Community-led Seagrass Protection and Climate Adaptation through VMCA Creation in Le Morne (Supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — CFLI)

Community-led Seagrass Protection and Climate Adaptation through VMCA Creation in Le Morne (Supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — CFLI)

Coral Garden Conservation (CGC) has officially launched the project “Community-led seagrass protection and climate adaptation through VMCA creation in Le Morne,” supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). The initiative reinforces our ongoing efforts to work closely with coastal communities and protect key ecosystems on the southwest coast of Mauritius.

The Le Morne lagoon is home to a variety of sensitive habitats, including seagrass meadows, coral patches, and fish nursery zones. These ecosystems play an essential role in maintaining marine biodiversity, stabilising shorelines, and contributing to climate resilience. Their protection relies on both ecological knowledge and strong community involvement.

 Strengthening Community Awareness and Stewardship

As part of this project, the CGC team has recently begun conducting community and youth engagement sessions in different areas of the southwest and southeast of the island. These exchanges help:

• share knowledge on coastal and marine ecosystems
• discuss environmental challenges and local observations
• encourage a stronger understanding of ecosystem health
• promote community-led stewardship and sustainable practices 

While project implementation is centred in Le Morne, broadening awareness across the southern region supports a more connected and informed approach to conservation. These conversations also give us valuable insights into the perspectives and priorities of the communities who live closest to the coast.

Supporting Climate Adaptation Through Local Action

With the support of CFLI, CGC aims to:

• strengthen stewardship of the existing Voluntary Marine Conservation Area (VMCA)
• protect seagrass habitats and other sensitive lagoon ecosystems
• raise awareness around nature-based solutions and climate impacts
• empower local communities as key partners in conservation
• support a more resilient future for the southwest coastline.This collaborative approach ensures that conservation is rooted in both science and community knowledge, creating stronger and more sustainable outcomes.

What’s Next

CGC will continue its work in Le Morne and across the region in the coming months, with further engagement sessions, field activities, monitoring, and community collaboration. Ongoing updates will be shared on our website and social media platforms.