News
As part of the Anou Protez Nou Bann Zil programme, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation recently held a workshop with a group of prison officers at the Anse la Raie Youth Training Centre. The session, which lasted about an hour and a half, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the biodiversity of islets around Mauritius and the role each of us can play in preserving these fragile ecosystems.
During the presentation, participants were introduced to the unique fauna and flora found on islets such as Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile de la Passe, Round Island, and Gunners Quoin. Through engaging visuals, they discovered the rich diversity of endemic species like the Gunther’s Gecko, the Bojer’s Skink the Telfair’s Skink, the Keel-scaled boa and the endemic ebony trees that once covered much of Mauritius. The Education Team also explained the threats faced by these ecosystems, including invasive alien species, habitat degradation, and the impact of uncontrolled human activities.
The prison officers were particularly interested in learning about the restoration work carried out by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation on several islets, from replanting native species to creating safe nesting habitats for seabirds. The team shared before-and-after photos showing how these efforts have helped bring wildlife back to areas that were once barren or invaded by alien plants.
The session also covered good environmental practices for visitors and users of islets. Participants learned how simple actions such as staying on designated paths, avoiding littering, and not disturbing wildlife can make a real difference in protecting these sensitive environments. The presentation ended with a discussion where officers shared their views and experiences, and reflected on how awareness can be spread within their own circles to encourage more respect for nature.
The Anou Protez Nou Bann Zil programme was first launched in 2017 to raise awareness about the biodiversity of the South East islets. The project aims to train key islet users (skippers, fishermen, private boat owners, tourism operators and government officers) about the unique biodiversity on these islets and how they can help reduce or eliminate threats to them. Since July 2019, MWF has been able to extend its project to the Northern islets of Mauritius and reach new stakeholders including tour operators and hotels, with the unwavering support of the #MCBgroup and the authorities such as National Heritage Fund, Forestry Service and the National Parks and Conservation Service.
