Susumu Onaka

Coastal Erosion and Demonstration Project as Coastal Adaptation Measures in Mauritius

The island country of Mauritius is world famous as a beach resort area due to its coral reefs and white sandy beaches. However, the country faces severe challenges related to coastal hazards such as coastal erosion or storm surges, in addition to tourism damage and land development of the coastal area. The impact of expected changes to future climate is likely to further magnify the problems posed by coastal disasters. Although coastal protection measures have been undertaken in Mauritius since the 1990s, effective and relevant projects based on accurate scientific and technical expertise have so far been limited. The government of the country has been trying to find a fundamental solution to the risks posed by climate change and undertake sustainable coastal adaptation measures that take into consideration environmental burdens and safety management. Based on such a background, a project for capacity development on coastal protection and rehabilitation in Mauritius was started in 2012 as a Japanese technical cooperation project supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The objectives of the project are to identify sites affected by coastal problems, to select priority coasts which require preventive measures based on site surveys and studies, to formulate a costal conservation plan, and to implement demonstration projects and continuous monitoring. As a demonstration project a gravel beach was constructed to protect a low-lying residential area against storm surges and high waves. This chapter will describe the coastal situation and issues that affect Mauritius and introduce the demonstration project for capacity development on coastal protection and rehabilitation.