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Absa’s Banking on Biodiversity: Agreement to Restore Indigenous Forest
A significant milestone was reached on Thursday, July 11, as Absa Bank (Mauritius), the Forestry Service, and the Le Morne Heritage Trust Fund signed a protocol agreement to preserve, restore, and reforest the indigenous forest in Pas Géométriques Labonté, a buffer zone within the UNESCO World Heritage Landscape of Le Morne.
Le Morne region is a natural wonder, with its iconic mountain standing majestically in this picturesque southwestern coastal setting.
However, it is not just a scenic beauty; it also boasts significant biological attributes.
The area is home to a wide range of endemic floral species, including some of the rarest in the world. As Jean-Claude Jance, President of the Le Morne Heritage Trust Fund, notes, “The project to reforest Pas Géométriques Labonté, which began in 2018, had yet to bear fruit due to lack of funds.”
The goal of the reforestation project is to expand the indigenous forest in this threatened buffer zone, which is vulnerable to coastal erosion exacerbated by climate change.
The recent January 2023 landslide on the mountain, linked to extreme climate conditions, further highlighted the need for urgent action.
The restoration and reforestation project in the World Heritage region is involving local community involvement and meeting UNESCO requirements.
By expanding the indigenous forest in this designated area, the project will provide habitat for endemic fauna and enhance the landscape.
At the signing ceremony on Thursday, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security and Forestry Mahen Seeruttun praised Absa Bank for its initiative to support this project.
The Minister emphasized the importance of forest ecosystems for sustainable development and highlighted various initiatives such as creating forest trails, new indigenous forests, and endemic gardens.
The partnership between Absa Bank, the Forestry Service, and the Le Morne Heritage Trust Fund is a crucial step towards preserving this natural wonder and its unique biodiversity.
The project will not only protect the environment but also contribute to the country’s economic development through sustainable tourism initiatives.
By signing this protocol agreement, all parties involved have demonstrated their commitment to preserving the natural heritage of Mauritius for future generations.
Source: Le Mauricien