VISION
There are only 2 % of indigenous forests left in Mauritius. An alarming fact for an island that used to be entirely covered with trees, isn ' t it? The impact of industrialisation on the island ' s natural equilibrium is undeniable. Yet, economic development and environment conservation are not incompatible. Today, we see great enthusiasm and a collective trend to return to nature. Such increase in collective awareness was inevitable to protect the environmentally-damaged island. We have made the commitment to increase the proportion of indigenous forests from 2 % to 12 % by planting up to 500,000 trees over five years. The reforestation project has started in 2016 with the planting of 110,000 trees in collaboration with NGOs, to which we have provided the seedlings. The objective of the ministry is to move forward in this direction by planting 100,000 trees each year, for a total of 500,000 trees by the end of the five years. We know what needs to be done to bring back the ecosystem into balance: eliminate invasive plants like Cherry guava and filao trees, for example. Mauritius narrowly escaped irreversible damage, so it was urgent to react.
The latest edition of the Porlwi festival was centred on nature. How did the Ministry get involved? We were strongly involved since we helped in facilitating the procedures. Most of the plants that were on exhibition during the festival came from the Ministry ' s lands. We have plant nurseries and partners across the island. Initiatives such as Porlwi by Nature undeniably contribute to increase public awareness. It was particularly clever to encourage the participation of children in planting seeds. The trees we plant today will provide fruit and shade in the future … for the benefit of others and ourselves. The young generation can bring a change in our habits. Converting Bourbon Street into a pedestrian area with a temporary urban layout offered an exciting insight of what Port-Louis could look like in the future. As a matter of fact, great building projects are about to start in Port Louis.
Wouldn ' t it be an opportunity for nature to permanently take back its place in the capital city? Green spaces are few in Port-Louis nowadays. It seems important to redefine public spaces in order to make them more pleasant. We must further promote Jardin de la Compagnie and its century-old trees. Houses can be embellished with flowers and plants. There are many challenges, but the capital city is taking a positive direction.
What can you tell us about the Greening Mauritius project? This national initiative was launched by the Ministry in 2017 with a 50-year spanning master plan. The aim is to embellish the island with a wide range of endemic plants, from ornamental plants to fruit trees. I am convinced that we can make it a more attractive and pleasant place to live. We have started planting along the motorway running from the airport to Grand Baie. It is just the beginning.
Agriculture in Mauritius is rapidly changing. Between community gardens and organic farming, how do you see the future? In the old days, there used to be a vegetable patch in every garden. Mauritian people used to grow food and share the harvest with their neighbours. Today, the community garden initiative shows a return to healthier and more convivial eating habits. Such gardens are increasing in number and can develop into a nationwide model. The Ministry has set the goal of shifting from a conventional chemicalbased agriculture to organic farming, which excludes the use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides. Our three targets are to reduce the use of pesticides, to produce healthier food and to preserve the environment. It is a long-term effort, which will require a change of habits.
More globally, which models will be applied for the future of the island? I fell in love with Cape Town, and especially the Kirstenbosch Garden, one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. I also have a lot of admiration for Singapore. Though it is an ultramodern country, no one ever feels imprisoned in concrete there. Singapore ' s re-greening began in the sixties. We have a lot to learn from the Singaporeans! They have created the Night Garden, a wonderful place at the heart of the city. I have commissioned experts for a study on the Pamplemousse Garden. The idea is to make it stand out again through educational, environmental and botanical activities. A significant move for the future generations.
Vue aérienne du Trou aux Cerfs Aerial view of Trou aux Cerfs