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