On Tuesday 12 August 2025, discussions in Port Louis highlighted the common environmental challenges faced by Indian Ocean countries, notably Australia and Mauritius.
These issues were at the forefront during a courtesy call by the High Commissioner of Australia to Mauritius, Ms. Kate Chamley, on the Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mr. Rajesh Anand Bhagwan. Ms. Chamley was accompanied by the Climate Counsellor at the Australian High Commission in Nairobi, Mr. Daniel Featherston.
During the meeting, Mr. Bhagwan outlined the key priorities of his Ministry, including climate change, solid waste management, circular economy, plastic pollution, and coastal erosion. He also shared details of various government-led initiatives involving partnerships with the private sector and civil society to advance the national environmental and climate agenda.
The Minister discussed Mauritius’s upcoming submission of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0, which will initially focus on the energy sector ahead of the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP). He indicated that the country plans to later update this plan with a more ambitious yet realistic set of climate actions.
Regarding energy security and renewable energy integration, Mr. Bhagwan addressed the current challenges Mauritius faces and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to reducing power outages. “While investment costs are high, Mauritius remains dedicated to decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and will seek support from development partners,” he emphasized.
Other pressing issues discussed included the impact of algal blooms on beaches and the need for sustainable solutions. Coastal erosion and rehabilitation efforts were also deemed vital for protecting local communities and supporting the tourism industry.
Furthermore, Mr. Bhagwan confirmed Mauritius’s participation in COP 30 as a member of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). He also reaffirmed the country’s active engagement at international forums, defending the interests of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) through various regional blocs.
High Commissioner Chamley described the discussions as insightful and constructive. She also noted that the meeting coincided with the presence of the Climate Counsellor, Mr. Daniel Featherston, in Mauritius. She highlighted that the courtesy call, attended by Mr. Featherston, provided an opportunity to exchange views on Australia’s bid to host COP 31 in partnership with Pacific Island nations, scheduled for next year.
The High Commissioner further indicated that the campaign to promote Australia’s COP 31 bid, which would be launched locally, reflected her country’s commitment to advancing global climate action through regional cooperation.