GREEN MAURITIUS


Green Mauritius ISLAND GREEN


Going green is no longer a travel trend, but a necessity, as ecotourism continues to be the fastest-growing segment of the global travel industry.


The top ten


• Mauritius Wildlife Foundation (MWF) www.mauritian-wildlife.org • Ile aux Aigrettes


www.ile-aux-aigrettes.com


• Black River Gorges National Park www.gov.mu/portal/site/npcs


• Pamplemousses Botanical Garden www.tourism-mauritius.mu


• Domaine des 7 Vallees www.domainedes7vallees.com • Kestrel Valley


www.kestrelvalley.com


• La Vanille Reserve Des Mascareignes www.lavanille-reserve.com/eng


• Casela Nature and Leisure Park www.caselayemen.mu


• Domaine L’Etoile www.cieletnature.com


• Frederica Nature Reserve www.domainedebelombre.mu/en/ frederica.html


MAURITIUS LEARNED its lesson the hard way when the dodo – now a national icon – was made extinct by man, at the end of the 17th century. The Mauritius Wildlife Foundation (MWF) now works tirelessly to save the unique pink pigeon, Mauritius Kestrel, echo parakeet and other endangered animal and plant species, from the same tragic fate. Mauritius is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots with a lush forested interior. Walking trails criss- cross Black River Gorges National Park whose 6,500 hectares shelter 311 native and endemic fl owering plants, native trees such as ‘mother in law’s tongue’ which rattles in the wind, and nine unique bird species. For a snapshot of Mauritius in the dodo’s time, take a guided tour of the tiny rocky wildlife sanctuary Ile aux Aigrettes near Mahébourg, where the pink pigeon, Aldabra tortoise and endemic gecko live freely under ancient ebony trees. Sugar estates or ‘domaines’ have turned into eco-parks and opened


up almost half of the island to nature walks, quad-biking and 4x4 safaris to see deer, monkeys and wild boar roam. The pretty Domaine L’Etoile serving Mauritian cuisine after exertions on the east coast is a favourite, Kestrel Valley has stunning views and sightings of the rare Mauritius Kestrel and visitors can picnic in view of a pretty waterfall at Frederica Nature


Reserve in Domaine de Bel Ombre. Tours by eco-friendly Segway


and tree-top zipline have


been introduced at Casela Nature & Leisure Park while La Vanille Reserve Des Mascareignes is the world’s only Aldabra tortoise breeding centre. Mauritius’ government funding in 2008 set the island on a


All aspects of eco-tourism now play an increasingly important role in the island’s tourism product offerings


sustainable course and hotel groups have adopted a green mindset. Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort launched Mauritius’ fi rst state-of-the-art composter in September 2011, Le Touessrok uses recycled water, organic fertilisers and a salt-resistant grass to avoid weed killer on its golf course and the new Angsana Balaclava, designed to reduce environmental impact, employs a conservation team which does marine surveys and coral planting. Trou aux Biches Resort & Spa launched as the ‘island’s greenest hotel’ in November 2011, even offering daily eco-activities at its kids clubs and Beachcomber offers a unique eco-friendly Sport & Nature Programme. The Maritim Hotel has its own water recycling system.


“More clients want to learn about Mauritius’ rare fauna and fl ora on walking trails at Casela Nature & Leisure Park. We work closely with eco-friendly hotels such as Angsana Balaclava, which has snorkelling safaris and coral planting trips.”


Owen Davies, Commercial Director, Elite Vacations


www.tourism-mauritius.mu


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