Environment and Tourism - Île aux Bénitiers: A Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism
The Île aux Bénitiers is gearing up for sustainable tourism. The Master Plan outlines guidelines for visitors and activities to protect its exceptional biodiversity while providing enriching and profitable experiences for local operators and artisans.
In October, the Master Plan for Île aux Bénitiers was made public, presenting a clear roadmap to reconcile tourism with the preservation of this fragile ecosystem. In response to the increasing influx of visitors and the pressures on biodiversity, Mauritian authorities have introduced a structured plan aimed at organizing tourism activities, protecting endemic species, and offering quality experiences to visitors. This document details the island's future development, emphasizing sustainability, conservation, and the involvement of local communities.
Located 1.5 kilometers from La Gaulette on the west coast of Mauritius, Île aux Bénitiers spans 155 acres and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The intense traffic, especially during peak season, has led to infrastructure saturation, the presence of illegal structures, and waste management issues. The low-lying site, vulnerable to flooding and erosion, boasts remarkable but fragile terrestrial and marine biodiversity, making the establishment of a master plan essential for the island's protection.
Site Condition Before the Plan
As of March 2025, there were 242 economic operators active on the island, including transport boats, street vendors, and food service establishments. Visitor numbers could peak at 3,000 to 4,000 per day during seasonal highs, with 171 structures operating without authorization. The combination of high visitation and insufficient infrastructure resulted in a steady degradation of the site.
To address this situation, a temporary area of 9,200 m² was created, accommodating 57 authorized operators with limited sanitary facilities. Authorities noted a significant improvement in cleanliness and the overall state of the island.
Biodiversity: Wealth and Vulnerability
A survey conducted in June 2025 by the National Parks and Conservation Service (NPCS) confirmed the island's biological richness. It recorded 11 bird species, including one endemic and two migratory species. The flora consists of 129 species, with approximately 70% being exotic. Among the indigenous or endemic species, several are classified as critically endangered, such as Phyllanthus revaughanii and Lycium mascarenense. The island also hosts the largest recorded populations of certain endemic species in Mauritius.
The terrestrial fauna includes fruit bats, invasive shrews, and two wild cat species, posing threats to indigenous wildlife. Endemic and invasive reptiles coexist, and the observed diversity of invertebrates indicates varied microhabitats. Two wetlands serve as habitats for dragonflies and damselflies, contributing to the island's biodiversity.
Planning and Management
The Master Plan organizes tourism and commercial activities into four main zones. The Beachfront Zone is dedicated to beach activities with minimal ecological facilities such as umbrellas and wooden chairs. The Service Zone includes regulated businesses, food kiosks, craft stalls, an amphitheater, and dining spaces, integrating dry toilets, wooden shower stalls, rainwater catchment systems, and solar panels.
The Eco-Park Zone will feature kiosks, play areas, a restored marsh, and educational panels about the local fauna and flora. The maritime zone will be equipped with a floating jetty and will include swimming and mooring areas.
To limit environmental impact, the plan stipulates a maximum of 500 to 600 visitors per day and 70 land operators. An online reservation system will manage visitor flow. Governance will rely on a dedicated body comprising government representatives, economic operators, and the local community. Activities will be continuously monitored and adjusted based on observations and feedback collected.
The Master Plan aims to protect the fragile ecosystem of Île aux Bénitiers while developing sustainable tourism that generates income for local operators and artisans. The visitor experience will be enhanced through ecological infrastructure and educational arrangements. These measures will position Mauritius as a model for sustainable island management, balancing biodiversity conservation with economic development.
