The tourism industry of Mauritius has joined forces with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in a widespread initiative to promote marine species conservation and sustainable tourism practices.
The initiative, which includes tourism sector institutions, the UNDP and the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP), Air Mauritius and Airport Terminal Operations, together with marine conservationists and private-sector stakeholders, was launched in the village of Plaine Magnien on July 31.
The launch saw the unveiling of an awareness video and poster on whale, dolphin and turtle watching, under the broader Conservation of Threatened Marine Megafauna Species in Mauritius project. The GEF SGP has supported the project due to its focus on ecosystems and habitats harbouring exceptional concentrations of five marine species listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Additionally, the project actively engages with local communities and influences policy-making.
Need for responsible marine tourism
In recent years, activities such as whale, dolphin, and turtle watching have gained popularity among both tourists and locals. While contributing to the tourism sector's economy, these also impose considerable stress on vulnerable marine species, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced protective measures.
The newly launched video and poster, endorsed by a wide range of stakeholders, are now prominently displayed on Air Mauritius flights and at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. The campaign aims to educate sea users on best practices for observing these animals and on legal protections in place to protect them.
Pamela Bappoo-Dundoo, National Coordinator of the UNDP GEF SGP, announced that the awareness campaign will include a briefing note for Air Mauritius cabin crew to help them address passenger enquiries about marine wildlife watching in Mauritius. Several hotels have agreed to feature the campaign video on their in-room TV programming, further enhancing marine conservation awareness among visitors to Mauritius.
