Mauritius to receive UK support for its climate change problems

In a bid to mitigate climate-related disasters, emphasis is placed on collaborative climate actions as a means of helping Africa’s most vulnerable and underprepared countries adapt to changing conditions. This becomes even more critical seeing that the continent is the least contributor to greenhouse gas emissions globally.

Due to its geographical location, Mauritius, like other Small Island Developing States (SIDs), is affected by large ocean-atmosphere interactions which cause tropical cyclones, flash floods among other extreme weather conditions.

According to Kavydass Ramano, Mauritius’ minister of environment and climate change, the Republic of Mauritius ranks amongst the most vulnerable countries to climate change as well as one of the most exposed to natural hazards.

“We are affected in many ways. For example, the sea level is rising at a rate of 5.6 millimeters (mm) per year at mainland Mauritius and 9 mm per year at the island of Rodrigues, while the global average is 3.3 mm per year.

We are also experiencing ever more frequent and devastating extreme weather events such as flash floods, which severely hurt the economy, the ecosystem, and livelihoods,” he said in an interview.

To this end,  the United Kingdom (UK) has stated its commitment to supporting the East African country in the face of climate change challenges. The High Commissioner of the UK to Mauritius, Ms. Charlotte Anik Rachel Pierre, disclosed this following a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, at the New Treasury Building in Port Louis.

The High Commissioner indicated that she had a cordial and productive conversation with the Prime Minister while highlighting that discussions between them focused on issues faced by both countries.

She expressed her appreciation to the Prime Minister for confirming his presence at the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP 26) to be held this November in Glasgow as the UK takes over the presidency of the COP process.

Speaking on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) onsite visit to Mauritius, the High Commissioner pointed out that the UK has provided tangible support to Mauritius and will continue to stand in partnership to help the country with the reforms and progress.

She also revealed that the importance of the bilateral relationship between both countries as key Commonwealth partners was also highlighted during the meeting with Prime Minister Jugnauth.