Launching of activities to protect planet Earth’s biodiversity

The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Ms Christine Umotoni, was also present.

In his address, Minister Kavydass Ramano said that World Environment Day has become over the years a platform to raise awareness of urgent environmental challenges, such as marine pollution, air pollution and climate change.

According to him, this year’s theme ‘biodiversity’ with the slogan ‘it’s time for nature’ highlights the urgency of the environmental problem and calls for a battle against the degradation of nature, and above all the degradation of our biodiversity.

He indicated that his Ministry has launched a series of activities in line with its agenda and responsibility towards the protection of the environment, while underlining the huge support of the United Nations in this endeavour.

Speaking about  the factors behind the degradation of  biodiversity, in particular the over–exploitation of natural resources and urbanisation, among others, the Minister pointed out that 75% of the loss of biodiversity is caused by human activities.

He cautioned that with this continuing trend ,  the world’s biodiversity will suffer considerably and this will also generate economic losses, impact on food security and also the quality of life of the population of the whole world.

Thus, added Mr. Kavydass Ramano, on this symbolic day, everyone must respond to this alarming wake up call and  place the protection of the nature at the core of our concerns.  We must all join forces to collaborate in order to carry out this preservation of biodiversity project, he said.

According to him, the Covid–19 pandemic has shown us how fragile the world is, with its echoing effects on the economy and social fabric. But, he emphasised, this has been most beneficial to nature which is compelling us today to reflect on our production and consumption methods and also encourages us to produce locally and to be self-sufficient.

The Minister stressed on the need for an ecological transition and bold measures , while highlighting that these will be at the core of  the 2020-2030 Master Plan which is in its finalisation phase.

Some key measures advocated by the ministry to lead an ecological transition:

·         Promote the circular economy in waste management favoring the reuse of waste sorting and recycling which require Rs 148 million;

·         Strengthen measures for climate change at the cost of Rs 1.2 billion;

·         The protection of coastal regions which are in emergency situations with the loss of no less than 20 m of land;

·         Stop using plastic; and

·         The implementation of an Air Quality Index.

As for Minister Gobin, he highlighted that the Covid-19 crisis is an eye-opener for the whole world as mankind is now called upon to reflect on the devastating effects of human activity on nature. He pointed out that Nature has undoubtedly been healing during the temporary Covid-19 lockdown.

UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Christine Umotoni, emphasised that WED is an opportune time to raise  awareness on key environmental issues, ponder on the best solutions and most effective ways to tackle these. The future of humanity depends on how we act now , hence it is crucial for all partners to join Government efforts to combat extinction of species and degradation of nature , she said.

She expressed conviction as regards the capabilities of the Government of Mauritius  to achieve the sustainable development goals  as she recalled  that Mauritius has successfully managed to save two endangered bird species, namely the Pink Pigeon and the Parakeet.

Speaking about the Covid-19 pandemic, Ms Christine Umotoni, underlined that Mauritius has been recognised worldwide as one of the countries to fight the pandemic. The country has indeed won a battle by containing the spread of Covid-19 , but has yet a war to fight, that is the socioeconomic recovery, she added.