Mauritius launches national climate consultations ahead of COP31 in Turkey

Minister of Environment Rajesh Bhagwan emphasized that climate change impacts, such as coastal erosion in Albion and Flic-en-Flac, are already visible. Fishermen, planters, coastal communities, and economic actors are facing consequences like shoreline erosion, coral reef degradation, and extreme weather events, which threaten the island's economy reliant on its natural environment and tourism. Priorities include coastal protection, natural resource preservation, water security, and adaptation to extreme climate events.

Mauritius aims to advocate for increased international climate financing for small island states, which are highly vulnerable but have limited financial resources. The government plans to invest in coastal protection and national resilience, recognizing the need for valid and sustainable projects to secure funding. Bhagwan stressed the importance of broad participation, inviting proposals from various stakeholders including fishermen, planters, NGOs, private sector actors, institutions, and youth.

The Climate Change Department and Climate Change Committee will centralize these proposals to form a national position. Junior Minister for the Environment Karen Foo Kune highlighted the country's water stress, with major reservoirs like Mare-aux-Vacoas significantly below last year's levels. She also emphasized youth involvement through the National Youth En