UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme and Mauritius Tourism Industry Join Forces to Promote Marine Species Conservation and Sustainable Tourism Practices

Excerpt and Photo from undp.org

On 31 July, an awareness video and conveyor belt poster on whale, dolphin, and turtle watching in Mauritius were launched at plaine Magnien. Diverse stakeholders, including representatives from tourism sector institutions, UNDP and GEF Small Grant Programme, Air Mauritius and Airport Terminal Operations, marine conservationists, private sector, visitors, and the media, attended the event. This initiative, funded by the UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme, is part of the “Conservation of Threatened Marine Megafauna Species in Mauritius” project and marks a significant step in protecting endangered marine species and fostering partnerships towards sustainable tourism.

Mauritius, known as a biodiversity hotspot, boasts a rich yet delicate marine ecosystem. 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. To address this, the newly launched video and poster, endorsed by a wide range of stakeholders, will be prominently displayed on Air Mauritius flights and at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport starting 1 August 2024. The campaign aims to educate sea users on best practices for observing these animals and on legal protections in place to protect them.