The need for collaboration, innovation and decisive actions which will allow Mauritius to move forward towards a collective vision, where economic growth and ecological resilience go hand in hand, and where harmonious living with nature is a reality, was enunciated on Friday 14 March 2025, by the Junior Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Mr Gilles Fabrice David.Â
He was speaking at the opening ceremony of an Inception workshop on the Global Diversity Framework Early Action Support project (GBF EAS), an initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), at the Caudan Arts Centre in Port-Louis.
In his address Junior Minister David singled out biodiversity conservation as critical for the future of the Nation, emphasising that biodiversity is about our survival for it is the bedrock of our food security, economy and identity as an Island Nation. The choices made today, will define the legacy we leave for the future generation, he said.
According to Mr Fabrice David the work we embark on today will contribute in ensuring that we align our national targets with the Global Diversity Framework to safeguard the national resources that sustain our livelihoods, economy and heritage.
He recalled that Mauritius is a proud signatory to the UN Convention on biological diversity, which acknowledges diversity as a pillar of sustainable development, linking science, agriculture, business, education and culture to the broader agenda of economic resilience and environmental sustainability.
The Global Diversity Framework, he pointed out, calls for urgent global, regional and national actions to stop and reverse biodiversity loss, so that by 2050 we can truly live in harmony with Nature.
Besides, the Junior Minister reiterated his commitment to protecting both the terrestrial and marine ecosystems of Mauritius, while highlighting Government’s core concern for biodiversity.
Also present on the occasion, the UNDP Resident Representative for Mauritius and Seychelles, Mrs Amanda K. Serumaga, stated that the GBP EAS project is a vital and dynamic initiative designed to trigger early actions in alignment to the vision and goal of the Global Biodiversity Framework.
It offers participating Nations, including Mauritius, access to essential financial and technical support in defining national biodiversity strategies and action plans, setting strong targets and reinforcing institutional policy frameworks, she informed.