[Blog] Fading coastlines, fading commitments : The reality of coastal erosion in Mauritius

Despite decades of funding, studies, and projects to combat coastal erosion in Mauritius, results remain limited. Poor coordination, lack of monitoring, and insufficient concrete action have severely undermined efforts toward long-term and sustainable coastal protection.

Coastal erosion is not a new phenomenon. Since the 1960s, it has been recognized as a growing concern on our island. However, the issue became significantly more pronounced in the 1990s. This escalation is closely linked to the country’s economic transformation, marked by rapid tourism development and increased coastal land use.

Today, coastal erosion remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges we face. In recent times, I’ve been reflecting on the various initiatives currently underway to address this issue. Notably, there are the initiatives led by the Agence française de développement (AFD) and the recent release of the BRGM (Bureau de Recherches géologiques et minières) study report. Additionally, a collaborative project spearheaded by the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) aims to integrate nature-based solutions into land use systems under the title: Mainstreaming Nature-Based Solutions in Land Use Systems for Productive and Resilient Ecosystems.

While these initiatives reflect a growing awareness of the need for sustainable and adaptive coastal strategies, they largely remain rhetorical – adding to an already long list of reports, initiatives and fragmented efforts that have failed to deliver lasting solutions. What is needed now goes beyond documentation – we require a holistic, strategic approach, guided by a coherent framework and coordinated, well-monitored actions, rather than scattered initiatives.

The following sections explain why this call to action is not only timely, but essential.

Understanding coastal erosion: key facts

Coastal erosion is a global phenomenon, affecting nearly 70% of the world’s sandy shorelines. It is driven by a combination of natural processes and human activities. Natural forces such as waves, tides, and ocean currents are fundamental contributors to shoreline change. However, human-induced factors - most notably carbon emissions leading to global warming and sea level rise - have significantly intensified the problem.

Another major contributor is unplanned or poorly managed coastal development, which disrupts the natural dynamics of coastal environments and often accelerates erosion. Infrastructure built too close to the shoreline, removal of natural vegetation, and the alteration of sediment transport systems all exacerbate the issue. Our shoreline is already marked by many of the challenges outlined above. 

Current status of coastal erosion in Mauritius

Over 37 kilometers of Mauritius’ coastline are now affected by coastal erosion, posing a serious threat to both the natural environment and the island’s tourism sector. According to the UNFCCC records, some coastal segments are receding by nearly 1 meter per year, particularly in areas where poorly planned or unauthorized structures have disrupted natural coastal dynamics.

In some locations, the problem has escalated dramatically. Over the past five years, certain beaches have lost up to 75% of their original width (News Moris, 2024), highlighting a pattern of accelerated degradation. This erosion is compounded by a rapid rise in sea level, with Mauritius recording an increase of 6.8 mm per year between 2009 and 2018 - nearly double the global average of 3.6 mm per year.

The latest figure we have dates back to 2015 from the UNDP and indicates that 21 beaches, representing 23% of all beaches in Mauritius, have been confirmed as undergoing active erosion (UNDP, 2015).
Still waiting for the proper science to reach the shore!

In our country, there has been a recurring oversight in the way we address coastal erosion. Most rehabilitation efforts have paid insufficient attention to the natural forces that fundamentally shape our coastlines - particularly the influence of waves, tides, and currents. As a result, many of these interventions lack the scientific foundation required for long-term effectiveness and resilience. I once discussed the impact of ocean currents on coastal erosion with Mr. R.M, a highly knowledgeable officer from the former Ministry of Fisheries. Unfortunately, his expertise was never harnessed to help address the issue.

Too often, the natural root causes of coastal erosion have been overlooked or underestimated in project planning and implementation. This disconnect between environmental realities and intervention strategies continues to undermine the success of our coastal protection efforts.

Addressing coastal erosion effectively requires a comprehensive understanding of both the natural systems at play and the human activities that influence them. Without this, we risk repeating past mistakes and investing in solutions that fail to protect our coastlines sustainably.

Coastal erosion - solutions trapped in studies, not in action

If there’s one thing this field doesn’t lack, it’s reports and studies – yet they continue to accumulate, as seen with the most recent one. Yet, despite this wealth of documentation and analysis, we continue to struggle to effectively address the coastal erosion problem confronting us.

Time and again, we have seen initiatives launched with promise, only to stall in closed-door meetings. Solutions often remain confined to paper, while the shoreline continues to recede. This recurring pattern highlights a persistent and troubling gap between research and tangible action on the ground. It is not a lack of knowledge that holds us back, but rather a failure to translate insights into implementation.

I am reminded of the words of Professor K. Murali, from the Department of Ocean Engineering at IIT Madras, who visited us on the invitation of the authorities and held consultations between May 20th and 23rd, 2014. In the presence of the then Minister of Environment – responsible for the management of coastal ecosystems - and officials from the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) department, he aptly stated: “All the initiatives that we are taking will not help to save even one meter of coastal beach.”
His remark remains a sobering reminder of the urgency with which we must move from plans to concrete, effective measures. The time for action is now – before more of our coastline is lost.

Trapped in theory

I need to emphasise this: We have reached a stage where conferences, workshops, and studies are no longer enough. Flowery speeches without concrete action are like striking still water with a sword – symbolic, yet ultimately futile.

Beach erosion and shoreline retreat have been persistent challenges that continue to escalate. Scientific studies conducted in 1997, 2001, and 2003 have consistently reaffirmed the critical need for effective management and mitigation strategies. Over the years, numerous initiatives have been launched in response to these concerns. However, despite the efforts and resources invested, tangible progress has remained limited.

I will now highlight some of these initiatives to illustrate both the efforts made and the gaps that still remain.

Solutions without impact - poor implementation

In 1998, the National Shoreline Management Strategy was formulated with the aim of establishing a unified framework for coastal management. The process included regional consultations and the development of baseline vulnerability maps, laying the groundwork for informed, evidence-based action.
However, despite these early efforts, no concrete implementation strategy was developed, and the recommendations were never translated into binding national policies. As a result, the strategy remained largely theoretical, and its potential impact was never fully realized.

In 2003, a Coastal Protection Task Force was established alongside the release of Baird’s report, which offered strong recommendations to address coastal erosion. While pilot projects were launched in high-risk areas and limited community awareness efforts were made, the task force soon went to bed, and momentum was lost.

Then the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Program (2007–2012) was developed, aiming to promote the sustainable use of coastal resources across sectors. While it initially established multi-agency coordination committees, these mechanisms collapsed after funding ended, leaving limited institutional memory due to poor monitoring and follow-up.

All of these programmes were government-led, and despite initial promise, each ultimately failed, undermined by poor implementation, lack of continuity, and minimal long-term commitment.

ReCoMaP - eroding shores, stagnant solutions

Also in 2007, the European Union funded the Regional Coastal Management Project (ReCoMaP), a regional initiative led by the Indian Ocean Commission (COI) aimed at promoting the sustainable management of coastal zones across the Indian Ocean region. Among its key objectives were enhancing the resilience of coastal ecosystems and supporting sustainable development in participating countries.
A substantial amount – approximately 750 million rupees – was allocated to this initiative. Mauritius benefitted from seven individual projects, while Rodrigues received support for one project under the program.

However, despite the scale of investment and the scope of the initiative, the tangible impact of ReCoMaP remains unclear. Many questions persist regarding the project’s effectiveness, particularly in terms of how it contributed to strengthening the resilience of our coastal systems. The lack of visible, lasting results raises concerns about the implementation, monitoring, and long-term sustainability of such externally funded initiatives.

UNDP: climate change adaptation in Mauritius’ coastal zone

The Climate Change Adaptation Programme in the Coastal Zone of Mauritius was officially launched in August 2012. This initiative was approved by the Adaptation Fund Board on September 16, 2011, and received funding of USD 9,119,240. Implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, the project aimed to enhance the resilience of coastal communities to climate change impacts, particularly focusing on areas like Mon Choisy, Rivière-des-Galets, and Quatre-Soeurs.

The programme concluded in December 2022, marking a decade of efforts aimed at addressing coastal vulnerabilities through infrastructure development, policy integration, and community engagement. However, the outcomes have been mixed, at best. In Rivière-des-Galets, the village remains at risk, with the only tangible result being the construction of two protective walls during the project’s implementation. At Quatre-Sœurs, there is no visible impact of the intervention. Meanwhile, Mon-Choisy continues to be a hotspot for coastal erosion, highlighting the limited effectiveness of the programme in delivering long-term resilience

JICA : trying to turn coastal erosion into real-world action

Another notable example is the involvement of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which has been active in Mauritius since 1977. Prior to TICAD VI, one of JICA’s key areas of focus was coastal protection. This culminated in the publication of the Final Report: Coastal Conservation Plan under the project titled Capacity Development on Coastal Protection and Rehabilitation in the Republic of Mauritius. 
Unfortunately, despite JICA’s involvement since 1977 and the numerous training sessions provided to our officials in Japan, not a single meter of beach has been effectively preserved. This stark reality underscores a critical disconnect between capacity-building efforts and on-the-ground implementation. Decades of support and knowledge transfer have not translated into tangible outcomes, and our coastlines continue to recede.

More studies - a reality check

• Beach Erosion and Lagoon Dynamics Project in 2013

Some of the Key Studies on Coastal Erosion in Mauritius have been listed. We have had enough of studying. The Mauritius Oceanography Institute (MOI) launched the Beach Erosion and Lagoon Dynamics Project in 2013 with the aim of monitoring beach evolution, studying lagoon dynamics, and mapping lagoon habitats at four public beaches. The findings were integrated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) for comprehensive analysis and decision-making. This initiative aimed to provide a more holistic understanding of coastal erosion beyond traditional beach profiling methods.

The aim of the project was laudable, but over 12 years later, we are still waiting for decisive action. Despite the research and data generated, there has been no meaningful shift from study to strategy, leaving coastal communities vulnerable and solutions stalled in bureaucratic inertia.

• Erosion Studies Overview

In 2020, the University of Mauritius published the Erosion Studies Overview which covered a review of soil and coastal erosion studies over two decades, including catchment erosion rates and rainfall assessments. The aim was to identify erosion risks and the need for island-scale models to address coastal erosion dynamics. While these studies reflect a growing recognition of the need for sustainable and adaptive strategies to protect our coastlines, they add to an already extensive list of reports and initiatives that have yet to yield tangible solutions. There is a pressing need for a structured, coordinated, and holistic approach to address coastal erosion effectively.

• Stimson Center

In 2024, the Stimson Center entered the scene, already overloaded with reports and failed initiatives to assess and evaluate coastal erosion risks and the effectiveness of adaptation measures. The aim of this project is to identify areas vulnerable to erosion and recommendations for improved risk management strategies. We are still waiting for the outcome.

• Mainstreaming biodiversity into the management of the coastal Zone in the Republic of Mauritius

Launched in 2016, the project Mainstreaming biodiversity into the management of the coastal zone in the Republic of Mauritius was funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with a USD 4.66 million grant and USD 15.31 million in co-financing. Executed by the UNDP in partnership with the Mauritius Oceanography Institute and other national stakeholders, it concluded in June 2024.

The FCG Finnish Consulting Group was tasked with key deliverables, including the development of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) plans for Rodrigues Island and Black River, as well as the review and update of Environmental Sensitive Area (ESA) data and policy recommendations.

To date, the final report is still pending.

12. Funding coastal protection in Mauritius: high investment, low impact

Major funding initiatives

European Union – ReCoMaP (Regional Coastal Management Project)- Funding: MUR 750 million.
Climate Change Adaptation Programme in the Coastal Zone- Funding: USD 9.12 million (Adaptation Fund).

Mainstreaming Biodiversity into the Management of the Coastal Zone- Funding: USD 4.66 million (GEF grant) + USD 15.31 million (in co-financing)

Government Budget Allocation (2023–2025)- Funding- MUR 278 million

National Environment and Climate Change Fund (NECCF)- Funding: MUR 400 million.

13. Coastal erosion in Mauritius: a costly and unresolved crisis

Over the past two decades, Mauritius has mobilized substantial financial resources to combat coastal erosion. Numerous studies have been conducted, detailed reports published, and various funding mechanisms activated. However, the results have been fragmented, short-term, and largely reactive.

Despite good intentions, many interventions have lacked effective coordination, robust monitoring, and a long-term strategic vision – all of which are critical for sustainable coastal protection. As a result, tangible progress has been minimal, and coastal communities remain vulnerable.

The effectiveness of these initiatives is further called into question by findings from the National Audit Office, which highlighted major shortcomings in project implementation. Although substantial funds were allocated, efforts were undermined by poor planning, limited inter-agency coordination, and insufficient oversight. These deficiencies resulted in delays, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities to build coastal resilience.

These systemic weaknesses have led to delays, cost overruns, and inefficiencies in addressing the erosion crisis.

Ultimately, the central and unresolved question remains:

Why, after so many years and so much investment, has the rate of success been so poor?

By Sunil Dowarkasing
Former strategist at Greenpeace International and environmental advocate