World Environment Day 2023

To mark the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day, the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change brought together representatives from the public and private sectors, civil society and the diplomatic corps for the first Environmental Awards 2023. The ceremony was held at the Caudan Arts Centre, Port Louis.  To support the national vision for a cleaner, greener, and safer Mauritius the Ministry sought through the awards to raise awareness of and commend the environmental sustainability initiatives of local organizations. There were 11 categories ranging from textile and food manufacturing to education establishments.  Competition was tough with a total of 149 submissions that were assessed by an independent judging panel for each sector.

Addressing the audience was His Excellency Mr Privthvirajsing Roopun, G.C.S.K, President of the Republic of Mauritius, Honourable Kavydass Romano, Minister for Environment, Solid Waste Management, and Climate Change, and Ms Céline Lemmel, United Nations Resident Coordinator a.i.

Providing opening remarks, the United Nations Resident Coordinator a.i. referred to the critical relevance of this year’s theme “Solutions to Plastic Pollution” to Mauritius as a small island state with plastics being the largest, most harmful, and most persistent fraction of marine litter. She commended the government for initiating the Environmental Awards as means to encourage “…partnerships between sectors to address environmental concerns and explore innovative solutions that are key to the future health of our economy, planet, and humanity.” [Full speech here]

The Honourable Minister Ramano underscored in his speech that the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution is causing untold damage to the environment and to our health. Congratulating the winners for their innovative work, he encouraged them to continue their efforts to support sustainability for Mauritius.

In his keynote address, President Roopun highlighted “Such an event has become imperative in order to promote a more ethical way of living, advocate a more sustainable use of our resources, encourage recycling and re-use while combating wastage.” His Excellency also reminded the audience that Mauritius, despite its size, limited resources and unique geographical challenges has taken bold and ambitious commitments to greenhouse gas emissions and the energy mix.

The evenings musical entertainment was provided by the talented Group Abaim. “A troupe which promotes intangible heritage through valorisation of mother language, music, songs, dance, play and story telling.” Group Abaim

Read more about what the UN in Mauritius is doing to raise awareness about plastic pollution with the #BeatPlastic24 challenge.