Executive Summary

1. Ile d’Ambre is located on the northeast of Mauritius, and is approximately 5km from Goodlands. The 137 ha islet is positioned within the barrier lagoon, the closet part of the islet being approximately 400m from the mainland.

2. The islet is formed of low-lying basaltic rock, similar to the mainland area.

3. Most of the islet is covered with degraded forest; there are considerable fringing mangroves around the islet. There are small numbers of native palms which at present are not regenerating.

4. The islet has populations of the tenrec hedgehog and invasive mammals species, such as rats, shrews and cats.

5. The terrestrial ecosystem has relatively high biodiversity; however, most species are exotic. The system functions effectively and is not fragile.

6. The marine area can be divided into relatively pristine biotopes on the seaward side, with relatively degraded biotopes on the landward side. This degradation is probably caused by high sediment load from land sources.

7. A Marine Protected Area (MPA) is proposed on the seaward side to encompass most of the coastal biotopes in the area. It is proposed that access by boat travel and educational and recreational use is allowed within the MPA, but degrading activities such as reef fishing, fishing with fine nets and anchoring are banned. The southern perimeter of the proposed MPA borders on the northern edge of an existing Riviere du Rempart - Poudre d’Or Fisheries Reserve. A dialogue with local users is proposed.

8. In the development of the plan the neighbouring islet of Ilot Bernache is included, as there are existing plans for development. It is proposed to link Ile d’Ambre to Bernache, to allow infrastructure developments planned on Bernache to be constructed on Ile d’Ambre. This raises the carry-capacity of Ilot Bernache as well as reducing risk to infrastructure during cyclonic periods.

9. An Integrated Zonal Management (IZM) plan is proposed, in which zones are dedicated to education and public awareness, recreation and conservation.

10. It is proposed that a local assembly is set up, made of local stakeholder groups, including fishermen and boat-operators, as well as groups with conservation and education interests. The assembly will be facilitated by a local government officer to deliver participatory co-management

11. A Logical Framework is proposed to deliver activities under the following areas :

• Conservation.

• Construction of walkways and educational signage.

• Infrastructure developments for camping and day visitors.

• Reduction of fire hazard.

• Local awareness and negotiation on role of MPA.

• Setting up and managing of the Local Assembly.

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