Mauritius Ocean Week: Dr. Arvin Boolell Highlights the Key Role of Blue Carbon for the Resilience of Mauritius
On the second day of Mauritius Ocean Week 2026, a half-day session titled "The Blue Talks: Blue Carbon and Climate Finance" was held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the Docks in Port Louis. This session focused on climate resilience, climate finance, and the role of blue carbon ecosystems in advancing a sustainable ocean economy.
Mauritius Ocean Week 2026, taking place from May 4 to May 8, aims to foster dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and promote innovation in the blue economy sector.
Dr. Arvin Boolell, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries, along with Fabrice David, Deputy Minister of the same ministry, were present at the opening of the half-day session, alongside representatives from international organizations, including the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
In his speech, Dr. Boolell emphasized the significant vulnerability of African island states, including Mauritius, to the adverse impacts of climate change such as rising sea levels, coastal erosion, intensified storms, ocean acidification, and water scarcity. "These challenges have significant implications for economic stability, ecosystems, and livelihoods," he noted.
In this context, he referred to the Resilient Islands Initiative (RESIslands), developed under the auspices of the African Island States Climate Commission. This initiative is a key mechanism to enhance institutional capacity, support climate risk management, and improve access to climate financing while aiding the development of climate-related projects and early warning systems.
The minister also stressed the importance of blue carbon ecosystems, namely mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes, in mitigating climate change and supporting coastal resilience. "In Mauritius, about 80% of seagrass ecosystems have been mapped, with key sites identified at Poste Lafayette, Mont Choisy, Albion, Le Morne, and Banc d'Olive," he stated. "These ecosystems are protected under the 2023 Fisheries Act and are part of an integrated approach to promote environmental sustainability, economic development, and innovative financing mechanisms such as blue carbon compensation," Dr. Boolell emphasized.
According to him, these ecosystems contribute to carbon sequestration while supporting fisheries, tourism, and food security, and protecting coastal communities from extreme weather events.
