Environment Minister: NGOs Representation on Beach Authority Board Proposal

Meanwhile, Minister of the Environment Rajesh Bhagwan expressed his long-standing desire for ReA’s involvement in government. He commended ReA leaders for their ideas that were incorporated into the electoral manifesto, particularly the proposed constitutional amendment to include the right to nature.

“The fight for nature is not just the responsibility of the minister; it concerns everyone. The environment is not solely the business of one minister or political party; every Mauritian must feel invested in it,” he declared.

Bhagwan also revealed that Junior Minister Joanna Bérenger is currently in La Réunion to observe landfill operations and waste management systems.

He suggested producing a documentary about Pomponnette to highlight the efforts of ReA and other organizations to protect this part of the country.

He confirmed that he will propose to the government that NGO representatives be allowed to serve on the Beach Authority Board.

Ashok Subron is calling for a halt to hotel construction on Mauritian beaches, advocating instead for development for hotels to occur inland.

This statement came as Rezistans ek Alternativ celebrated the victory of the Alliance du Changement in the recent general elections with a cultural festival at Pomponnette.

This location has become a symbol of public access to beaches in Mauritius, especially after the successful efforts of ReA, AKLP, and other groups that prevented South African developers from constructing a resort in the area.

“We are here to celebrate a new Mauritius, ensuring freedom and access for Mauritians to their beaches,” said David Sauvage during the festivities.

Subron emphasized the importance of protecting the nation’s coastlines, expressing pride in the biodiversity of Pomponnette.

“Our pride lies in our coasts, our beaches, and our ocean,” he stated, highlighting that true Mauritian identity, which is diverse yet unified, led the country to victory in the recent elections.

He urged the new parliamentary majority not to repeat the mistakes of the previous ruling party, the MSM, which he accused of acting as if the country belonged solely to them.

“This country belongs to all its people and future generations. We will do our utmost to honor the agreements made among the various political parties,” he concluded.

Babita Thannoo added that “by celebrating our victory in the general elections, we also celebrate our connection to the sea and nature.”

She took a moment to remember the children who tragically lost their lives in recent weeks, saying, “We are filled with sorrow for the children who have passed away these last few weeks.”

“What has happened to our society? Why are children’s lives not safe?” Thanoo asked, reflecting on recent tragedies involving children.

“We must remember the baby and the little girl who lost their lives. We also need to condemn the atrocities committed against every infant in Gaza and around the world,” she emphasized.

Environmental activist Carina Gounden expressed her dismay that the public beach at Pomponnette has been reclassified without consulting the local community.

She urged Mauritians to protect the remaining segments of the beach from being used for hotel construction projects.

A number of speakers participated in the event, including Ritesh Ramful, Rajen Narsinghen, Kugan Parapen, Véronique Leu Govind, and Kevin Lukeeram.

The cultural portion of the program featured performances from various artists representing regional countries.

David Sauvage of Rezistans ek Alternativ described the gathering as “a celebration of the return of this beach to public access.”

He reiterated the significance of Pomponnette and the successful campaign led by the Aret Kokin Nou Laplaz movement, which halted a major hotel development project.

“The designation of Pomponnette as a public beach is part of an electoral agreement with our allies,” he noted.

Sauvage highlighted the need for a responsible approach to tourism that allows communities to live in harmony with nature.

“This ecological tourism could become a new pillar of our economy,” he suggested.

He pointed out that since the 1980s, Mauritius has faced a trend of beach privatization that often disregards the public’s need for access.

“Pomponnette is symbolic because we have successfully blocked development projects here. We have repeatedly removed the barriers erected by developers,” he stated, mentioning that many members of the movement have faced repression for their activism, himself included.

He recounted how the environmental disaster involving the MV Wakashio oil spill prompted a change in government policy regarding beach access.

“There were hundreds of people along the waterfront in Mahébourg; we were preparing an event in Pomponnette.

The government realized the potential problems if people began gathering at Pomponnette, which led to the cancellation of the contract with the South African company,” he explained.

Protection of Nature: A Constitutional Right

Roland Ngam, a project manager for the Rosa Luxembourg Foundation, remarked that the inclusion of nature protection as a constitutional right in Mauritius could inspire other African nations.

Ngam is participating in the annual Indian Ocean School of Political Ecology, focusing on education concerning radical political ecology and local rights.

Commenting on the recent entry of three ReA members into Parliament, Ngam stated, “This will significantly strengthen beach protection, workers’ rights, women’s rights, digital rights, and more.

Mauritius might become the first country where nature is constitutionally protected, a credit to the democratic socialist party in Parliament.”

Kimbouma Graciace from the Republic of Congo identified the success of the Aret Kokin Nou Laplaz movement as a model to emulate, while Simphiwe Gaga from South Africa echoed this sentiment, stating, “We take away this symbol against profit-seeking entities.”

Young activists from Madagascar, engaged in similar ecological battles in the Indian Ocean region, aligned their struggles with those of Mauritius.

“As island nations, we are united in the fight against injustice, neocolonialism, and capitalism,” said Ranarisoa Antsompitiabana.

Another participant, Ranjavololola Mirantsoa, added, “After seeing the documentary and photographs documenting the movement’s efforts, we will bring this knowledge back home.”

Samuel David from the Mokassienne School described the event as a platform for participants from the region and beyond to share their local experiences and actions addressing social and ecological inequalities.

“We have several working groups and discussions, as well as cultural events being organized,” he concluded.

Source: Le Mauricien