these nature-based solutions serve as vital buffers against climate impacts while preserving biodiversity and sustaining livelihoods
Infrastructure resilience is also a key priority. The government has undertaken coastal protection works, through a mix of measures. A Refuge centre has been constructed in vulnerable coastal village of Quatre-Soeurs. These efforts are complemented by a new land development strategy that incorporates climate risk assessments, discourages construction in high-risk zones, and promotes sustainable urban planning.
However, there is an urgent need for capacity building at all levels, from local communities to government agencies. Training programs must equip stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to manage climate risks, monitor ecosystems, and implement adaptive practices. Additionally, Mauritius needs sustained funding and technical expertise to scale up successful pilot projects and maintain long-term resilience. International support, public-private partnerships, and innovative financing mechanisms will be crucial to bridge these gaps.
Being proactive is far more effective than reacting to disasters after they occur. Mauritius is shifting its mindset toward anticipatory action, investing in data collection, scenario modelling, and community engagement to prepare for future climate shocks. By integrating nature-based solutions, resilient infrastructure, and inclusive governance, the island is building a robust adaptation framework that other SIDS can emulate.
In conclusion, Mauritius is making commendable strides in adapting to climate change and safeguarding its coastal zones, ecosystems, and communities. Through a ridge-to-reef lens, the country is prioritizing the protection of coral reefs and seagrass meadows, investing strategically in resilient infrastructure. By embracing nature-based solutions and inclusive governance, Mauritius is not only securing its own future but also setting a powerful example for other vulnerable nations. With continued commitment, collaboration, and innovation, the island is well-positioned to thrive in the face of climate change.
Nature-based solutions pilot project
The UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP-CCC) is assisting Mauritius for the implementation of nature-based solutions (NbS) in the City of Port Louis and the coastal village of Grand Sable with a view to address climate change impacts, including flooding and urban heat. The key outcomes of the project will be preparation of a plan for implementing NbS and capacity building of local stakeholders.
National Adaptation Plan (NAP)
Adaptation is our foremost priority and must be seamlessly integrated into all phases of project design, budgeting and implementation in order to build our resilience. Along this line, adaptation and resilience building is a cornerstone of NDC 3.0.
Mauritius will be formulating its National Adaptation Plan, the readiness proposal of which was approved by the Green Climate Fund on 18 April 2025, for a total budget of USD 1,885,105. The Indian Ocean Commission will be the Delivery Partner.
The NAP will cover the key adaption sectors, namely water; agriculture and terrestrial ecosystems; fisheries and marine ecosystems; tourism and coastal management; human health; and infrastructure and disaster risk reduction. The heart of this project lies in its commitment to informed decision-making. Data-based climate change vulnerability assessments for each of the adaption sectors will be undertaken, including a dedicated vulnerability assessment study for Rodrigues, ensuring its unique needs are recognized and addressed. All these findings will then be meticulously integrated into one comprehensive NAP for the entire Republic of Mauritius.
4. Implementing innovative waste management and recycling solutions to reduce pollution and promote circular economy practices
There is general consensus on the need for a holistic and coordinated approach to a circular economy model. The Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, with the technical assistance from the European Union under the SWITCH Africa Green project came up with a “Roadmap and Action Plan for a Circular Economy in the Republic of Mauritius for the decade 2023 to 2033”. The Circular Economy Roadmap serves as the strategic tool to support the transition from a linear economy to a circular and resilient economy and recommended 80 actions for Mauritius and 30 actions for Rodrigues comprising policies and key projects, in 5 priority focus areas, namely Agri-food sector; Construction and Real Estate; Consumer Goods; Mobility and Logistics; and Waste Management. 6 Cross-Cutting measures including Governance; Education and Awareness Raising; Research and Innovation; Business Support; Public Procurement and Greening of Fiscal Policies and Financing have also been identified which will serve as key enablers to create the conducive environment to facilitate the shift to a circular economy model. To-date, 6 Circular Economy Platforms have been set up and meetings are on-going to drive the integration of circular economy policies and projects in the 5 focus areas and cross-cutting issues.
Moreover, Government is benefitting from the support of the European Union for the implementation of the Roadmap on Circular Economy. Technical assistance to the tune of EUR 3.5 M is being provided to support actions pertaining to strengthening institutional capacity; formulation of legislative framework, standards and guidelines; development of communication tools for enhanced awareness raising as well as capacity building of public and private officers in the waste management sector particularly with the formulation of a “La Loi Anti-Gaspillage” which would recommend innovative waste management opportunities and promote recycling solutions as well as circular economy practices. This would consequently reduce plastic pollution and pollution from illegal disposal of construction and demolition wastes in the nature.
5. Promoting renewable energy adoption and green technologies to support Mauritius’ low-carbon transition (DCC)
The NDC 3.0 priorities for the energy sector are as follows:
• 60% renewable energy in the electricity mix by 2035
• Coal phase out in electricity production by 2035; and
• 10% energy efficiency gains by 2035 with 2019 as base year.
6. Fostering environmental awareness and community participation in conservation and sustainability initiatives
Advancing policies for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources is crucial for the success of both adaptation and mitigation efforts as spelt out in the third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) submitted on 29 September 2025 to the UNFCCC. NDC 3.0 outlines Mauritius’ enhanced mitigation and adaptation commitments, further reflecting the determination of the country to contribute meaningfully to the achievement of the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement.
Moreover, in order to protect existing natural carbon sinks and habitats, measures will be taken for the protection of forests in fire-prone areas through the creation and maintenance of firebreaks.
On the mitigation side, ocean as a carbon sink has significant potential, given the large Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Mauritius has launched a Carbon Sink Enhancement Programme with the objective to carry out inventories on seagrass and mangrove in the EEZ, operationalize blue carbon accounting in national climate reporting and restore degraded ecosystems, supported by a Blue Carbon Innovation Hub. Moreover, the overall carbon sink will be increased by expanding the coverage of mangrove, sea grass and forest.
The Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change is stepping up efforts to cultivate a deep-rooted environmental culture across all levels of society. The goal is to inspire widespread adoption of eco-conscious values, behaviours, and actions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through a variety of communication strategies, including talks, video presentations, and interactive activities, the Ministry is promoting informal and non-formal environmental education. These initiatives aim to raise public awareness on sustainability and encourage community involvement in environmental protection efforts such as tree planting, wetland and forest restoration, and biodiversity conservation.
As part of its broader ecological vision, the Government is committed to embedding environmental values into national policy. A landmark constitutional amendment is planned to recognize the rights of Nature, underscoring the country's dedication to sustainability.
Mauritius is in the process of establishing the Observatoire de l’Environnement, which is a centralized platform dedicated to the collection, analysis, and dissemination of environmental data. This vital resource will support effective monitoring, management, and evaluation of environmental policies and initiatives.
The Observatory will serve as a one-stop portal offering access to over 200 environmental indicators under 16 thematics and a broad spectrum of related statistics, covering both the mainland and outer islands. Users will be able to explore key environmental themes and challenges through publications, tools, data sets, and other relevant resources. The observatory will comprise of a Citizen Science Platform which seeks to encourage individuals, schools, and communities to actively participate in environmental monitoring and reporting. By inviting the public to share insights. The observatory will promote a shared sense of responsibility and enhances environmental stewardship.
Government programme 2024-2029 has provided for the setting up of a Service to Ecology programme, which is a national initiative encouraging voluntary participation in ecological activities, aimed at enhancing public engagement and environmental responsibility. This programme will be led by the National Youth Environment Council (NYEC) which has been restructured to better involve youth in environmental initiatives, empowering young people to take active roles in building an ecological sustainable and climate-resilient Mauritius.
7. Integrating climate resilience into national infrastructure and urban development planning
National Infrastructure
Mauritius is committed to have a climate-resilient infrastructure system that safeguards public assets, reduces vulnerability and contributes to national mitigation efforts. This will be achieved through:
Moreover, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Policy, Strategic Framework and Action plan 2020-2030 which was completed in January 2021, has the objective to minimise disaster impacts and strengthen Mauritius’ resilience through Disaster Risk Governance, Disaster Risk Reduction, Warning and Alert, Preparedness, Response and Recovery.
Urban development planning
Climate change is mainstreamed in land use development planning process through the Planning Policy Guidance (PPG). Mauritius is finalising the National Development Strategy (NDS) 2025 with respect to land use planning with focus on the following 4 policies so as to:
Moreover, the project entitled “Mainstreaming Sustainable Land Management and Biodiversity Conservation in the Republic of Mauritius”. seeks to address land degradation neutrality through catalysing the transformation of land use planning and management, building a governance and sustainable production framework and optimizing ecosystem services and livelihoods.
8. Enhancing regional and international cooperation on climate action, ocean preservation, and disaster preparedness
Mauritius as a SIDS suffers from increasing economic and non-economic losses caused by more frequent and intense extreme weather events. It places high priority on regional and international cooperation to address the existential threats posed by climate change, safeguard its vast ocean territory, and enhance resilience against disasters such as cyclones, floods and sea-level rise.
Mauritius was one of the first countries to ratify the Paris Agreement, and has submitted its NDC 3.0 on 29 September 2025, i.e. prior to the COP 30 to demonstrate its commitments to the global climate agenda. It is a host country and beneficiary of the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub, and cooperates with multilateral entities like the UNDP, Green Climate Fund, and Adaptation Fund to mobilise necessary resources in terms of financial, technical, and technology transfer to implement climate-related projects.
With an extensive EEZ and rich marine biodiversity, Mauritius is a strong advocate for ocean governance and conservation. It is also party to the Nairobi Convention for the protection, management, and development of the marine and coastal environment of the Eastern African region. Mauritius has also a National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Strategic Framework (2020-2030) which is aligned with the Sendai Framework, and works with international partners to support the implementation of coastal adaptation measures, and improve institutional capacity and coordination to mainstream climate change and disaster risk reduction and response.
In view of enhancing regional and international cooperation on climate action, ocean preservation and disaster, Mauritius considers that it is critical for:
9. Exploring opportunities for collaboration with UAE and Gulf-based partners in renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable finance
Future collaboration of UAE and Gulf-based partners in terms of technology transfer and financing will be desirable for the implementation of:
waste management: Integrated Waste Processing Facilities and anaerobic digestion
Financing remains critical for the implementation of NDC 3.0. An incremental investment to finance mitigation and adaptation measures is estimated at USD 11.3 billion in nominal terms for period 2026 to 2050. On basis of the above estimates, the additional financing for the NDC 3.0 for 2026-2035 has been projected to USD 5.7 billion. The targets and measures proposed in NDC 3.0 are subject to the availability of both conditional and unconditional finance, technology transfer and capacity building. Collaboration of UAE and Gulf-based partners is required for financing the implementation of NDC 3.0.
Moreover : Capacity Building of Mauritian professionals in UAE and Gulf-based partners in competent institutions, training centres and visit of infrastructures;
Platform for exchanges between local professionals and their counterparts from UAE and Gulf-based partners; and
Investment opportunities in waste management projects in Mauritius.
10. Implementing innovative waste management and recycling solutions to reduce pollution and promote Circular Economy practices
Solid waste generation is one of the most pressing issues worldwide due to the environmental and human-health impacts associated with a lack of proper management. In Mauritius, over 541,000 tons of solid wastes were landfilled in 2023 and about 520,000 tons in 2024, representing an average annual increase of 2% over the past 10 years. It is estimated that only some 6% of the waste generated in the country are retrieved upstream and diverted towards recycling. This rate is on a very low side as compared to the world average. So far, Landfilling has ensured the safe disposal of waste but is nonetheless considered to be not sustainable in the long term as the principal sink for our waste.
The country’s waste management system has for decades been characterised by linear system of take-make-dispose, basically translated into collection of co-mingled waste, bulk transportation and landfill disposal. Whereas it can be said that the system met the primary objectives of upholding sanitation and public health in the country, it was, on the other hand, recognised in the years 2015-2016 that it was not sustainable as the sole landfill of the country was reaching saturation and several of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to waste management were not given due attention.
Waste Management and Resource Recovery (WMRR) Act 2023
The shift from a linear approach to a Circular Economy model in the solid waste sector, as envisaged by the Mauritian Government, has been translated into a proper legislative framework to ensure the effective implementation of the several projects focusing on resource recovery and recycling. In this context, a Waste Management and Resource Recovery (WMRR) Act 2023 with a view to providing strategic direction and guidance towards sustainable solid and hazardous waste management practices in line with the concept of Circular Economy, has been proclaimed on 31 July 2024. This new legislative framework enables the Ministry to adopt an integrated and sustainable approach for the sound management of all forms of waste streams covering solid and hazardous wastes.
Integrated Waste Processing Facilities (IWPFs)
In the year 2017, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) assisted Mauritius in the development of a Waste Management Strategy and Action Plan in two phases.
Firstly, a study was carried out, recommending a phased development of the waste sector in the order of reduction and minimization, material recovery, thermal recovery and in the long-term waste-to-energy. The second phase of the Strategy and Action Plan was a feasibility study for the setting up of two regional facilities, comprising of composting plants for organic waste and sorting units for dry recyclables. After Government’s approval for the setting-up of the facilities on a PPP basis, the project would be implemented in two regions namely the western and north-eastern regions.
Recommendation was also made that waste should not be contaminated to maintain its economic value and then be accordingly segregated and collected separately at source, that is, from households and commercial areas. In October 2024, two Concession Contracts were awarded for the setting-up of two Integrated Waste Processing Facilities (IWPFs), each with waste receiving capacity of 130,000 tons per annum. To allow for a high-quality waste stream to the IWPFs, waste segregation at source is fundamental through the provision of 3 bins to each household. One bin (green) will be used for the storage of organic wastes, the second bin (blue) will be used for the storage of recyclable materials while the third bin (brown) will be used for the storage of residual wastes which will be sent to the landfill. The commercial and industrial sectors will accordingly separate their wastes under similar directives.
The Project is currently in the pre-construction phase where the parties are working on their respective conditions’ precedent. The IWPFs are expected to come into operation in October 2027, and it is estimated that they will, on a combined basis, divert some 40% of waste from being landfilled.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations
The electrical and electronic products that we buy do not last very long, thereby becoming E-wastes. E-wastes contain many toxic materials, such as mercury, cadmium, lead, hexavalent chromium and polychlorinated biphenyls and ozone-depleting substances. These hazardous substances will be present in the E-wastes for many years and will have an impact on the environment and human health. However, E-wastes also contain scarce metal resources that can be recovered for subsequent use. Currently, there is no established system for managing E-wastes in Mauritius. Out of the 8,000 to 10,000 tonnes of E-wastes generated annually, it is estimated that a small fraction (2-5%) gets dismantled and treated, as well as landfilled (0.4%).
As for post-consumer beverage containers, it is estimated that out of some 130 Million PET bottles that are placed on the Mauritian market every year, only about 35% of post-consumer PET bottles are effectively collected annually for recycling.
In view to alleviating these issues, two separate regulations have been drafted (one for the electrical and electronic equipment and one for the post-consumer beverage containers). The regulations for the EPR System for e-wastes is being vetted by the State Law Office. Once finalised, that of the post-consumer beverage containers will follow. The coming into force of these regulations will enable the creation of a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) that will manage the EPR System for E-goods and post-consumer beverage containers. The management of the EPR System will be sustained through an eco-contribution fee paid by a consumer on each E-good or beverage purchased. In addition, the EPR for post-consumer beverage containers will be coupled with a deposit-refund scheme in view to increase capture of these containers.
Anaerobic Digestion Plant The Solid Waste Management Division is also contemplating the implementation of anaerobic digestion for the management of part of organic wastes, particularly those which are highly putrescible, including hotel and market wastes. A Feasibility Study funded by Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), the operating arm of the UNFCCC and conducted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) of South Africa and the University of Mauritius recommended that viable project for Mauritius would be a plant of capacity 33,000 tons of selected organic waste with a power generation 13 GWh/annum was feasible for implementation on a Public Private Partnership basis.
Under a second Technical Assistance under the TWENex Facility (Transformation du secteur des déchets vers un lien déchets-énergie dans la région du sud-ouest de l’océan Indien), Request for Proposal Documents for the Project under a Design-Build-Operate and Transfer Model were prepared in 2024.
Feasibility study on scrapyard facility for end-of-life vehicles
Scrap vehicles, which may be either abandoned or end-of-life (ELV) vehicles, are becoming a major issue in Mauritius from a road safety aspect and an environmental perspective. It has been reported that seriously damaged vehicles, commonly known as “total loss” vehicles, find their way back on the road after they have been modified, thereby representing a threat to public safety on roads. Furthermore, many dealers in spare parts from ELV vehicles operate illegally without de-polluting the vehicles. This can become a serious threat to the environment, if not properly managed. There is currently no official disposal site or management system for scrap vehicles in Mauritius and considering that dumping of scrap vehicles represents an eyesore and harbour mosquitoes which can be the vector for diseases like malaria, chikungunya, dengue that can seriously affect public health, a sustainable solution to this issue of scrap vehicles is thus fundamental.
In this context, a feasibility study was commissioned on the setting-up and operation of an ELV recycling facility in Mauritius for the de-pollution, dismantling and recycling of ELV vehicles and provide suitable storage areas for the recyclable materials, with the support of EU Africa RISE, operating under the European Union. The project was found to be feasible as per the study conducted. The way forward is to:
amend the Road Traffic Act to channel ELV to recycling facilities; and
provide a license to an operator of a future scrapyard facility. The Ministry is drafting the Regulations to that regards.
Economic Instruments
In order to incentivize recycling business, several economic incentives have been put in place as follows:
Recycling of used tyres : Rs 2,000/ton
Exportation of PET : Rs 15,000/ton
Recycling of PET : Rs 30,000/ton
Upstream actions to reduce waste
Banning of several single use plastics.
11. Final message to Khaleej Times readers:
Mauritius’ commitment to become a model for environmental stewardship and climate resilience in the Indian Ocean is not an option or a moral obligation to its citizens, but an obligation.
For decades, the country’s linear model of development has had its toll on the environment and the world today is facing unprecedented environmental challenges.
On the one hand, global challenges such as climate change, increase in pollution, and the loss of biodiversity, that is the so-called “triple planetary crises” threaten the delicate balance of our ecosystems with major ramifications for Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) like ours.
On the other hand, at local level, the use of plastics, coastal degradation, water accumulation during flash floods, amongst others, have contributed towards several challenges faced by the country, thereby hampering effective environmental management and our pathway for a just socio-economic development.
Furthermore, it is a fact that citizens of the Republic of Mauritius today are more and more eco-conscious. The numerous legal cases brought to courts of law, whereby contestations have been raised against projects having environmental impacts, bear testimony to such citizen involvement.
These global and local environmental challenges, along with evolving ecological mind-sets, have prompted Government to take strong pledges towards environmental protection and which have been included within the Government Programme 2025-2029. Amongst those commitments, in-depth reforms will be undertaken which will, amongst others, take into consideration the inclusion of the rights of nature within the Constitution of the Republic of Mauritius. In light of the environmental challenges faced and the evolution of the Mauritian society, Mauritius is compelled to take a leadership role on the environmental front.
Mauritius is a committed and determined SIDS, to achieve low-carbon development pathway, despite its less than 0.01% of global GHG emissions and build resilience to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of its citizens.
Mauritius was one of the first countries to ratify the Paris Agreement and has submitted its NDC 3.0 on 29 September 2025, i.e. prior to the COP 30 to demonstrate its commitments to the global climate agenda.
Mauritius NDC 3.0 serves as a roadmap for national transformation and calls for strengthened international cooperation and solidarity. With adequate support and increased finance, technology transfer and capacity building, Mauritius can pursue an inclusive and sustainable low carbon pathway while contributing meaningfully to global climate goals based on conditional financing.
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