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 play a vital role in Mauritius' coastal ecosystem. The two main species identified are the Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata), which dominates, and the Black Mangrove (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza). They thrive in swamps, estuaries, and along the island's coast. To enhance their presence, a mangrove planting project is planned. It involves establishing multiple mangrove plantations, each spanning 1,000 meters in length and 50 meters in width, intermittently along the PG Le Morne Brabant shoreline. This area is within the buffer zone of the Le Morne Cultural Landscape. The plantations will be strategically located in shallow waters within the lagoon, parallel to the Trou Chenille track, which is currently experiencing significant marine erosion.

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.

Pilot Biofertilizer Project

Seagrass beds serve as vital habitats, often thriving in shallow coastal marine areas, salt marshes, and estuaries. They flourish in sheltered regions with ample sunlight, typically situated between beaches and coral reefs. In tropical regions, they are intricately linked to mangrove ecosystems. These flowering plants primarily propagate through creeping stems. Interestingly, the recycling potential of stranded seagrass remains largely untapped in Mauritius. Both wrecked seagrass and algae, abundant in the coastal region of Le Morne, are currently considered waste despite their resourcefulness. This project aims to harness these natural resources to produce safe biofertilizers, enriching the soil with minimal environmental impact. Additionally, it contributes to the conservation of a crucial marine ecosystem, aligning with sustainable practices and promoting biodiversity preservation.

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, utilizing 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.

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.