Environmental Group Rallies Opposition to 390-Metre Rock Wall Plan

Pro-Environment Campaigners are set to hold a public meeting this Thursday, 4th September to protest government plans for a 390-metre rock revetment at Albion beach, claiming the project is “inadequate” and risks damaging the coastline. Platform Moris Lanvironnman (PML) is contesting the Environment Ministry’s plans to build the stone wall in front of the Albion Fisheries Research Centre (AFRC), citing “serious deficiencies” in the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.

The group said that the report fails to identify the true causes of coastal erosion, leading to a proposed “solution” that is oversized and could destabilise the beach on either side of the research centre.

In a statement on its Facebook page, PML argued that the revetment, which would cover nearly a third of Albion beach, is an unsuitable fix.

Harming the Environment

PML believes that alternative solutions exist, combining smaller structural elements with gentler measures that would not harm the environment or disrupt beachgoers.

The organisation has been monitoring the issue for some time and successfully urged the Environment Ministry to consider “additionally” nature-based solutions.

However, PML claims consultants have not consulted widely with the local community, unlike in a similar project at Trou-aux-Biches.

As a result, the group is taking the initiative to raise awareness among local organisations and residents about its concerns regarding the EIA report and the conditions tied to the project’s approval.

The public meeting, organised by PML, will take place at the Nautilus in Albion on Thursday 4th September.

Source: Le Mauricien