Mauritius – Launching of Online Course on Integrated Coastal Zone Management
A Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) entitled “Introduction to Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) for Decision-Making”, aimed at strengthening the capacity of decision-makers for the sustainable management of coastal areas was launched, today at The Docks 2 in Caudan.
Developed under the Regional Programme for the Resilience of Coastal Populations and Ecosystems in the South-West Indian Ocean (RECOS), the online course is implemented by the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), with the support of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the French Facility for Global Environment, in collaboration with the Mauritius Institute of Education and other partners.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mr Rajesh Bhagwan, said that Mauritius’ coastline is a vital space where environmental, economic and social interests converge. He noted that coastal areas support key sectors such as tourism and fisheries, while facing increasing pressures from climate change, coastal erosion and human activities.
He underpinned that coastal management decisions must be based on reliable data and sound scientific evidence, while taking into account the perspectives of different stakeholders. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening technical capacity and cooperation among Government, local authorities, the private sector, communities, academia, civil society and the media.
The Minister recalled that Mauritius is implementing several initiatives to protect its coastline, including a coastal erosion adaptation programme covering more than 11.5 kilometres across 17 priority sites, combining engineering and nature-based solutions. He also referred to the National Coastal Management Strategy under preparation and the relaunch of the Maurice Île Durable programme.
Minister Bhagwan indicated that the MOOC would serve as an important capacity-building tool for decision-makers from both the public and private sectors. Through five modules, the online course will provide participants with a better understanding of the environmental, social and economic dimensions of coastal management and support evidence-based decision-making, he added.
Also present, the Deputy Director of AFD Mauritius and Seychelles, Mr Philippe Phan, underlined that environmental issues, spatial planning and economic activities along the coast are closely interconnected. He stated that the MOOC could help decision-makers better take these interactions into account.
As for the Chargé de Mission at the IOC, Mr Anfani Msoili, he dwelt on the importance of understanding ICZM before taking action. He highlighted that ICZM should not only be limited to specialists but should also be understood by decision-makers, economic stakeholders, the media and citizens.
The launch forms part of an awareness campaign on ICZM being implemented in Mauritius under the RECOS project. The campaign includes public consultations, digital awareness activities, educational videos and a capacity-building workshop for media professionals.
The RECOS project aims to strengthen the resilience of coastal populations to climate change by promoting sustainable and inclusive management of coastal ecosystems across the South-West Indian Ocean region. In Mauritius, particular emphasis is being placed on promoting greater understanding and adoption of ICZM among decision-makers, local stakeholders and the public.
Source : GIS Mauritius
