SOS Mangrove Programme

Mangroves are vital for fisheries, shoreline protection, marine habitats, carbon sequestration, and waste bioremediation. In Mauritius, the mangrove ecosystem is still not fully understood, making it essential to study and preserve these critical habitats for future generations. The SOS Mangrove programme was initiated after the 2020 MV Wakashio disaster and aims to address these knowledge gaps by collaborating with communities, civil society organizations, and governmental bodies focusing on research, education, and restoration.

Research

Our programme's primary objective is to establish a comprehensive understanding of the local mangrove ecosystems. We aim to fill the information void regarding:

• Forest distribution within Mauritius
• Mangrove phenology and productivity
• Forest density and structure
• Species abundance and distribution of both flora and fauna
• Sedimentation, depositions, and carbon sequestration

Baseline studies are currently being conducted at our monitoring sites in Melville, Les Paletuviers, and Ferney, with ongoing research on leaf litter productivity and macrofauna monitoring. This research is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies.

Education and Awareness

The educational and awareness initiatives of the SOS Mangrove programme aim to inform locals about the significance of mangroves, the threats they face, and the benefits they provide. Our efforts include:

• Citizen Science Survey (Mangrove Matters Mobile Application)

Developed by our team, this app maps and characterizes mangroves around Mauritius and identifies the threats they face. It also involves the community in monitoring these ecosystems and raises awareness about their importance.

• Eco-School Visits at Melville Nursery

School children and community members are invited to visit the Melville Barachois nursery to learn about mangrove restoration and the significance of this ecosystem. These visits include interactive activities such as potting and seedling propagation, followed by opportunities to observe the intricate structures of mangroves in the barachois.

• Visits to Mangrove Restoration Sites

These visits offer community members the opportunity to learn how mangroves and coastal plants are propagated and allow them to participate in restoration activities.

Restoration

Restoration is a critical part of the SOS Mangrove programme, aiming to remediate the catastrophic decline that mangroves have experienced since humans first settled in Mauritius. Although anthropogenic pressures persist, significant areas remain that could be potentially restored. Our restoration activities focus on identifying potential sites and propagating coastal plants and mangrove species. Key initiatives include:

• Finding Restoration Sites

Potential restoration sites around Mauritius are currently being identified through various methods including on-site assessments, desktop reviews, remote sensing via drones, and citizen science data from the Mangrove Matters app. These efforts help pinpoint the most viable locations for effective restoration.

• Melville Mangrove Nursery

A 300 m² mangrove nursery has been established in Melville. This nursery focuses on producing mangrove species and native coastal vegetation to support restoration efforts. It is expected to produce over 50 different species of plants. This nursery is a cornerstone of our restoration strategy, providing the necessary resources to rehabilitate degraded areas.

• Restoration at Anse la Raie

Restoration activities are planned at Anse la Raie, with efforts currently awaiting the approval of necessary permits. Once approved, these activities will further our mission to restore and preserve the vital mangrove ecosystems in Mauritius.