Compiled by Vishal Bhidu
On this International Day for Biological Diversity-May 22, Mauritius is earning global praise for how its rural communities are weaving biodiversity conservation into everyday life through sustainable tourism. The island nation, known for its extraordinary marine and terrestrial ecosystems, is facing mounting pressures from climate change and coastal degradation. Yet, its response has been anything but passive.
In recent years, Mauritius has prioritized sustainability at the local level — and the results are visible. Four of its villages have been internationally recognized by UN Tourism as part of the Best Tourism Villages initiative, which honours rural destinations around the world that are embracing tourism as a driver of development, sustainability, and cultural preservation.
The villages of Grand Baie, Roches Noires, Old Grand Port, and Le Morne now stand proudly among a select group of rural destinations worldwide that are setting new standards for nature-based tourism.
Grand Baie: New Ecotourism Energy
Recognized as a Best Tourism Village in 2024, Grand Baie may be one of the island’s most visited destinations — but beneath its buzz lies a growing commitment to eco-friendly tourism. The village is championing sustainable diving and snorkelling practices, protecting fragile coral reefs with designated swim zones and eco-marked boat routes. Several boats now run on electric or solar power, reducing emissions and noise pollution. A newly established environmental protection cluster — comprising government bodies, local councils, and NGOs — is addressing coastal challenges with a unified strategy to safeguard natural resources like beaches, wetlands, and marine life.
Roches Noires: Community-Led Conservation at Sea and on Land
Also recognized as a Best Tourism Village by UN Tourism, Roches Noires in the northeast of Mauritius is celebrated for its harmonious blend of tourism, ecology, and tradition. With help from NGOs such as Reef Conservation, the village established an 8-hectare Voluntary Marine Conservation Area in its lagoon — protecting seagrass and coral ecosystems while involving local fishermen as marine stewards and snorkeling guides. Inland, visitors can explore lava tubes and nature trails like the Coq de Bois Loop, led by the village’s own eco-tourism group, Roche Noire Eco-Marine. It’s a model where biodiversity conservation directly benefits the community.
Old Grand Port: A Heritage Village Embracing Nature
Once the site of Mauritius’ first Dutch settlement, Old Grand Port is a living archive of island history — and a modern champion of coastal biodiversity. As a Best Tourism Village, it has instituted a fishing reserve in part of its lagoon to protect marine life and ensure sustainable catches for future generations. Ongoing coastal protection projects are actively combatting erosion, preserving both the environment and the livelihoods of those who live along its 5-km shoreline. Artisanal traditions like vacoas weaving are also being revived through community centers that blend culture, craft, and nature.
Le Morne: A Cultural Landscape Anchored in Sustainability
Le Morne is no stranger to global recognition. A UNESCO World Heritage Site for its symbolic role in the history of slavery, it has also been named a Best Tourism Village for its deep integration of cultural and natural heritage. The village’s Lagoon Management Plan and other initiatives promote responsible tourism while protecting Le Morne Brabant and its surrounding marine ecosystems. Community-based governance plays a central role, ensuring that development is inclusive and conservation-driven. From traditional Séga music to local storytelling and cuisine, Le Morne reminds us that biodiversity is cultural as well as ecological.
A Biodiversity Blueprint for the World
With four villages now part of the Best Tourism Villages network, Mauritius is positioning itself as a global leader in rural tourism for conservation. These communities prove that when local people are empowered to lead, tourism becomes more than just a source of income — it becomes a tool for resilience, biodiversity, and pride.
