Erosion: Rs 1.6 Billion Required for Coastal Rehabilitation Works

Title: Erosion: Rs 1.6 Billion Required for Coastal Rehabilitation Works

The government has committed to a comprehensive program aimed at rehabilitating coastal areas facing accelerated erosion due to climate change effects. Recent estimates indicate that a total investment of approximately Rs 1.6 billion—according to a consultant hired three years ago—will be necessary to implement suitable protective measures at 16 priority sites identified across the island.

The Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management, and Climate Change is leading this program, which is being adopted with an integrated and sustainable approach. Since 2022, a consulting firm has been tasked with a 60-month mandate, costing Rs 94.6 million, to design and oversee interventions at these sites. Notable areas included in this initiative are Riambel, St-Félix, Rivière-des-Galets, Bel-Ombre, La-Prairie, Trou-Chenille (Le Morne), La-Mivoie, La-Preneuse, Albion, and the Souillac cemetery. For the cemetery, permission to begin work was granted in July.

Depending on the degree of erosion and local characteristics, the consultant recommends a combination of rigid solutions, such as hard protective structures, and nature-based measures, such as the restoration of plant ecosystems. These works, estimated at Rs 1.6 billion, aim to stabilize vulnerable coastlines. Design studies are currently underway for sites stretching from Riambel to Rivière-Noire.

Additionally, Mauritius is participating in the regional project "Coastal Ecosystem Resilience of Southwest Indian Ocean Countries" (RECOS), coordinated by the Indian Ocean Commission, with the ministry serving as the national focal point. This project plans to develop an integrated coastal zone management plan for the Rivière-Noire district, aimed at promoting sustainable coastal development, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and combating erosion through an integrated scientific approach.

An additional component of RECOS involves the pilot project of the Jacotet River, led by the NGO Reef Conservation. Adopting a "ridge-to-reef" approach, it integrates watershed and coastal area management in the Bel-Ombre region. Launched in November 2021, the RECOS project is expected to conclude in November 2026, with a possible extension until June 2027.

This information was provided by the Minister of Environment in a written response recently submitted to Parliament.