Launch of UNESCO's IslandWatch Programme

On October 29, 2024, in celebration of United Nations Day, Mauritius became one of the first countries to pilot UNESCO's innovative IslandWatch programme in collaboration with the Indian Ocean Commission. The launch brought together stakeholders from across sectors, including The Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, the UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius & Seychelles, Ms. Lisa Singh, UNESCO’s Chief of the SIDS section, Ms. Zulmira Rodrigues, General of the Mauritius National Commission for the UNESCO, Professor Kiran Bhujun, representatives from NGOs, academia, the private sector and university students. 

The ocean and coastline form the backdrop of our daily life and is a source of livelihood for much of the population. IslandWatch will leverage on this using a people-centred approach to provide opportunities for youth and adults to engage in meaningful environmental conservation actions. Using this citizen science approach the programme aims to enhance ecosystem monitoring. Digital and technological advances will also be used to gather and manage data. Importantly this initiative aligns with the national strategic priorities and the Cooperation Framework for sustainable development underlying the partnership between the UN and Government of Mauritius.

Vice-Prime Minister Dookun-Luchoomun highlighted the importance of the participatory nature of the programme to foster and reinforce the idea that every action matters in protecting coastal ecosystems. She also stressed the importance of the IslandWatch Programme in addressing coastal erosion in Mauritius. 

Using scientifically collected data to inform policy decisions, the IslandWatch programme incorporates lessons learned from the previous award-winning Sandwatch programme, which was first launched by UNESCO in 2001. Sandwatch engaged children, youth, and adults in monitoring and evaluating environmental risks and challenges and designing activities to address them. However, IslandWatch will extend its scope beyond coastal ecosystems to encompass biodiversity, freshwater management, and other environmental issues.  

The UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles emphasized that by promoting and enhancing environmental education, ocean literacy, coastal resilience and climate change adaptation the UNESCO IslandWatch Project will contribute to national, regional and global sustainable development.  Underscoring the importance of building on the outcomes of the SIDS4 conference that took place in Antigua and Barbuda in May, the focus on strengthening data governance and management is a key area for SIDS.  Enhancing data collection, protection, and sharing will provide critical steps for evidence- based policymaking and obtaining development financing.

Ms. Zulmira Rodrigues, reaffirmed UNESCOs commitment to using innovation, education and community-driven methods to protect the fragile ecosystems of our island nations that are on the frontline of climate change. Addressing the issues of climate change, requires global solutions, including financing and inclusive action at the national level. The launch of IslandWatch in Mauritius is a significant step towards fostering a more sustainable and resilient environment.

Read more about the IslandWatch Programme.