Mauritius Ocean Week highlights Blue Carbon and Climate Resilience on day two

The second day of the Mauritius Ocean Week 2026 was marked by a half-day session held, today, at The Docks, in Port Louis, entitled ‘The Blue Talks: Blue Carbon and Climate Finance’, which focused on climate resilience, climate finance and the role of blue carbon ecosystems in advancing a sustainable ocean economy.

Mauritius Ocean Week 2026, being held from 04 to 08 May 2026, aimed at fostering dialogue, strengthening partnerships and promoting innovation in the blue economy sector.

The Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell, and the Junior Minister of the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Mr Gilles Fabrice David, were present at the opening of the half-day session, alongside representatives of international organisations, including the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

In his address, Minister Boolell highlighted the high vulnerability of African island states, including Mauritius, to the adverse impacts of climate change such as sea-level rise, coastal erosion, increased storm intensity, ocean acidification and water scarcity. “These challenges,” he underlined, “have significant implications for economic stability, ecosystems, and livelihoods.”

In this context, he referred to the Resilient Islands Initiative (RESIslands), developed under the African Island States Climate Commission. The Initiative is a key mechanism to strengthen institutional capacity, support climate risk management and improve access to climate finance, while assisting in the development of climate-related projects and early warning systems.

The Minister further underscored the importance of blue carbon ecosystems, namely mangroves, seagrasses and tidal marshes in mitigating climate change and supporting coastal resilience. “In Mauritius, approximately 80% of seagrass ecosystems have been mapped, with key sites identified at Poste Lafayette, Mont Choisy, Albion, Le Morne and Banc d’Olive,” indicated Dr Boolell. “These ecosystems”, he stressed, “are protected under the Fisheries Act 2023 and form part of an integrated approach to promoting environmental sustainability, economic development and innovative financing mechanisms such as blue carbon offsetting.”

According to Dr Boolell, these ecosystems contribute to carbon sequestration, while also sustaining fisheries, tourism, and food security and protecting coastal communities against extreme weather events.

05 May 2026

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Topics: Ocean Economy