Voluntary Marine Conservation Area (VMCA) at St Felix

Nestled in the southern shores of Mauritius, the St Felix lagoon, known for its unique shallow coral ecosystem brimming with biodiversity, faces environmental pressures from bleaching events, Crown-of-thorn starfish predation, and seasonal low tides. In response, CGC started a Voluntary Marine Conservation Area (VMCA) in 2023 to safeguard and nurture the coral patches within this vital habitat. The VMCA which covers an approximate area of 4.15 ha. harbours more than species of fishes and species of corals accounting for its highly diverse ecosystems. Despite its secluded location within the St Felix lagoon, the VMCA benefits from a natural water channel that ensures optimal water quality and visibility, crucial for the health of the coral reefs. The efforts within the VMCA, including regular biological checks, coral bleaching monitoring, Crown-of-Thorns starfish (COTS) monitoring surveys, coral farming and reef restoration actions, coastal and marine cleanup activities, and community engagement, underscore CGC's commitment to preserving the marine biodiversity of St Felix. The project has been supported by several entities including the Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, the Environment, Science, Technology and Health (ESTH) USA, the US Embassy, the University of Mauritius, Eco Marine Consultants Ltd and Pikpik studio.

Monitoring Programmes within the St Felix VMCA

In the heart of the St Felix VMCA, CGC diligently conducts regular monitoring and preservation activities to maintain the health of this vital marine ecosystem. Our comprehensive monitoring programs encompass thorough examinations of coral and fish biodiversity, vigilant tracking of coral bleaching at permanent stations within the VMCA, and consistent surveillance of COTs starfish population, a known threat to coral vitality. Beyond ecological monitoring, CGC is deeply committed to the well-being of the local environment, orchestrating coastal clean-up initiatives and fostering environmental awareness among the local communities, fishers and residents of neighbouring villages. Through these concerted efforts, CGC aims to ensure the enduring vibrancy and resilience of the marine life and habitats within the St Felix VMCA, reflecting our dedication to conservation and community partnership.

Endemic Plant Reforestation at Le Morne

This project embodies a visionary effort to restore the native coastal forests of the Le Morne region, initiated in 2018 by the Le Morne Heritage Trust Fund in partnership with Forestry Services. This initiative marks a strategic move to combat habitat loss and bolster the biodiversity of native and endemic species amidst the predominantly exotic flora. The project unfolds in a carefully phased approach over ten years, focusing on minimizing habitat disruption while enhancing the area's ecological balance. The pilot phase initiated since 2018 sets the groundwork by methodically clearing exotic vegetation to safeguard local fauna, including the ornate day gecko, ensuring their continued refuge during the transition to native forestation. With 700 endemic plants already taking root, this project paves the way for a greener future. Since 2023, CGC has ambitiously expanded this mission, aiming to plant 20,000 endemic trees within the next five years at Labonté, Le Morne, significantly contributing to carbon dioxide absorption and the proliferation of endemic flora. Supported by the Le Morne Heritage Trust Fund and the Forestry Service under the Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security, this reforestation campaign is a testament to the collective effort to preserve and enrich Mauritius' unique environmental heritage.

Mangrove Restoration at Le Morne

Mangroves are indispensable to coastal ecosystems, serving as natural barriers against erosion, storm surges, and rising sea levels. They play a critical role in enhancing marine biodiversity by providing nurseries for juvenile fish and habitats for diverse species, while also acting as carbon sinks, mitigating the impacts of climate change. In Mauritius, the primary mangrove species are the Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata), which dominates the ecosystem, and the Black Mangrove (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza). These species thrive in swamps, estuaries, and along the island's coastline, contributing significantly to the health and resilience of coastal ecosystems. Recognising the urgent need for mangrove restoration, CGC launched a mangrove planting initiative at Trou Chenille, located in the Le Morne region. This area, part of the buffer zone of the Le Morne Cultural Landscape, holds exceptional ecological and cultural significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, it faces multiple threats, including habitat degradation, marine erosion, pollution, and human disturbances.  In November 2024, CGC obtained the necessary permits to commence mangrove restoration works at Trou Chenille. The project will begin with the planting of 160 Rhizophora mucronata propagules along a 175-meter stretch of the designated plantation area. This species was selected for its ecological robustness and adaptability to coastal environments. Future plans include establishing additional mangrove plantations, strategically located in shallow waters parallel to the Trou Chenille track, which is currently experiencing significant marine erosion. Each plantation will span 1,000 meters in length and 50 meters in width, contributing to the restoration of the lagoon's ecological balance. CGC’s approach integrates scientific expertise with community involvement to create a replicable model for mangrove restoration. By engaging local communities, CGC fosters awareness and ensures sustainable development while restoring the ecological integrity of Trou Chenille. This initiative reflects CGC's commitment to balancing environmental conservation with socio-economic benefits, ensuring that natural resources are preserved for future generations.

Beach Erosion Mitigation: "Community-based green-solutions to combat coastal erosion and protect sandy beaches"

The initiative to plant "Liane Batatran" (Morning Glory) to combat beach erosion is a groundbreaking effort that aligns with Coral Garden Conservation's mission to promote biodiversity awareness and protection. This rare, salt-resistant plant is crucial for stabilizing shorelines due to its unique root system, which helps mitigate erosion. The project targets five coastal zones in Southern Mauritius—St Félix Beach, Rivière des Galets Beach, Bel Ombre Beach, Baie du Cap Beach, and Le Morne Beach. By focusing on nature-based solutions, Coral Garden Conservation aims to protect these ecosystems and highlight the importance of sustainable conservation efforts. Coastal erosion, a major threat to Mauritius affecting tourism, biodiversity, and local livelihoods, has traditionally been addressed with ineffective or harmful solutions like gabion walls. The "Liane Batatran Project" not only restores coastal habitats but also prioritises community engagement by training locals in restoration techniques. This approach enhances biodiversity and benefits coastal communities, serving as a model for sustainable coastal resilience. The project is supported by the UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge, with funding from Sida and Norad. 

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Pilot Biofertilizer Project

Biofertilizers are eco-friendly soil enhancers that enrich soil fertility without the adverse environmental impacts associated with chemical fertilizers. Derived from organic materials like seaweed and seagrass, biofertilizers are abundant in essential nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which promote healthy plant growth and improve soil quality. CGC achieved a significant milestone in marine conservation and sustainable development by securing official permits from the Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries, and Shipping, to collect wrecked marine algae and seagrass along the southern coast of Mauritius for use as biofertilizers. This groundbreaking initiative aligns with CGC’s mission to protect marine ecosystems while fostering sustainable practices that benefit local communities and the environment. Additionally, this initiative embraces the principles of a circular economy by transforming marine debris into valuable agricultural inputs. It reduces dependency on synthetic fertilizers, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and minimises environmental pollution, offering a sustainable solution for agriculture and environmental management. CGC’s biofertilizer project involves the manual collection of wrecked algae and seagrass from designated beaches within the high-water mark. The collected materials are cleaned and processed into biofertilizers, providing numerous environmental advantages, including (a) Promoting sustainable agriculture - By offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers, the project supports healthier soil ecosystems while reducing harmful runoff into marine habitats, (b) Minimising waste - The project prevents the accumulation of marine debris, which can disrupt coastal ecosystems and create nutrient imbalances,  and (c) Preserving biodiversity - Responsible collection ensures the natural balance of beach ecosystems, preventing harm to local flora and fauna.

Coral Restoration at St Felix

In 2024, CGC secured a grant from the MOL Charitable Trust to execute a coral restoration project at St. Felix. This endeavor will entail the collection of Coral Of Opportunity (COPs) and their direct transplantation to deteriorated reef sites. COPs are coral fragments resulting from mechanical damage caused by human activities (such as fishing) or natural occurrences (like waves or storm surges). Within the framework of the MOL Coral Community project, CGC will experiment with various reef restoration techniques. These methods include directly attaching COPs to degraded reefs using epoxy and underwater cement, utilising coral clips and nails, transplanting onto spider frames, and employing nets for stabilization modules. Moreover, the project will foster collaboration with fishing communities in the coastal villages of St. Felix, Rivieres de Galets, and Riambel. These communities will receive training in coral restoration techniques, potentially engaging them as active participants in the endeavor.

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Voluntary Marine Conservation Areas at Le Morne

In late 2024, CGC received all necessary approvals to establish four VMCAs in the Le Morne lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, cultural heritage, and ecological significance. This pioneering conservation initiative aims to protect seagrass meadows and coral reefs, minimise harmful human activities, promote marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable fishing practices, and raise awareness among local communities about the importance of marine ecosystems. Supported by key stakeholders—including the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, the Le Morne Heritage Trust Fund, and the National Coast Guard—the project aligns with national conservation priorities and fosters community participation. Local fishers and community members will actively engage in management efforts, ensuring long-term success through ownership and collaboration. CGC’s team will conduct baseline research and implement robust monitoring protocols to measure both ecological and socio-economic outcomes, guiding adaptive management strategies and creating a replicable framework for future conservation initiatives across Mauritius. With the necessary clearances secured, CGC will execute the project in key phases, including marine demarcation buoy installations, ecological surveys, long-term biodiversity monitoring, and stakeholder engagement. Additionally, CGC will collaborate with government authorities to integrate VMCA conservation strategies into national marine spatial planning frameworks. Seeking financial support from corporate sustainability programs, and international conservation grants, the project aspires to restore marine biodiversity, enhance sustainable fisheries management, and promote community-led conservation. By protecting these critical marine ecosystems, the initiative will contribute to Mauritius' climate resilience, sustainable fisheries, and eco-tourism development, benefiting both local fishers and tourism operators while aligning with international marine conservation goals such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water. Through a scientifically managed marine conservation network, CGC is committed to balancing environmental conservation with sustainable development, securing benefits for both nature and the communities that rely on it, and ensuring the long-term resilience of Le Morne’s marine ecosystems.

Historical lagoon trail discovery

In 2021, Coral Garden Conservation developed the Historical Eco Marine Trail Discovery, a boat tour aimed at educating both tourists and locals about the ecological and historical importance of Mauritius' marine environment. This trail includes educational stops at various significant sites like Coral Garden, where the vital role of coral ecosystems is highlighted, the Clin Cambell Shipwreck from 1923, and the naturally beautiful and historically significant Maconde and Labonté Le Morne. Through these direct interactions with nature, the trail promotes a profound understanding and appreciation of the region's marine biodiversity and the critical need for its conservation. Beyond merely conducting tours, CGC acts as an eco-guide, engaging in education and sensitization efforts about marine biodiversity, managing conservation initiatives such as endemic tree zones and participating in coral and seagrass surveys, and promoting sustainable practices like using solar and electric powered boats and minimizing disposable plastic use. These activities underscore CGC’s commitment to ethical, responsible, and sustainable operations, significantly contributing to the conservation of Mauritius' marine ecosystems and encouraging a deeper environmental responsibility among all participants.

Marine Guardianship through Technology: ROV-Based COTS Surveillance Program in Mauritius

In In 2024, CGC has acquired a QYSEA Fifish V-EVO Underwater Drone under the VARUNA Microproject Initiative, marking a major milestone in innovative marine conservation in Mauritius. This state-of-the-art ROV will be instrumental in monitoring COTS populations within the VMCA of St Felix. CGC is currently developing protocols and SOPs to incorporate this advanced technology into its monitoring program. The Underwater Drone is expected to revolutionise marine monitoring within the VMCA by enabling precise, efficient, and comprehensive surveillance of COTS populations. This high-tech solution addresses the limitations of traditional methods, allowing CGC to (a) perform regular spot checks and collect real-time data to assess COTS populations across the VMCA, (b) reduce the ecological footprint associated with human divers while capturing detailed video and photographic evidence, (c) enhance efficiency by navigating and collecting data in complex marine environments with unparalleled precision, and (d) facilitate informed decision-making and prompt action to control COTS outbreaks, safeguarding coral ecosystems. This ROV initiative exemplifies CGC's commitment to safeguarding marine ecosystems while embracing cutting-edge technology and community collaboration.

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Crystal Rock: Conservation and Monitoring Initiative

The Crystal Rock Preservation Project is a comprehensive initiative aimed at protecting and conserving the fragile marine ecosystem surrounding Crystal Rock, a renowned natural landmark off the coast of Mauritius. While tourism is crucial to the region’s economy, unregulated activities such as high-speed boating, mooring, snorkelling, and pollution pose significant threats to marine biodiversity. This project seeks to balance sustainable tourism with conservation through science-driven protection measures, environmental monitoring, and public awareness campaigns. In Phase 1, a detailed environmental assessment will evaluate the physical condition of Crystal Rock, marine biodiversity, water quality, and pollution levels, leading to mitigation strategies such as voluntary protected areas, mooring buoy installations, no-anchor zones, eco-friendly tourism practices, and awareness campaigns for tourists and tour operators. Phase 2 will focus on long-term monitoring through bi-annual biodiversity and water quality surveys, visitor impact assessments, eco-guide training, and public outreach programs to foster responsible marine stewardship. The project aims to protect Crystal Rock from unsustainable tourism practices, enhance biodiversity conservation, and implement evidence-based conservation policies. In November 2024, CGC secured the necessary official permits from concerned authorities to implement conservation initiatives, including comprehensive ecological surveys and water quality testing. These findings will inform decision-making and draft recommendations for the protection of Crystal Rock and its surrounding ecosystem. As a vital part of Mauritius’s marine heritage, Crystal Rock holds ecological, cultural, and economic significance, serving as both a marine biodiversity habitat and a major tourist attraction. This initiative will contribute to marine conservation and sustainable tourism by preserving coral reefs, supporting local livelihoods, and promoting responsible tourism practices. By integrating scientific research, community involvement, and strategic partnerships, CGC aims to ensure that Crystal Rock remains a symbol of natural beauty and ecological resilience for generations to come.

AquaVR Experience – Virtual Reality for Marine Conservation Education

The AquaVR Experience is an innovative virtual reality (VR) platform designed to revolutionise marine conservation education in Mauritius by providing immersive, expert-driven underwater experiences. Through scientifically accurate 3D simulations and high-resolution underwater videos, users will explore marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, and seagrass meadows, gaining insight into the impacts of climate change, coral bleaching, pollution, and conservation efforts. The project aims to democratise access to marine education, particularly for individuals facing physical, financial, or geographical barriers, fostering inclusivity and inspiring public engagement in environmental protection. Under the project, CGC and its team will implement a structured methodology which includes VR content development, testing on target audience, feedback collection and back-testing, and AI-driven real-time updates to enhance user engagement. Funded by the MOL Charitable Trust 2025, this initiative is intended to increase marine conservation awareness, expand educational accessibility for differently abled groups. By leveraging VR technology, AquaVR will bridge the gap between scientific research and public engagement, reducing human impact on marine ecosystems while promoting conservation. This transformative project will serve as a scalable and replicable model for marine education worldwide, showcasing how digital innovation can drive environmental stewardship and sustainable change.

Reviving Le Morne – Community-Driven Coral Restoration for Future Resilience

The Reviving Le Morne project is a small-scale coral restoration initiative dedicated to rehabilitating the degraded coral reefs of Le Morne lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwestern Mauritius. Over the years, climate change, pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction have severely impacted these vital marine ecosystems, leading to a significant decline in coral cover. This three-year project aims to restore at least 0.5 hectare of degraded reefs by employing trained local fishermen as coral gardeners, enhancing biodiversity, and strengthening marine ecosystems’ resilience against climate change. Fishermen trained and certified as Coral Gardeners under from 2017 to 2022 by the Mauritius Oceanography Institute and the Albion Fisheries Research Centre both under the aegis of the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries will engage on the project to implement coral restoration activities under the guidance of CGC’s team. The project will establish coral nurseries, where coral fragments will be cultivated and later transplanted onto degraded reef sites, ensuring ecosystem recovery. Community engagement is central to the initiative, with trained local fishermen actively participating in coral restoration, while education and awareness programs will involve schools, tourists, and stakeholders in marine conservation efforts. Expected outcomes of this project which is funded entirely by RIU Hotels & Resorts Social Investment Mauritius will include the restoration of coral ecosystems, increased biodiversity, enhanced fisheries, sustainable employment for fishermen, and the establishment of coral gardens. The project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through marine ecosystem restoration, SDG 13 (Climate Action) by strengthening reef resilience, SDG 1 (No Poverty) via sustainable livelihoods, and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by enhancing fish populations for coastal food security. By integrating scientific research, community involvement, and sustainable conservation practices, the Reviving Le Morne project will serve as a model for community-tourism based reef restoration efforts in Mauritius and beyond, ensuring long-term ecological and economic sustainability.

Green Roots – Endemic Plant Nursery for Ecosystem Restoration

The Green Roots – Endemic Plant Nursery for Ecosystem Restoration project aims to establish a fully functional native plant nursery to support small-scale reforestation efforts within the Le Morne Cultural Landscape. By propagating and cultivating endemic plant species, the project aims to restore degraded habitats, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience. Located in the Le Morne area, where there is a high demand for native flora due to ongoing conservation programs, the nursery will contribute to the ongoing restoration efforts by CGC at PG Labonte Le Morne. Funded by the U.S. Embassy in Mauritius under the "The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund for Mauritius 2024", the project plans for creation of a nursery for endemic and native plant propagation. Under the project, CGC will engage and train local community members in plant propagation and reforestation techniques