The Minister of Environment Reaffirms Mauritius' Commitment to Environmental and Human Health Protection

The Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management, and Climate Change, Rajesh Bhagwan, reaffirmed Mauritius' commitment to the protection of human health and the preservation of the environment under the Stockholm Convention, as well as the promotion of sustainable development goals.

He made these remarks during the opening of a two-day workshop on the National Implementation Plan (NIP) Report on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP), which was held on Monday, October 6, at the Hennessy Park Hotel in Ébène.

Also present were the Deputy Minister, Ms. Joanna Bérenger, and the Head of the Environment Team at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Jean Lindsay Azie.

The minister recalled that in 2001, Mauritius signed the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, a global environmental treaty aimed at reducing or eliminating the production, use, trade, release, and storage of POPs. The workshop's goal is to validate and approve the NIP report, as well as to familiarize stakeholders with the strategy for implementing the updated NIP, project development, and funding opportunities.

He assured that Mauritius is committed to protecting human health and the environment and has taken several measures to implement the first NIP from 2005, which focused on the initial 12 POPs. "Currently, the number of regulated POPs has increased to 34, and it is essential to address these new threats," he stated.

For his part, Jean Lindsay Azie emphasized the importance of eliminating chemical substances, electronic waste, industrial risks, and hazardous components that harm the environment. "The fight against POPs is not just about eliminating dangerous substances but also about protecting our common future," he emphasized.

He then insisted on the key role played by the UNDP in helping many countries address the threats posed by electronic waste, industrial risks, and hazardous chemicals. Thanks to UNDP's assistance, many countries have been able to establish pollutant inventories, ensure compliance with international standards, and protect human health.