Pointe D’esny 3rd Ramsar Site in Mauritius
The area of Pointe D’Esny was inaugurated as the third Ramsar Site in Mauritius by the Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mr S. Faugoo. This inauguration have coincided with the World Wetlands Day which is celebrated on the 02 February every year.
La région de Pointe D'Esny
The site, which was proclaimed in September 2011, harbours a rich mangrove forest ecosystem which acts as breeding nursery for marine fishes and crabs. It plays a vital role in supporting our marine ecosystem as well as abating natural calamities such as tsunami.
Minister Faugoo in his allocution pointed out that wetlands are more than just a muddy swamp and they provide an important ecosystem service. He reminded that the International Theme for World Wetlands Day celebration this year is Wetlands and Tourism and that in Mauritius many plans and schemes have been put forward in favour of responsible and sustainable tourism which supports both wetlands and people.
Tourism is acknowledged as one of the key ecosystem services that wetlands provide. For Minister Faugoo, ensuring the sustainability of tourism in and around wetlands contributes to the health of wetlands both in terms of their environmental footprint and socioeconomic benefits that are generated towards conservation of wetland biodiversity and other ecosystem services.
The Minister of Education and Human Resources, Dr V. Bunwaree, said that in the conservation process nothing can have a more forceful impact than educating people and changing mindsets. He added that with this in mind, his Ministry has geared its efforts to develop education for sustainability at every level.
Minister Bunwaree underlined that wetland tourism as such has benefits, both locally and nationally for people and wildlife benefits such as stronger economies, sustainable livelihoods, healthy people and thriving ecosystem. In line with government policy to attract 2 million tourists by the year 2015, wetlands can indeed play a significant role in contributing to achieve the set target, he pointed out.
Source : GIS
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