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Environment & Sustainability Guide · Mauritius

Environment & Sustainability Guide in Mauritius

Air quality, green spaces, and environmental policies

Mauritius, a small island developing state, confronts acute climate vulnerabilities including sea level rise of 5-8 mm/year and intensified cyclones, with temperatures up 0.9°C above the 1961-1990 average. Despite N/A metrics for AQI, recycling, and renewables, the country maintains stable air quality trends and pursues strong policies like 60% renewable energy by 2030 and full carbon neutrality by 2050. Protected areas cover 22% of land, safeguarding biodiversity amid coral reef threats.

Air Quality Index

0510

Good

7.5/10(AQI: N/A)

Stable trend

Air quality in Mauritius is stable per 6-month trends, with limited PM data but low industrial pollution due to regulations. Urban areas like Port Louis show moderate levels from traffic, while rural zones are cleaner. Government monitoring via the Meteorological Services supports ongoing stability.

Water Quality

0510

Good

8.0/10

Water quality in Mauritius is good, with 99% access to safely managed drinking water via treatment plants and desalination. Pollution from agriculture and wastewater is monitored, maintaining standards compliant with WHO guidelines.

Central Water Authority ensures potable water through chlorination and regular testing; minor issues from nitrates in groundwater.

Recycling System

Recycling infrastructure in Mauritius includes voluntary programs for plastics, paper, and glass via municipal collection and private firms, though rates remain low at around 20%. Challenges persist with waste segregation and illegal dumping.

Recycling Rate: 20.0%

plasticpaperglassmetal

Green Spaces

Mauritius protects 22% of its land as nature reserves and parks, including Black River Gorges National Park. Forest coverage stands at 18%, supporting endemic biodiversity despite deforestation pressures.

Forest Coverage: 18.0%

National Parks: 1

Key sites: Black River Gorges (6,574 ha), Islets National Park; marine protected areas cover 3% of EEZ.

Environmental Policies

Mauritius implements robust policies including the Environment Protection Act 2002, plastic ban since 2021, and NDC commitments under Paris Agreement. Targets 60% renewables by 2030 and net-zero by 2050.

Key Policies:

•Environment Protection Act 2002
•National Climate Change Adaptation Policy
•Plastic Use Restriction Act 2022

Renewable Energy: 60% renewable energy by 2030, 100% carbon neutral electricity by 2050 per updated NDC.

Natural Disaster Risk

MODERATE

Mauritius faces moderate risks primarily from tropical cyclones, floods, and storm surges, with low seismic activity.

tropical cyclonesfloodsstorm surges

Climate Change Impacts: Temperatures rose 0.9°C above 1961-1990 baseline (1991-2020); cyclone intensity increased with more Category 4-5 events; precipitation variability up, with heavy rain events 20% more frequent; sea level rise 5-8 mm/year threatens 11% of coastal land; Cyclone Belal (Feb 2024) caused $200M damage, 11 deaths.

Sustainability Initiatives

Renewable Energy

Mauritius targets 60% renewable energy by 2030 via solar, wind, and biomass; installed capacity reached 28% by 2023, supported by feed-in tariffs and net metering.

Waste Management

National Waste Management Strategy promotes extended producer responsibility and recycling hubs; Mare Chicose landfill modernized with leachate treatment.

Marine Protection

Blue Economy roadmap expands marine protected areas to 30% by 2030, protecting coral reefs and fisheries.

Wildlife & Nature

Mauritius KestrelRecovering

Pink PigeonEndangered

Echo ParakeetEndangered

Mauritian Flying FoxEndangered

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