The National Environmental Strategies (NES) documents were commissioned by the Government of Mauritius (GOM). The steering of the preparation of the report by the consultants was lead by the Department of the Environment (DoE). Major contributions have been made by key sector ministries which provided information, and reviewed earlier draft reports. In addition, government and non-government agencies, academics and private individuals contributed by attendance at national seminars and participation in working groups.

The NES reports carry forward and extend the substantial achievements of the first National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP1) prepared in 1988. This document, the NEAP2, presents an environmental strategy and action plan (NEAP2) for the period between 2000 and 2010.

As the economy of Mauritius continues to grow, changing production and consumption patterns both present new demands for natural resources and create new waste streams. These pose a continuing challenge for policy makers aiming to safeguard the prosperity, health, and heritage of the nation.

In order to meet this challenge it is essential that Government takes effective and co-ordinated action, targeted at clearly defined priorities. It is also necessary to inform and mobilise the public since national environmental policy places great emphasis on the duties of the individual in environmental protection. It has been the DoE’s responsibility to lead this effort through the NEAP2 planning process, the product of which is presented in this document in three parts.

Part I is an environmental diagnosis that assesses the pressures on the environment in Mauritius and the impacts of these pressures.

Part 2 develops the National Environmental Strategy for Mauritius summarising the major causes of environmental degradation and suggesting policy changes and environmental improvement programmes.

Part 3 outlines a programme for the first 5 years of NEAP 2 implementation.

The NEAP2 is supported by two Appendix documents:

the Environmental Investment Programme, which expands upon the NEAP2 action programmes, and

the Review of the Legal and Institutional Framework for Environmental Management in Mauritius.