Riche Terre Eco-Industrial Zone Phase 2 targets a greener future

The second phase of the Riche Terre Eco-Industrial Zone project was officially launched yesterday at Scott & Co Ltd in Riche Terre, with a focus on greening, landscaping, cleanliness and the long-term maintenance of the industrial corridor.

The initiative brings together some 30 partners from the private sector, public authorities and the local community under a coordinated framework to transform the area into a cleaner, greener and more sustainable industrial zone.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed to formalise collaboration among the 30 private-sector partners and establish a framework for the coordination, monitoring and governance of the project.

The Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mr Rajesh Anand Bhagwan, attended the launch ceremony. Also present were the Deputy Group CEO of IBL, Mr Patrice Robert; the Chairperson of the District Council of Pamplemousses, Mr Vedanand Totoo; representatives of partner companies; officials from public institutions, including the Road Development Authority; members of community organisations; and other stakeholders.

In his address, Minister Bhagwan stressed that environmental protection should be an everyday commitment involving Government, businesses, local authorities, community organisations and citizens, rather than being limited to specific occasions such as World Cleanup Day or World Environment Day. He commended the “Adopt-a-Zone” initiative for promoting regular cleaning, greening and maintenance of designated areas, and highlighted the importance of involving local communities and ensuring the long-term care of planted areas.

Referring to the Government’s broader environmental agenda, the Minister recalled the recent launch of the “Zero Dumping” operation, implemented in collaboration with local authorities and Mauri Facilities to eradicate illegal dumping sites and improve waste collection services. He noted that such initiatives reflected a shared responsibility for creating a cleaner and healthier environment.

For his part, Mr Patrice Robert highlighted the evolution of the Riche Terre Eco-Industrial Zone project from an initial clean-up campaign to a structured programme of coordinated planting, cleaning and maintenance activities. He noted that some 550 trees, including fast-growing and endemic species, have already been planted, demonstrating the potential for industrial zones to become greener while remaining economically productive.

The project builds on a clean-up campaign organised in September 2025, which mobilised more than 200 volunteers from 32 companies. Over the past year, partners mapped the corridor, identified intervention zones and mobilised technical expertise to prepare the second phase. Under the implementation framework, Mauri Facilities will coordinate the cleanliness and maintenance of a 1.2-kilometre stretch, with support from public authorities and community organisations for interventions relating to roads, public spaces, planting and community outreach.

18 September 2026

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Topics: Environment, Climate Change