LocationsNew public education facility promotes awareness to protect marine biodiversity and strengthen national biosecurity
Mauritius Marks World Maritime Day 2026 with Launch of Marine Invasive Alien Species Awareness Corner
September 25, 2026
The IAS Corner was officially inaugurated by Dr the Honourable Arvin Boolell, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, with support from the UNDP-GEF Mainstreaming Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Prevention, Control and Management Project, in the presence of government officials, representatives of parastatal bodies, private sector partners, researchers, students and development partners.
Stéphane Bellerose @ UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles
Port Louis, 24 September 2026 – Mauritius marked World Maritime Day with the inauguration of the Marine Invasive Alien Species Awareness Corner (MIASAC) at the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre, a new public education space designed to raise awareness of one of the most significant threats to marine biodiversity and the sustainability of the Blue Economy. The facility was officially inaugurated by Dr the Honourable Arvin Boolell, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries; the Honourable Gilles Fabrice David, Junior Minister of the same ministry, and the UNDP Resident Representative, Ms Alka Bhatia, in the presence of the Deputy Lord Mayor of Port-Louis, government officials, representatives of parastatal bodies, private sector partners, researchers, students, the project team, and development partners.
The event, held on World Maritime Day 2026, highlighted the importance of safeguarding Mauritius' marine ecosystems amid growing pressures from global trade, shipping, tourism, and climate change. The Marine Invasive Alien Species Awareness Corner (MIASAC), which was supported through a USD 50,000 investment from the UNDP-GEF Mainstreaming Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Prevention, Control and Management Project, aims to increase public understanding of marine invasive alien species and encourage collective action to prevent their introduction and spread. The new facility features interactive educational materials, digital learning tools, and exhibits designed to inform visitors about the impacts of invasive alien species on marine ecosystems, fisheries, tourism, livelihoods, and food security. It is also expected to serve as an important platform for environmental education, particularly for students and young people visiting the Science Centre.
Blue Economy Ambitions and Stronger Biosecurity for Mauritius
Speaking at the inauguration, Ms Alka Bhatia, UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles Resident Representative, emphasized the importance of awareness and prevention in strengthening national biosecurity. "For a Small Island Developing State like Mauritius, protecting marine biodiversity is not only an environmental priority, but also a development imperative. This Awareness Corner demonstrates how partnerships can translate commitments into practical action, empowering citizens, especially young people, to become active stewards of our oceans and marine resources," she said.
According to Dr the Honourable Arvin Boolell, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, the Blue Economy is a multisectoral pillar of Mauritius' development, with the potential to increase its contribution to GDP from 10.6 per cent to 20 per cent by 2035. He noted that achieving this ambition will require responsible citizenship and encouraged young people to pursue science, recognize the importance of facilities such as this one, and develop the skills needed to support a Small Island Developing State aspiring to become a leader in the Blue Economy.
The Honourable Gilles Fabrice David, Junior Minister at the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, underscored the significance of the 2026-2027 World Maritime Day theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.” He noted that maritime excellence represents Mauritius' aspiration for safer shipping, more secure navigation, more efficient maritime operations and a cleaner, more sustainable ocean. The Junior Minister highlighted that the forthcoming 10-year Blue Economy Strategy, to be unveiled in the coming weeks, embodies this transition from policy to practice, from vision to implementation, and from ambition to delivery. He further emphasized that the Blue Economy must be driven by knowledge, innovation, investment and strong partnerships to achieve its full potential.
Mr Partish Chumroo, Chairperson of the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre, acknowledged the partners who made the new facility possible, and invited the audience, especially young people, to see it as an investment in scientific curiosity, environmental responsibility and the future of Mauritius." Our oceans connect us to the world, and protecting them requires knowledge, cooperation and action," he said.
Improve the country's ability to prevent, detect and respond to invasive alien species.
The Marine Invasive Alien Species Awareness Corner forms part of the broader “Mainstreaming Invasive Alien Species Prevention, Control and Management” Project, implemented by the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Valued at more than USD 28 million, including co-financing from various partners, the project seeks to strengthen Mauritius' national biosecurity framework and improve the country's ability to prevent, detect and respond to invasive alien species. Its key objectives include enhancing legislation and policies, strengthening institutional and technical capacities, improving surveillance and early detection systems, supporting coordinated management and control measures, and promoting public awareness and stakeholder engagement across sectors.
As Mauritius advances its blue economy ambitions and commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals, the new Awareness Corner will play an important role in fostering environmental responsibility and inspiring future generations to contribute to the protection of the island's rich marine biodiversity.