LocationsUNDP Supports the Republic of Mauritius to Step Up Climate Action with Improved Livestock GHG Emissions Tracking
September 26, 2025
Mauritius is enhancing its climate action by adopting a more accurate approach to measuring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the livestock sector, with a particular focus on cattle. With support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Mauritius, and through the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change (Department of Climate Change) together with the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI) as Implementing Partners, the country is moving towards the development and application of the IPCC Tier 2 methodology to estimate methane emissions from enteric fermentation in ruminants.
This transition is part of the Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT) project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The project aims to enhance the Republic of Mauritius’ national greenhouse gas inventory, providing more accurate data that will guide evidence-based policymaking and strengthen reporting under the Paris Agreement.
Unlike earlier approaches, the Tier 2 methodology uses country-specific data such as animal weight, feed quality, and management practices, to calculate methane emissions more accurately. This will help Mauritius track progress towards its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets, while ensuring that climate strategies are both credible and effective.
To test the feasibility of this new approach, a series of farm visits, survey trials, and workshops took place between 22 and 26 September 2025. Field visits with farmers and FAREI officers enabled Deloitte consultants to assess the availability of livestock and feed data needed for the transition. This was followed by a capacity-building workshop on 25 September and a working session on 26 September, where stakeholders reviewed data sources, shared insights from the field, and agreed on the methodological steps to strengthen collaboration and data management systems.
Why Livestock Matters for Climate Change
Methane (CH₄) from ruminants is one of the largest contributors to agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. It is released mainly through enteric fermentation - the digestive process in cattle, sheep, and goats - and has a warming potential more than 25 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. Although methane remains in the atmosphere for a shorter time than carbon dioxide, its strong impact makes it a key target for rapid climate action. Reducing and better managing livestock emissions can therefore deliver quick wins for the climate, while also improving feed efficiency, reducing production costs, and supporting sustainable farming practices that benefit both farmers and rural livelihoods.
This initiative contributes directly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 13 on Climate Action, SDG 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals. By investing in more robust data and transparency systems, Mauritius is not only meeting its international commitments but also laying the groundwork for sustainable development, resilience, and inclusive growth.
Transitioning to Tier 2 enteric fermentation emission factors and modelling in Mauritius and Rodrigues is a key step towards fostering a climate-smart agricultural sector that supports farmers, informs policymakers, and protects the environment.