By Shruti Menon Seeboo
The recent Budget 2024-2025 places a strong emphasis on environmental protection and building a more sustainable future. Recognising the urgency of climate change, the Finance Minister, Mr Renganaden Padayachy, announced a multi-pronged approach on June 7, in his Budget speech – to address rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and ecosystem degradation.
A central feature of this strategy is the introduction of a Corporate Climate Responsibility (CCR) levy. This levy, equivalent to 2% of a company’s profits, will be mandatory for businesses exceeding a turnover of Rs 50 million. The funds collected will be directed towards a newly established Climate and Sustainability Fund (CSF).
This dedicated stream of funding, open to international contributions as well, will support national efforts to conserve and restore the country’s natural environment. The CSF will be managed by a joint public-private committee, ensuring transparency and collaboration in tackling climate challenges. Rs 3.2 billion is being earmarked under the CSF for projects to address climate change.
The budget outlines a comprehensive strategy for shoreline protection. Over the next five years, the government plans to restore 26 kilometers of coastline and rehabilitate 30 degraded sites across the island. Additionally, ecosystem-based adaptation measures will be implemented along vulnerable stretches.
- In the North: Trou aux Biches, Pointe des Lascars, Grand-Baie, Mon Choisy, Bain Boeuf, and Bras D’Eau;
- In the South: Bel Ombre, Riambel, Rivière des Galets, Saint Felix, Blue Bay, Pointe d’Esny, Pointe des Régates, Bois des Amourettes, and Rivière des Créoles;
- In the East: Poste de Flacq, Belle Mare, Grand River Southeast, and Palmar; and
- In the West: Albion, La Preneuse, La Mivoie Rivière Noire, Le Morne Trou Chenille, La Prairie, Flic en Flac, Wolmar, Le Morne Village, and Petit Verger.
The minister said, “We will invest in ecosystem-based adaptation remedial works on some 5 kilometres of shoreline at Bain Boeuf, Mon Choisy, Le Morne, Grand Sable, La Prairie, Grand River Southeast, and Baie du Cap. To do so, we are enabling sand extraction for beach nourishment. We will introduce the concept of sustainable villages by promoting eco-friendly infrastructure, environmental conservation, and community resilience in coastal and touristic regions.”
Marine ecosystems are also a focal point. A lagoon reseeding program aims to revitalise these vital habitats. Coral reef restoration efforts will involve establishing 250 coral farms in Belle Mare, Pointe-aux-Feuilles, Port-Louis Harbor, Trou-aux-Biches and Flic-en-Flac. Plus, the use of sustainable coral farming techniques to grow and transplant some 25,000 corals to degraded reef areas annually over 3 years will be done. Additionally, underwater cameras at coral farm sites will be installed to provide live video feeds.
The budget recognises the role of individuals and communities in environmental stewardship. Initiatives like oyster farming and beach cleaning with valorisation of collected waste encourage public participation.
A significant Reforestation and Tree Plantation Programme aims to increase tree cover by 100 hectares annually over the next decade. This includes: –
- Make it mandatory for morcellements of more than 5 arpents, including Smart Cities, to allocate at least 4 percent of the total area for development of a mini forest, featuring endemic trees.
- Invest and restore eco-sensitive zones having incomparable values due to its landscape, wildlife, biodiversity, and natural values.
- Plant trees on riverbanks, mountains and in sites identified by village and municipal councils.
- Rehabilitate and preserve endemic plants at the SSR Botanical Garden; and
- Distribute trees for plantation to students in primary schools.
The National Environment Cleaning Agency (NECA) will spearhead efforts to clean and beautify the country. This includes primary and secondary roads, public sites, beaches, and drains. NECA’s workforce will be bolstered by the recruitment of 2,000 employees.
The budget also promotes a circular economy by encouraging recycling and waste reduction. Measures include removing levies on biodegradable plastic bottles, implementing extended producer responsibility for electronic waste, and facilitating waste segregation at the household level.
The government acknowledges the economic potential of waste management, with plans to develop regional waste processing facilities and incentivise recycling as a manufacturing activity. This ambitious agenda demonstrates Mauritius’ commitment to tackling climate change and building a more sustainable future for generations to come.
