As SIDS progress along import-dependent development pathways, the quantities and variety of products that are being imported ( ranging from mercury containing thermometers to plastic [food] packaging, from second hand electronic products to motor vehicles, from agricultural chemicals to industrial chemicals) is rapidly increasing. This is leading to the generation of a large variety of different types of hazardous and toxic wastes for which SIDS do not have the technical capacity, infrastructure, critical mass, appropriate treatment facilities or private sector interest to address alone. The Indian Ocean Regional Project - Mauritius is one of five (5) child projects that is part of a GEF-funded UN Environment led global programme entitled “Implementing Sustainable Low And Non-Chemical Development in SIDS (“the GEF ISLANDS Programme”), which will be implemented in 30 SIDS across 3 regions (Caribbean, Indian Ocean and Pacific). Union of Comoros, Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles form part of the Indian Ocean component.

Implementation
This project is being implemented under the full National Implementation Modality with the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change as the lead Implementing Partner and the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security as Responsible Parties.

Partners
• Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change 
• Ministry of Health and Wellness 
• Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security 
• Business Mauritius 
• Indian Ocean Commission