{"id":422974,"date":"2026-03-27T13:02:41","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T12:02:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/?p=422974"},"modified":"2026-03-31T13:20:49","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T12:20:49","slug":"engaging-stakeholders-to-advance-ecosystem-based-adaptation-in-mauritius","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/story\/engaging-stakeholders-to-advance-ecosystem-based-adaptation-in-mauritius\/","title":{"rendered":"Engaging Stakeholders to Advance Ecosystem-based Adaptation in Mauritius"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Madagascar and the Indian ocean islands are a biodiversity hotspot &#8211; a group of islands with incredible species diversity and extremely high rates of endemism.To protect and preserve these species that exists nowhere else in the world and are threatened by climate change, IUCN NL and its partners are working on a strategy called Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA). It uses biodiversity and ecosystem services to help communities adapt to climate change. Using EbA, the consortium is guiding conservation projects in Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius and the Seychelles. In a series of articles, we highlight some of these powerful projects.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9fac0b1c0c4df1a0e932be3b4ef47378\"><em>Header photo: Regional panel discussion on EbA financing mechanisms, bringing together public institutions, development partners and financial sector representatives <strong>\u00a9<\/strong><\/em> <em>Cap Business Oc\u00e9an Indien<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Mauritius is strengthening its climate resilience through two Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF)-supported initiatives; Strengthening private sector engagement in Ecosystem-based Adaptation and collaborative approaches to sustainability. These initiatives are bringing businesses, landowners, policymakers, and civil society into the heart of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) planning.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strengthening Private Sector Engagement in Ecosystem-based Adaption<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Since July 2024, Cap Business Oc\u00e9an Indien, brings together the chambers of commerce and industry as well as professional organisations from the Indian Ocean islands. The association is implementing a project titled \u201cStrengthening Private Sector Engagement in Ecosystem Based Adaption\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>This regional initiative aims to enhance private sector capacity to design, implement, and oversee EbA interventions. As part of this effort, Cap Business Oc\u00e9an Indien has conducted a regional assessment of current EbA practices, developed tailored training content for private sector actors, and is fostering collaboration between businesses, researchers, and civil society through a regional working group. The association also encourages networking and knowledge exchange across four countries: Madagascar, the Comoros, Mauritius, and the Seychelles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A milestone event: The Move-Biodiversity Conference<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>On 4 November 2025, nearly 100 stakeholders took part in a regional conference (both in-person and online), representing businesses, public institutions, NGOs, academia, and development partners.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>The conference explored:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Financing opportunities for EbA<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Economic viability of Nature-based Solutions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conditions needed to mainstream EbA in business model<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Panel discussions highlighted persistent barriers, such as limited access to information and the complexity of financial mechanisms, while underscoring opportunities for investment. Findings from the regional EbA assessment revealed a need for:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tailored financing instruments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Better coordination among regional stakeholders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>A second panel consisting of companies from Madagascar, Mauritius, and the Seychelles, showcased already implemented EbA solutions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>For instance, AXIAN Group in Madagascar presented large-scale restoration initiatives covering 451 hectares across 19 subsidiaries, demonstrating measurable ecological outcomes and the importance of long-term vision and scientific approaches.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>In Seychelles, Constance Ephelia shared its community-based mangrove management model at Port Launay, combining ecosystem conservation with local engagement and business resilience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Their examples illustrated how partnerships between businesses, government bodies, NGOs, and universities are critical for scaling nature-based solutions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>The event concluded with a case study from Constance Hotels &amp; Resorts, which shared practical lessons from integrating EbA within the hospitality sector.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dtu0N1klsWwg&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRindra.Ratsimiseta%40iucn.nl%7C7fa33be7adb74c9e19b108de6a399690%7Cac192bb67089415fa6f6caa448d23eb2%7C0%7C0%7C639064992909825011%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=zAcfF3C1%2FB%2FFNu7JPGIzbEwpjPXyQ5AC1ncaQaohZKQ%3D&amp;reserved=0\">&nbsp;Watch highlights from the conference<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/03\/cepf-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-423011 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/03\/cepf-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/03\/cepf-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/03\/cepf-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/03\/cepf-2.jpg 1379w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><em>Photo 1: The Move-Biodiversity Conference <em><strong>\u00a9<\/strong><\/em> Cap Business Oc\u00e9an Indien<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/03\/cepf-3-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-423013 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/03\/cepf-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/03\/cepf-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/03\/cepf-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/03\/cepf-3.jpg 1379w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\"><em>Photo 2: The SMPI Workshop <em><strong>\u00a9<\/strong><\/em> ERA<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Collaborative Approaches to Sustainability: The SMPI Workshop<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Starting from June 2025, the Ecosystem Restoration Alliance &#8211; Indian Ocean (ERA) has also led its \u201cSustainable Mauritius Partnership Initiative\u201d(SMPI) project. The project aims to integrate EbA into the economic and political frameworks through a concerted effort, in collaboration with private land and forest owners. One key activity of the project includes discussing financial and capacity-building incentives. These will help landowners understand and implement sustainable practices effectively for the conservation and enhancement of ecosystem services. The project also works on fostering on the ground changes, disseminating information about the economic and environmental advantages of EbA and influencing policy through policy forums.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>On 9 December 2025, the SMPI workshop brought together a wide diversity of stakeholders, from international institutions to local landowners, reflecting the initiative\u2019s core mission: advancing climate resilience through partnership-driven EbA practices.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>During the workshop, participants exchanged insights and challenges related to sustainable land management, ecosystem restoration, climate-resilient development strategies and cross-sector innovations. Real-world case studies helped ground the discussions, highlighting both successful interventions and persistent barriers such as funding gaps, policy limitations, and capacity constraints.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"602\" height=\"338\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/03\/cepf-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-423015 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/03\/cepf-4.jpg 602w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/03\/cepf-4-300x168.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 602px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 602\/338;\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\"><em>Initial meeting with landowners <em><strong>\u00a9<\/strong><\/em> ERA<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Navigating regulatory challenges<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>One of the recurring issues raised was the complexity of existing permitting processes. Participants noted that:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Approval procedures are often lengthy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Institutional mandates sometimes overlap<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Requirements can be unclear or inconsistent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>These regulatory challenges can delay or discourage sustainability efforts, creating bottlenecks for urgent climate-action projects.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A platform for lasting collaboration<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>The workshop\u2019s participatory structure, encouraging open dialogue, feedback sessions, and joint problem-solving, helped identify shared priorities across sectors. It also strengthened networks among businesses, government agencies, NGOs, researchers, and local communities. Outcomes from the workshop are expected to inform future policy discussions and promote more coordinated, efficient pathways for sustainable development in Mauritius.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Building a More Resilient Future for Mauritius<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Across both Cap Business Oc\u00e9an Indien and ERA\u2019s projects, one message resonates clearly: stakeholder engagement is essential for effective, scalable Ecosystem-based Adaptation. By bringing together diverse groups, CEPF-supported projects are creating momentum for long-term, nature-based solutions that benefit both people and ecosystems. Mauritius now stands at a pivotal moment, with strengthened partnerships paving the way toward a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>If you would like to read more on the IUCN NL guided and CEPF-supported projects, please visit the IUCN NL website project page &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/project\/protecting-biodiversity-on-madagascar-and-the-indian-ocean-islands\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/project\/protecting-biodiversity-on-madagascar-and-the-indian-ocean-islands\/\">Protecting the Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"background background-preset-primary\" id=\"block_7a3c3e5c7b03300e78e0188baa5400d5\">\n             <div class=\"dark custom-padding-top\">\n    \n\n\n<div class=\"smallteam-members__name12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n\t<div 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                             <\/div>\n                <div class=\"post__link\">\n                    <i class=\"fas fa-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/a>\n\n<\/article>\n                            <\/li>\n                                                    <li class=\"is-active orbit-slide\">\n                                <article class=\"post post-type-post\">\n\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/news\/open-calls-for-proposals-in-madagascar-and-the-indian-ocean-islands-2\/\">\n        <div class=\"post__image\"\n            data-interchange=\"[https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/07\/website-Uitgelichte-foto-bij-bericht8-600x0-c-default.jpg, small], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/07\/website-Uitgelichte-foto-bij-bericht8-800x0-c-default.jpg, medium], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/07\/website-Uitgelichte-foto-bij-bericht8-1800x0-c-default.jpg, large]\">\n            \n            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<button class=\"is-active\" data-slide=\"0\">\n                            <span class=\"show-for-sr\"><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"show-for-sr\" data-slide-active-label><\/span>\n                        <\/button>\n                                                                                                    <button data-slide=\"1\"><span class=\"show-for-sr\"><\/span><\/button>\n                                                                                                    <button data-slide=\"2\"><span class=\"show-for-sr\"><\/span><\/button>\n                                                                                                    <button data-slide=\"3\"><span class=\"show-for-sr\"><\/span><\/button>\n                                                                <\/nav>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Madagascar and the Indian ocean islands are a biodiversity hotspot &#8211; a group of islands with incredible species diversity and extremely high rates of endemism.To protect and preserve these species that exists nowhere else in the world and are threatened by climate change, IUCN NL and its partners are working on a strategy called Ecosystem-based 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