Bio-diversity

Project Summary The Maurice Ile Durable Programme (MID) was initiated at national level in 2008 with the objective of making Mauritius a world model of sustainable development. Some interesting initiatives have been adopted to promote use of cleaner technologies (solar water heater scheme, solar-powered electricity generation and sales to national grid etc.) However these need to be accompanied by a fundamental change in the mindset of citizens in order to: Treat the environment responsibly (waste treatment, reduce and re-use), and Produce by using cleaner technologies, Go green in consumption as well. Le Morne, like any other rural and coastal communities in Mauritius, is facing a number of environmental pressures. The inhabitants of Le Morne expressed their concerns during consultations leading to the development of the Local Economic Development Plan funded under UNDP/GEF project on Agulhas and Somali Currents Large Marine Ecosystem- ASCLME). This plan, developed in consultation with inhabitants, includes the concern for environment problems, both on land and in the lagoon, and their eagerness to collaborate with Government and other partners in making their village a better place to live. The Vision for Le Morne, developed during a series of public meetings is as follows: To be a safe place to live, where there are adequate facilities and infrastructure. Our natural resources, both on land and in the sea, and our cultural environment should be respected, kept clean and developed in a wise manner so the local population can benefit, and tourists will be attracted to our village. Our human resource should be developed through capacity building opportunities and access to equal education, leading to flourishing business opportunities. Development in Le Morne should always be mindful of our heritage values and way of life that makes our village so special . However, despite nomination of Le Morne as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the inhabitants complain that no progress has been made to take advantage of this nomination, and no developmental efforts, have been made to create sustainable jobs for the inhabitants. The main objective of this project is to assist the Le Morne Espoir Femme Association to develop eco-friendly products which will help to develop green jobs for unemployed and vulnerable groups of Le Morne region. This component will involve knowledge sharing, support of required stakeholders, transfer of technologies and development of innovative green projects to enable the inhabitants of Le Morne to develop livelihoods that are respectful of a World Heritage Site. The second component of this project is to contribute to the promotion of eco-citizenship at national level through the development of a play. Numerous organisations are currently applying Theatre in order to present and discuss various developmental, environmental and health or social related issues of concern in order to initiate behavioural change. Literature on applications of Theatre for Development is increasing especially in the context where targets include youngsters, people of remote communities, with low educational level and where normal means of communication (brochures, internet, speeches etc.) cannot have an effective impact on them. (http://www.unesco.org/education/uie/pdf/Mwansa.pdf) The well known comic group Komiko (Karavann Events Ltd) has expressed interest in developing a play around the theme of environment and eco-living. The objective of this component is to promote eco-citizenship among mauritians, with a special focus on people living in pockets of poverty. Komiko has experience in the production of a series of plays in creole which is broadcasted on the national channel. The group borrows a lot from the local Mauritian tradition and use a generous dose of humour, which makes their plays widely popular among local population. A synopsis of the play as proposed by Komiko is annexed to the document. The plays will be promoted through: A Gala Show at the Caf Theatre. 3 free regional representations to reach out to various communities of the island through Camion Theatre. 2 paid representations at the Caf Theatre for the general public (on the basis of market interest) 2 free representations in Rodrigues The project will also include the production of a DVD. Two alternatives are being finalised: Option 1: Filming of play and inclusion of same on the DVD or Option 2: Developing live short sketches that can be aired by MCB on scheduled times and used for free sensitisation. Under both options, the DVDs will also include soft copies of brochures of the products developed by Le Morne Espoir Femme Association as well as other grantees of the GEF SGP, hence also promoting past SGP projects and products. It is expected that the play representation and the eventual sales and distribution of DVDs will help to pave the way for further responsibilisation of adults, development of eco-citizenship among all citizens. This project is also in line with the SGP Capacity Development Outcome 10.3: Increased public awareness and education at the community-level regarding global environmental issues. 1.2 Organizational Background and Capacity to implement the project Le Morne Espoir Femme Association (LMFA) was set up in June 2011 with a group of 25 members, all unemployed women of Le Morne Village. The aim of the association is to regroup individuals sharing common interest in economic empowerment, environmental protection

Mauritius