Republic of Mauritius- Workshop on re-designation of Biosphere Reserves in Mauritius

An awareness workshop for stakeholders on the re-designation of Macchabee/ Bel Ombre as Biosphere Reserves for onward submission to the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme was held, yesterday, at the Gold Crest Hotel, Quatre Bornes in presence of the Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mr Mahen Kumar Seeruttun.

The UNESCO Man and Biosphere programme was launched in 1971 with the main essence to establish basis for improving and cementing the relationship between man and their environment.

Biosphere Reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems promoting solutions to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. They are internationally recognised and are nominated by national governments and remained under sovereign jurisdiction of the states where they are located.

In his opening remarks, the Agro-Industry Minister recalled the importance of Biosphere Reserves which he said, serve in some ways as ‘living laboratories’ for testing out and demonstrating integrated management of land, water and biodiversity. He also stated that the Man and Biosphere programme is not only geared towards the conservation of natural ecosystems but also allows for sustainable development in dedicated zones for improving the livelihood of human beings. 

Mauritius, is listed among the pioneer countries for designating its very first and only Biosphere Reserve under the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme, said Mr Seeruttun. The Macchabee/Bel Ombre Biosphere Reserve is the first and only Biosphere Reserve for Mauritius which was designated in 1977 in an endeavour to provide international recognition and increased protection of most of the endemic biodiversity of Mauritius, he added.

He further stated that the proposal of the Black River Gorges National Park to be designated as the newly revamped Biosphere Reserve for Mauritius is being examined and in the event of successful proclamation of the Biosphere Reserve for Mauritius, the Biosphere Reserve will be extended to include other buffer and transition zones.

Minister Seeruttun reiterated Mauritius’ determination to conclude successfully the nomination of Black River Gorges National Park Biosphere Reserve to benefit the people of the Republic of Mauritius and safeguard its biodiversity treasures of commendable endemism and uniqueness for its future generation.

The World Network of Biosphere Reserve expands over 122 Member States (covering 686 sites including 20 Transboundary sites) across the globe with a common goal of promoting and sustaining biosphere reserves across diverse geographical regions.

Mauritius is a member of the World Network of Islands and Coastal Biosphere Reserves which regroup islands and coastal areas biosphere reserves around the world. Mauritius is also party the World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 1977.

Mauritius has been chosen together with four other islands Biosphere Reserves namely Menorca (Spain), Jeju Island (south Korea), Principe Island (Sao Tome and Principe), St Kitts Island to be part of a research team to work on several aspects of Biosphere Reserves mainly on the impact of climate change and socio economic evaluation. 

The Man and Biosphere Programme

The Man and Biosphere Programme within its World Network for Biosphere Reserves supports member states to address critical issues related to biodiversity, ecosystem services, climate change and other aspects of global environment change.

In addition, the Man and Biosphere Programme plays significant role and contributes to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 as well as the Convention of Biological Diversity Aichi Biodiversity Targets.