Rapid urbanization, land use changes, and unsustainable farming practices are major drivers of land degradation in Mauritius and Rodrigues. To address this, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) has granted USD 1.7 million to support the Government of Mauritius in combating land degradation. Thereby, promoting land restoration in Mauritius.
This funding will help improve policies and frameworks for Integrated Landscape Management (ILM). It will also encourage the adoption of Sustainable Land Management (SLM) practices. The project will focus on building skills and providing the tools and incentives needed to implement SLM. It aims to facilitate better knowledge sharing among communities and encourage participation. Gender concerns will be addressed to ensure equal opportunities for everyone.
The project’s goal is to stop the causes of land degradation, restoration of land, and achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN). LDN is a global goal focused on reversing land degradation while supporting sustainable land use. The initiative will help achieve this by promoting practices that restore degraded lands and protect the environment.
Many stakeholders will collaborate on the project. These include the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Forestry Services, Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Rodrigues Regional Assembly, and several NGOs. The goal is to create a more sustainable and resilient landscape in Mauritius and Rodrigues.
By focusing on better land management, the project aims to improve environmental resilience and community well-being. These efforts will help maintain the islands’ natural resources while adapting to urbanization and climate change. Coordinated action will reduce land degradation, restore ecosystems, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Through collaboration, the partners will support the initiative’s success. This work will be crucial in land restoration in Mauritius and Rodrigues.
