UNDP launches seven new environmental projects in Mauritius under GEF Small Grants Programme

Alka Bhatia, UNDP Resident Representative for Mauritius and Seychelles, highlighted three decades of environmental action in Mauritius and called for strengthening community-led initiatives. The new projects aim to integrate biodiversity protection with livelihoods, food security, sustainable tourism, and the circular economy. During the signing ceremony, Bhatia emphasized the importance of this community-based approach, stating that the SGP has helped civil society transform local ideas into practical environmental solutions for 30 years.

She noted that the projects illustrate the value of integrated, locally-led action, linking biodiversity to livelihoods, sustainable tourism to species protection, and waste management to circular economy opportunities. Bhatia also stressed the UNDP's role in facilitating environmental policy implementation by combining technical expertise with funding solutions and bringing together government, civil society, the private sector, and communities. She encouraged the seven beneficiary organizations to aim for concrete and sustainable results, emphasizing that success involves ecosystem restoration, species protection, strengthened livelihoods, safer food production, and reduced plastic waste.

Bhatia thanked the National Steering Committee and congratulated the signatory organizations, noting t