Mauritius: Phase one of the Beach Management Plan at the Belle Mare public beach, being spearheaded by the Beach Authority, was launched by the Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mr Kavydass Ramano, on Friday, 02 December 2022.
The Environment Minister also proceeded with the launching of the Floating Beach Wheelchair project in the presence of other dignitaries, including the Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Mr Darsanand Balgobin, and the Minister of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, Mr Sudheer Maudhoo.
In his address, Minister Ramano underlined that the Beach Management Plan comprised coastal infrastructure works aimed at upgrading public beaches for beachgoers and also enabled the running of activities in an environmentally sustainable manner.
“Dedicated areas are being catered for different types of activities including commercial, leisure and sports, whereby health and safety protocols, and good environmental practices can be observed,” emphasised the Minister.
He informed me that dedicated parking spots for persons with physical disabilities had been set up at the Belle-Mare beach to facilitate access to the area.
Furthermore, Mr Ramano pointed out that massive reforestation had been undertaken during the project, with the planting of endemic trees as well as those possessing higher carbon sink capacity that would contribute to protecting the coastal areas from the impacts of climate change.
On that score, the Environment Minister raised the alarm as regards the environmental threats the country was facing in the wake of climate change, in particular coastal erosion around the island. He thus recalled the importance of acting to protect coastal areas and marine resources.
As regards the launching of the Floating Beach Wheelchair project, Minister Ramano stated that the initiative was a testimony of the mission of the Government to promote the integration of all citizens in society and ensure that they could all benefit from the same quality of life and opportunities.
He affirmed that Government was spearheading national developmental projects aimed at the progress of the whole country and community.
As for Minister Darsanand Balgobin, he reiterated the commitment of the Government to work for the welfare of the community.
He lauded the initiative of the Beach Authority for the implementation of the project to enhance the lives of people with physical disabilities and underlined the resolve of the Government to bring forth such initiatives that catered for the progress of the country and the welfare of all citizens while remaining environmentally sustainable.
Similarly, the Blue Economy Minister, Mr Sudheer Maudhoo, applauded the project of the Floating Beach Wheelchair, which he rejoiced, would allow persons with physical disabilities to engage in more activities.
Speaking about the phenomenon of coastal erosion, he assured that his Ministry was also relentlessly working on measures to address the issue. The Minister also urged all citizens to step up to collaborate with the authorities to protect their environment and to keep it clean and healthy.
