On 30 June 2021, an online inception workshop for the ‘Mainstreaming Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Prevention, Control and Management’ Project was organised by the UNDP, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agro-industry and Food Security. This two-day webinar was an opportunity to gather several experts in the field, who shared their knowhow and expertise to ensure the success of the project.

The welcome Address was delivered by Mr. Kevin Ruhomaun, National Project Director, Director of the National Parks and Conservation Service (NPCS). He argued that Invasive Alien Species are probably “the most important factor affecting the survival of the island’s native species and biodiversity” and that it could also be a nuisance and pose a health risk to the population.

Dr Tony Muhumuza, Senior Economist, who represented the UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles country Office, explained that this project demonstrates the commitment of the UNDP and the GEF to sustain a trusted partnership with the Government of Mauritius in safeguarding the local biodiversity. He also emphasised that “a sustainable and holistic approach for both terrestrial and marine ecosystem conservation are a must if we are to preserve them for future generations”.

In his speech, the Honourable Maneesh Gobin, Attorney General and Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, made a high-level political commitment, stating that " the Ministry and the Government of Mauritius are fully committed in this effort of prevention and control of IAS to protect our biodiversity.” He also assured that the Government is committed to amend legislation in the effort of prevention and control of IAS, should the need to do so arise.

The workshop also included presentations from the UNDP Mainstreaming IAS project team. While presenting the project, Mr. Seewajee Pandoo, project manager, explained that the main objective is to “safeguard globally significant biodiversity in vulnerable ecosystems through prevention, control and management of IAS in the Republic of Mauritius.” The project procurement plan and annual work plan were showcased, and discussions took place on the project log frame and indicators. Other stakeholders, such as the Shipping Division of the Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) and Mauritius Sugarcane Industry Research Institute (MSIRI), contributed to the discussion by sharing their work in the field which are cross cutting with the project’s outputs.

The project will achieve its objectives through three main components which will strengthen the systemic, institutional, and operational capacity. The first component will create the policy and institutional frameworks required to build the right enabling environments (policies, institutional coordination) for mainstreaming IAS prevention, control, and management. The second component will establish a multi-tier strategy for effective tackling of IAS, including improved preventative measures at points of entry into the country and neighbouring islets. The last component will establish an up-to-date information for raising public awareness and enhancing understanding of the centrality of IAS programmes for protecting biodiversity, ecosystems, the economy, and livelihoods.