A symbolic ceremony, organized by the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI),  in collaboration with the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security, was held in Mahébourg, on Saturday 26 February. The main aim of this event was the handing over of certificates and starting kits to inhabitants of the southeast coast of Mauritius who were affected by the MV Wakashio Oil Spill.

The UNDP, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the Government of Mauritius, partnered to co-fund a Humanitarian Emergency Assistance to the benefit of the communities impacted by the MV Wakashio Oil Spill. In this context, the FAREI was entrusted with a Rs 1,75 M grant to encourage the inhabitants of the region to diversify their livelihoods and build capacity regarding organic crop production and egg production. This assistance directly benefited 225 households - approximately 1200 persons - from the localities of Quatre Soeurs, Grand River South-East, Grand Sable, Mahébourg, and Vieux Grand Port.

In his address to the audience, Mr. A. Goolaub, assistant director of FAREI, acknowledged the UNDP and the AfDB for their support to the inhabitants of the South-East of Mauritius. He also stressed the importance of people earning a living from the sea – of diversifying their activities, especially through backyard farming to enhance self-sufficiency and food security.

Addressing the audience, Ms. Christine Umutoni, UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, acknowledged UNDP livelihood support as part of the coordinated UN-wide support to the Government of Mauritius when the oil spill crisis hit. She highlighted that such initiatives are building capacity in a sustainable way, and show that coordinated actions are vital to be able to overcome crises.

Dr. Tony Muhumuza, Senior Economist at UNDP Mauritius, on behalf of the UNDP Resident Representative, thanked the Government of Mauritius for considering UNDP as a trusted partner in response efforts to the MV Wakashio oil spill. He mentioned UNDP’s efforts to help mitigate the impact of the crisis, develop alternative livelihood solutions, and mobilise funds to empower local communities in sustainable development initiatives. Dr. Muhumuza also highlighted that the UNDP is undertaking several engagements of this kind in Mauritius, in collaboration with partners, to empower communities while preserving the ecosystem. One of such engagements is a grant amount of USD 550,000 to an NGO of the South-East of Mauritius that will support Coral Restoration activities during the next 5 years.

Diversifying livelihoods for strengthened resilience

Representatives of the Government were also present during this event. Honourable Rameshwar Doolub, deputy of constituency No 12, mentioned the constant support of the Government to the communities of the South-East and stressed the importance of alternative livelihoods in the difficult times that we are living.

The Honourable Stéphane Toussaint, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Recreation, focused on the good relationship that Mauritius has been maintaining with various countries and organizations to ensure international support in difficult times. He also made a call to the youth to engage in agriculture to ensure the country’s food sufficiency and security in the future.

The Honourable Mahendranuth Hureeram, Minister of National Infrastructure and Community Development, highlighted the importance of adapting to thrive in times of crisis. He also emphasized the importance of this engagement in changing the lives of many households and allowing people of the region to stand on their own feet again.

The Honourable Maneesh Gobin, Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, emphasized the compensation offered by the Government to the inhabitants of the region in the aftermath of the oil spill. He also mentioned that the backyard gardening and egg production facilities provided by his ministry and FAREI are sustainable solutions that fishers should maintain for consolidated livelihoods.