Mauritius designing measures to have greener, sustainable economy

24 / 01 / 2023

By Marwa Nassar - -

Mauritius Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Kavydass Ramano said his country aspires to become “an inclusive, high income and green Mauritius, forging ahead together”. The government is designing new strategic measures that will enable the country to leapfrog to a cleaner, greener, environmentally sustainable, climate-change resilient, low-emission and circular economy.

As a vulnerable Small Island Developing State, adaptation to the climate crisis is a top priority for the Government. Despite the challenging economic situation and the COVID pandemic, the Government’s updated its Nationally determined contribution (NDC) has taken the firm commitment of providing an unconditional support of 35 percent share of the total financial needs, amounting to $2.3 billion. The remaining 65 percent share will depend on crucially needed support from international sources.

The Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change developed a 10-year policy and strategy approved by the Government in May 2022.

The Master Plan defines a new mindset and approach to business, strategic partnerships, and governmental cooperation through holistic policies for the environment. It includes an updated NDC, introduction of regulations banning non-biodegradable single-use plastic products, formulation of a solid waste management strategy and development of strategies to address vehicular emissions.

In addition, the Government is investing more than $15 million in the construction of drains and coastal rehabilitation programs for priority eroded sites.

Mauritius is committed to strengthening its resilience to the climate crisis, embarking on a low-emission pathway and completely phasing out coal in electricity generation before 2030.

Despite an insignificant contribution to the global greenhouse gas emissions, Mauritius’ commitment is to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030 and to achieve 60 percent of green energy in its energy mix by 2030.

To promote the nature-based solutions approach, the mangrove propagation program aims to support adaptation measures in its coastal zones, while also supporting women in these regions to sustain the livelihood of their families and communities.

The Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change is implementing several schemes to encourage sustainable lifestyles and green businesses, including small -and medium-sized enterprises.