Mauritius Allocates Rs 347 Million to Protect 17 Eroding Coastlines
A government coastal rehabilitation programme will protect 16.5 km of eroded shoreline across 17 priority sites using nature-based and engineered solutions.
The Mauritian government has allocated Rs 347 million to rehabilitate and protect 17 priority coastal sites around the island, covering a total shoreline of 16.5 kilometres. The decision was noted at the weekly Cabinet meeting held on Friday, 13 November 2026, with the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change presenting progress on its Coastal Rehabilitation Programme.
Coastal erosion is a growing concern in Mauritius. Rising sea levels, stronger storm surges and years of human activity have stripped away sand and vegetation from many stretches of the island's shoreline, threatening both communities and the tourism industry that the country depends on for foreign earnings.
The programme takes a site-by-site approach, combining three types of intervention. Soft engineering methods are used where appropriate, such as beach nourishment and sand management. Hard infrastructure, including sea walls and rock armour, is deployed where erosion is most severe. And nature-based solutions, particularly the planting of mangroves and the restoration of native dune vegetation, are used to build long-term ecological resilience.
All interventions are based on recommendations from expert studies carried out at each location. Three specialist consultancy firms have been engaged by the ministry to ensure the technical rigour of the project.
Funding for the works comes from the Climate and Sustainability Fund, a dedicated government mechanism established to finance projects that address climate change adaptation and environmental protection in Mauritius.
What this means: This programme is significant for residents living near vulnerable coastlines, for hotel operators whose beachfront assets are at risk, and for the wider tourism sector, which relies on the island's beaches as its primary attraction. By using a mix of engineered and natural approaches, the government is signalling a shift toward longer-lasting solutions rather than purely structural fixes. For communities in coastal villages, stabilised shorelines also mean reduced flood risk during cyclone season. The Rs 347 million commitment, drawn from the Climate and Sustainability Fund rather than the standard budget, reflects the increasing urgency with which Mauritius is treating climate adaptation.
Source: ION News
Frequently Asked Questions
Which coastal sites in Mauritius are being rehabilitated under this programme?β
The government has identified 17 priority sites across Mauritius, covering a total of 16.5 kilometres of coastline. The specific site names were not published in this Cabinet communique, but selection was based on expert erosion studies identifying the most at-risk locations around the island.
Where does the Rs 347 million for coastal protection come from?β
The funding comes from the Climate and Sustainability Fund, a dedicated Mauritian government fund used to finance climate adaptation and environmental projects. It is separate from the standard national budget allocation.
What is a nature-based solution for coastal erosion in Mauritius?β
In the Mauritian context, nature-based solutions include planting mangroves along sheltered coastal areas and restoring native dune vegetation. These plants stabilise sand and absorb wave energy naturally, reducing erosion over time without relying solely on concrete structures.
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