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Environment & Sustainability Guide

Air quality, green spaces, and environmental policies in Mauritius

Mauritius faces environmental challenges including water pollution, coastal erosion, and water scarcity, with GHG emissions rising to 6,407.6 Gg CO2e in 2024. Climate projections show temperature increases of 1.2-2.5°C by century's end and decreased rainfall. Sustainability efforts include Maurice Ile Durable policy and NDC commitments for emission reductions and ecosystem restoration.

Air Quality Index

Good

7.0/10

Stable trend

Air quality in Mauritius remains stable with no current AQI or PM data available from database. GHG emissions increased slightly to 6,407.6 Gg CO2e in 2024, mainly from energy and transport sectors. Limited data on industrial pollution, but government monitors via UN FDES framework.

Water Quality

Moderate

6.5/10

Mauritius experiences water pollution from households, industries, hotels, and agriculture, leading to scarcity with 2012 per capita consumption at 1044 m³ vs UN standard 1700 m³. 2024 rainfall was 4,077 Mm³, 14% lower than prior year. Integrated Water Resource Management plan addresses issues.

Government develops IWRM for better management; pollution stresses coastal zones.

Recycling System

Mauritius manages waste at Mare Chicose sanitary landfill with leachate and gas systems. Organic waste is 50% of total, projected 650,000 tonnes landfilled by 2030 under BAU. No recycling rate data available; government spends on waste management under environmental programs.

Green Spaces

Mauritius reports forest area in environmental statistics; Global Forest Watch shows no recent deforestation alerts. State-owned forest lands increased by 15 hectares in 2024, aiding GHG removals. Biodiversity threatened, third highest endangered terrestrial flora globally.

Forest Coverage: 18.0%

Terrestrial and marine protected areas tracked; Maurice Ile Durable supports restoration.

Environmental Policies

Maurice Ile Durable (MID) adopted 2011 transforms Mauritius sustainably, with sector policies on water, energy, land. Government spends 0.75% GDP on environment. NDC targets HFC reductions: 12% by 2030, 30% by 2035. Committed to Paris Agreement.

Key Policies:

•Maurice Ile Durable
•Integrated Water Resource Management
•Sustainable Land Management

Renewable Energy: NDC includes GHG mitigation from energy sector.

Natural Disaster Risk

MODERATE

Mauritius vulnerable to cyclones, floods, coastal erosion with 37 km shoreline affected. Government tracks extreme events via FDES. Climate projections: temperature +1.2°C (RCP2.6) or +2.5°C (RCP8.5) by 2100; rainfall -13% by 2050; more days >35°C Nov-May by 2050 vs 1986-2005.

cyclonesfloodscoastal erosion

Climate Change Impacts: Regional Climate Projection shows temperature rise over last decades continuing, with increased hot days and rainfall decline. Sea level rise threatens coasts; 33 priority sites for rehabilitation by 2035. Net GHG emissions up 2.5% to 6,026.1 Gg CO2e in 2024.

Sustainability Initiatives

Climate Mitigation

NDC 3.0 targets mangrove expansion across EEZ by 2035, blue carbon accounting by 2028, coastal rehabilitation of 33 sites by 2035. HFC reduction 12% by 2030.

Waste Management

Mare Chicose landfill with leachate/gas systems; addresses organic waste methane emissions, 50% of total waste.

Water Management

Integrated Water Resource Management plan and Sustainable Land Management program to improve resource use.

Wildlife & Nature

Mauritius KestrelRecovering

Pink PigeonEndangered

Echo ParakeetEndangered

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