LocationsThis initiative will support Mauritius in setting strong and realistic national biodiversity targets, enhancing monitoring systems, and reinforcing institutional and policy frameworks.
This session aimed at gathering insights from over 50 stakeholders, addressing challenges, and fostering collaborations toward achieving the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) targets for Mauritius.
Jean-Yan Norbert / UNDP Mauritius
The Inception workshop for the ‘Global Biodiversity Framework Early Action Support’ Project was organised on Friday 14 March 2024 by the UNDP in collaboration with the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries through the National Parks and Conservation Services (NPCS). The event was attended by the Honourable Fabrice David, Junior Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries; Ms. Amanda Serumaga, Resident Representative, UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles; and over 50 stakeholders from various ministries, private sector, NGOs, Civil Society and academia. This session aimed at gathering insights from participants, addressing challenges, and fostering collaborations toward achieving the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) targets for Mauritius.
Refining National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans in Mauritius
In recent years, Mauritius has been impacted by various crises, including COVID-19 and Wakashio Oil Spill. The country has also experienced significant weather changes, including more frequent and intense droughts, cyclones, and rising temperatures, which have disrupted ecosystems and livelihoods. Besides, factors such as changes in land and sea use, overexploitation of natural resources, the spread of invasive alien species and environmental pollution are also key drivers of biodiversity loss in Mauritius. These issues highlight the urgent need for adaptive measures to protect vulnerable ecosystems and communities from external shocks and the escalating impacts of climate change.
In this context, the GBF-EAS initiative has been designed to accelerate early actions in alignment with the ambitious goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework. Funded by the Global Environment Facility and led by UNDP and UNEP, this initiative provides participating nations, including Mauritius, access to essential financial and technical support aimed at refining National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). It also supports countries in setting strong national biodiversity targets, enhancing monitoring systems, and reinforcing institutional and policy frameworks. A key component of this project is biodiversity finance, ensuring that national commitments are translated into concrete, sustainable actions that drive meaningful change.
During his speech, Mr. Gopal, Deputy Director, National Parks and Conservation Services, highlighted the shift from the Aichi Targets to the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which was adopted in 2022. He explained that the GBF builds on the Aichi Targets by introducing three new ambitious goals for 2030: reducing threats to biodiversity, ensuring equitable benefits for people, and developing new tools for conservation. He also stressed on the importance of community involvement in biodiversity efforts.
For Ms. Amanda Serumaga, UNDP Resident Representative for Mauritius and Seychelles, this initiative marks a key milestone in the journey to protect biodiversity and fulfill Mauritius' commitments under the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. She also reiterated UNDP’s commitment to biodiversity protection: “we are fully committed to supporting the Government of Mauritius in advancing its green energy initiatives, promoting conservation, and implementing nature-based solutions that create a harmonious balance between ecological, social, and economic goals”
During the keynote address, Honourable Fabrice David, Junior Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, emphasized the importance of this initiative for Mauritius’ long term sustainable development: “Biodiversity is the bedrock of our food security, our economy and our identity as an island nation. The work we embark on today will shape the next five years of our biodiversity strategy and will define the legacy we leave for future generations. Aligning our national targets with the global biodiversity framework will enable the safeguarding of the natural resources that sustain our livelihoods, economy and heritage.”
The workshop also included presentations from the team of consultants and group discussions. These focused on topics such as Alignment of national targets for NBSAP with the GBF targets and strengthening of national biodiversity monitoring systems; Policy and Institutional alignment for coherence with GBF objectives; and Biodiversity finance activities, including resource mobilization and expenditure reviews.
The way forward
Based on insights gathered from various stakeholder sessions, the team will continue reviewing the NBSAP and national targets, with a focus on identifying gaps to ensure alignment of national goals, objectives, and action plans with the new GBF. The assessment of monitoring systems will involve a review of existing policies to identify gaps and inconsistencies between the NBSAP and GBF. Additionally, biodiversity finance activities will concentrate on preparing for the development and implementation of a finance plan to support a GBF-aligned NBSAP. With strong stakeholder engagement throughout the process, this project will facilitate the review of national targets, providing a solid baseline for both the NBSAP and BIOFIN initiatives.
