National Forestry Policy.

The new National Forestry Policy for the development of the forest sector in Mauritius is the outcome of discussions and consultations with key stakeholders in government, civil society and other interested parties. Its goal is to create public awareness of the productive and protective functions of the forests, the important role the forest sector plays in national development and human wellbeing and to ensure the conservation and sustainable management of forests of the country for the benefit of present and future generations. The following principles provide the foundation for forestry policy in Mauritius: assessing the forests and designate the forest estate into classification of functions (productive, protective, conservation, recreation and ecotourism); recognising the important contribution of the environmental functions of forests in water conservation, flood control, combating soil erosion, biodiversity conservation and support for tourism; elaborating a long term forest strategy for conservation of biodiversity and the environment, and implementation of a sustainable forest management system that will make a significant contribution to the socioeconomic development of the country; managing forest resources and forest lands on a sustainable basis to meet the socio-economic, ecological and cultural needs of the present and future generations - taking appropriate measures to protect forests and forest ecosystems (pollution, fires, insect pests and diseases) in order to maintain their diverse functions; acknowledging the importance of all types of forest in the ecological processes and in the maintenance of ecological balance at national, regional and global levels; balancing the development of all types of forest use with income derived from them, preference being given to the least destructive practices that produce the best economic outcome and environmental conservation.; encouraging and adopting appropriate land-use practices and planting of tree species that will give the best return on investment in abandoned sugar-cane fields, and also enhance land fertility and productivity; emphasising the role of forests in mitigating the effects of climate change and in carbon sequestration, etc.
The policy goal aims to ensure sustainable development, management and protection of environmentally sensitive areas such as watersheds and to increase and regulate freshwater resources for all purposes in Mauritius and Rodrigues. The objectives are: To increase planting of preferably native trees and other plants suitable for watershed protection around all lakes and in river reserves. To increase planting of preferably native trees and other plants on steep slopes and coastal zones to reduce soil erosion. To promote more efficient use of land resources in water catchments for protection of recharge zones and water resources through legislation. To co-ordinate activities with all government departments, services and interested parties in areas concerning climate, soil, water and watersheds, with particular emphasis on coordination to provide useful, high quality information upon which to base management activities.
These policy objectives are to be achieved by the following means: Mapping environmentally sensitive areas and implementing special management plans. Surveying main catchment areas for legal protection. Replacing high water demanding alien species in watershed areas by native species, especially in Rodrigues. Arranging for public-private partnership or acquisition (with equitable compensation) of private forests in critical areas considered of national importance; identifying at the same time means to manage these forests on a sustainable basis. Implementing research projects to expand and update existing knowledge on suitable native species for watershed protection and management. Preparing a planting programme based on the results of such research. Adopting an integrated approach to watershed management. Taking measures for conservation of all surface and ground water resources and their protection from pollution and depletion. Implementing measures to minimise soil erosion and sedimentation, particularly for the benefit of aquatic species and ecosystems, freshwater and marine. Controlling infrastructural development and improving land management practices in the watersheds and environmentally sensitive areas. Identifying and recommending alternatives for activities detrimental to watersheds. Developing incentives for proper watershed management practices in private lands. Preparing and implementing a public awareness and extension programmes to sensitise people on the need for watershed protection. Preparing and implementing reforestation with native species in sensitive areas. Developing effective means for rainwater harvesting. Conducting research on the impact of climate change on forests. Developing forest rehabilitation models for biodiversity conservation purposes in areas where it is appropriate to manage forests to enhance landscape and improve water conservation. Establishing a liaison mechanism with all parties concerned to harmonise inputs for the management of watersheds. Preparing forestry legislation including protection of watersheds.