Greenpeace Africa Brings 3 Key Tools To Amplify Local Voices In Mauritius

Greenpeace Africa has officially established its first Indian Ocean presence in Mauritius, pledging to provide high-level investigative tools and legal expertise to amplify the island’s environmental voice on the global stage.

The launch, held yesterday at the Hennessy Park Hotel, was officiated by the Junior Minister for the Environment, Joanna Bérenger, alongside Dr Oulie Keita, Executive Director of Greenpeace Africa.

The move marks a strategic expansion for the international NGO into one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions.

A Strategic Indian Ocean Hub

Dr Keita described the decision to open the Mauritius office as both “strategic and deeply symbolic.”

She noted that the organisation intends to support local initiatives rather than impose external solutions.

“Greenpeace Africa wishes to complement [local] efforts by bringing expertise, investigative tools, and legal platforms to amplify Mauritian voices,” Dr Keita said.

She praised the nation’s existing legal frameworks regarding marine protection, plastic pollution, and the “blue economy,” while highlighting the vital role already played by local youth activists and environmental defenders.

Government and Civil Society Collaboration

During the ceremony, Junior Minister Joanna Bérenger congratulated the Greenpeace team for their “courageous and structuring” commitment to the continent.

She emphasized that since the current administration took office at the Ministry of Environment, there has been a deliberate policy to include civil society in decision-making processes.

“We have chosen to open our space for reflection and decision-making to civil society,” Bérenger stated. She acknowledged that while “differences in approach” may occur between the state and NGOs, dialogue and mutual trust remain essential for sustainable solutions.

Global Impact and Marine Protection

The launch also touched upon broader international protections, specifically the United Nations High Seas Treaty.

Dr Keita noted that this treaty now allows Mauritius and other island states to better safeguard international waters against:

• Destructive exploration
• Harmful industrial fishing
• Threats to ocean sustainability for future generations

The new office is intended to be a long-term fixture in the region, focusing on scientific and sustainable responses to the escalating environmental challenges facing the Indian Ocean.

Source: Le Mauricien