Nature-Based Solutions for Protecting the Coastal Zone

Climate change profoundly impacts coastal and urban areas. Mauritius, classified as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), faces high exposure to natural hazards and disaster risk. Implementing a marine ecosystem-based adaptation approach can mitigate coastal erosion and boost biodiversity and ecosystem services on land and sea.

The aim of this project is to implement ecosystem-based adaptation measures to mitigate coastal erosion by identifying and evaluating ecosystem services provided by seagrass restoration that benefit communities, biodiversity, and management of resources. Funded by the European Union, this project spans five years (2021-2026), and involves collaboration between scientists from the Reef Conservation and experts from the Södertörn University (Sweden) and the World Maritime University. Together, they aim to enhance the understanding and preservation of seagrass ecosystems in Mauritius.

Project Objective

The project consists of seven specific objectives:

1. Investigate stakeholder and citizen needs and perceptions of cultural ecosystem services provided by ecosystem-based protection measures.
2. Inventory of seagrass meadows, improve knowledge of their status and biodiversity in Mauritius
3. Investigate best practises for seagrass restoration adapted to Mauritius
4. Empower community members through Citizen Science to participate in ecosystem-based solutions.
5. Investigate the carbon sequestration potential of impacted and unimpacted seagrass meadows.
6. Study connectivity of economically important fish species across seagrass beds.
7. Evaluate how seagrass restoration can lead to sustainable coastal management, to inform evidence-based decision making.

Stakeholder & Citizen Perceptions: Ecosystem-based protection measures

We conducted a comprehensive survey to assess the needs and perceptions of local communities regarding seagrass meadows, coastal erosion, and the cultural ecosystem services provided by ecosystem-based protection measures. The results will inform management strategies for seagrass habitats and guide capacity-building efforts where knowledge gaps are identified. Surveys were carried out at our study sites: Bel Ombre, Mont Choisy, and Roches Noires.

Seagrass Meadows: Mapping and Enhancing Biodiversity in Mauritius

Seagrass meadows are crucial to ecosystems worldwide, offering numerous benefits such as preventing coastal erosion, improving water quality, providing nurseries for juvenile fish, and supporting biodiversity. They also serve as a food resource for various species. Known as a blue carbon ecosystem, seagrass meadows are significant for their carbon sequestration potential, which plays a key role in mitigating climate change. Our study sites have been mapped and ground-truthed. Mauritius is home to five seagrass species, which are listed below:

Exploring Seagrass Restoration Best Practices for Mauritius

Reef Conservation will identify seagrass restoration techniques tailored to Mauritius, with the aim of sharing this knowledge with local and regional stakeholders to promote effective and sustainable restoration practices.

Empowering Communities through Citizen Science

Experiencing nature firsthand empowers people to take action. One of the key challenges to seagrass conservation is the general lack of awareness about what seagrasses are, their importance, and the threats they face. To address this, Reef Conservation conducts Bis Lamer sessions—our mobile education unit—throughout the year to raise awareness about the significance of seagrass ecosystems and the need to protect them.

Evaluating Blue Carbon Potential in Seagrass Ecosystems

We investigate the capacity of seagrass meadows to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. By studying the carbon storage potential of seagrasses, we contribute to understanding their role in mitigating climate change.

Studying how economically important fish species move and connect between different seagrass meadows

We collect genetic material from water and sediment to identify which marine species are present. This genetic material—known as environmental DNA (eDNA)—comes from tiny traces of skin, hair, and mucus that animals leave behind in their environment. By analyzing these samples, we can discover which species inhabit seagrass meadows. This innovative approach helps us better protect and manage these vital ecosystems.

Want to learn more? Dive into this comic strip, created in collaboration with Dr. Molly Clavey, to explore how eDNA is used to monitor seagrass habitats. It was developed free of charge for educational purposes.

Exploring how restoring seagrass meadows supports sustainable coastal management and helps shape informed decisions

We collect scientific data throughout the project to provide information that guides decision-making for the improved protection and sustainable management of seagrass meadows.