Mauritius National Report - Phase 1: Integrated Problem Analysis

This report is the result of an exercise that was undertaken in Mauritius as part of the GEFMSP project on Coastal Zone in the Sub-Saharan countries. The project consisted of three parts (i) Identification of sites and prioritisation of issues; (ii) Environment and socio-economic Impact analysis; and (iii) Causal chain analysis.

Six sites were selected from an initial list of ten for the first part of the work. The six sites were Grand Baie, Flic en Flac, Pointe aux Sables, Pomponette/Riambel, Palmar/Belle Mare and Rodrigues. These were then assessed for a range of issues based on the modified GIWA methodology using available literature and data. The issues were then scored for the actual impacts and perceived future changes. The three issues, identified as a result of this exercise were (i) Modification of ecosystems or ecotones; (ii) Shoreline Change; and (iii) Over-exploitation.

An environmental and socio-economic impact assessment of each issue was then undertaken. The impacts considered for shoreline change were destruction and loss of habitats, loss of beach, reduction of beach protection, aesthetic devaluation and damages to infrastructure. For over-exploitation the impacts assessed were identified as deterioration of water quality, destruction and loss of habitats and decline if fisheries. Destruction of habitats and breeding grounds and deterioration of water quality constituted the main impacts for the issue modification of ecosystems.

The causal chain analysis revealed that coastal urbanisation and industries (including the tourism industry) were the main sectors driving the three issues. The increase in coastal population, the nonimplementation of the NPDP, the macro-economic policies favouring the tourism industry were the common root causes for the three issues. There exists a range of legislations under the responsibility of different ministries and institutions for the management of the coastal zone. However, the poor coordination between these stakeholders, poor demarcation of responsibilities, and the low level of enforcement have contributed to the environmental decline of the coastal zone.

This exercise has also revealed that the data on environmental issues related to the coastal zone is fragmentary. This is more so for socio-economic analysis. It is therefore recommended that efforts be made to bridge the gaps in our knowledge under different fronts and necessary steps be taken to curtail the environmental decline. This will ensure the long-term sustainability of the coastal zone through a more holistic management approach such as the ICZM.