Locations
A consultative workshop on Developing Financial Mechanisms to Mainstream Sustainable Land Management was held on 18 February under the 'Mainstreaming Sustainable Land Management (SLM) and Biodiversity Conservation' project. Over 35 representatives from the Ministry, private sector and NGOs participated. This initiative sought to engage key stakeholders and experts in exploring innovative financial mechanisms to promote sustainable and integrated land-use management, aligning with the country’s commitment to environmental sustainability and socio-economic development.
The Sustainable Land Management Project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and implemented by the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, through the Forestry Service, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It aims to address issues of land degradation by scaling up the adoption of sustainable land management in production landscapes in Mauritius and Rodrigues.
Developing Financial Mechanisms for Mainstreaming Sustainable Land-Use Management
The workshop discussions focused on two key areas. The first was a baseline assessment of financial instruments currently used in Mauritius and internationally, including grants and green bonds, to support sustainable land management. Case studies were presented to illustrate the economic and environmental impacts of these instruments.
The second aspect focused on preliminary findings related to financial mechanisms, including incentives such as subsidies and payments for ecosystem services, as well as disincentives such as levies and penalties, to encourage sustainable land management among land users and managers. Additionally, the financial mechanisms survey was highlighted, and participants who had not yet participated were invited to complete it. The survey aims to explore the preferences and needs of land users and managers to ensure the development of practical and inclusive solutions.
The outcomes of the workshop will contribute to inform proposals for best practices for adoption in the Republic of Mauritius alongside policy, legislation and a monitoring and evaluation system to ensure a balance between economic growth and environmental conservation for the benefit of current and future generations.
