About Mangrove Atlas for Mauritius

Since 2015, we have surveyed the island of Mauritius to map out mangroves in Mauritius.  

These maps will be updated on a regular basis - subject to availability of funds for research.

Mauritius is defined by its lagoon. This turquoise expanse, protected by a fringing reef, is the lifeblood of our tourism, fisheries, and coastal identity. Yet, the health of this lagoon does not begin at the reef—it begins at the shoreline, within the intricate, tangled roots of the mangal ecosystem. Historically, Mauritius supported over 2,000 hectares of mangrove forests. Today, following decades of coastal development and the catastrophic cyclones, oil spill and energy/shelter needs, our remaining ~303.7 hectares represent a precious, fragmented heritage. This Atlas is born from the necessity to document, monitor, and protect these "Coastal Sentinels".

Why Mauritius Needs This Atlas

An atlas provides the geospatial intelligence required to move from reactive conservation to proactive management. We need this comprehensive record for four primary reasons:

1. A Baseline for Climate Resilience

As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Mauritius is exceptionally vulnerable to sea-level rise and increased cyclonic intensity. Mangroves act as a natural "bioshield," absorbing up to 70-90% of wave energy during storm surges. This atlas maps high-risk coastal zones where mangrove restoration is the most cost-effective defense against inland flooding.

2. The "Kidneys" of the Lagoon

Our coral reefs depend on clear, nutrient-stable water. Mangroves act as biological filters, trapping terrestrial sediment and absorbing agricultural runoff before it can smother the reef. By mapping these "filtration hubs," this atlas identifies which forests are most critical to the survival of our offshore coral ecosystems.

3. Quantifying "Blue Carbon"

Mangroves are among the most carbon-dense forests on Earth. In the fight against global warming, the organic peat stored beneath Mauritian mangroves represents a significant national carbon sink. This atlas provides the necessary data to quantify our Blue Carbon stocks, potentially opening doors for international climate financing and carbon-credit initiatives.

4. Post-Disaster Monitoring & Recovery

The MV Wakashio oil spill highlighted the fragility of our southeast coast. A detailed atlas allows scientists to track the long-term recovery of impacted sites, ensuring that restoration efforts are targeted and ecologically sound.

5.Monitoring Anthropogenic Pressures: Wood-Cutting and Development

Despite legal protection, mangroves face chronic pressure from illegal wood-cutting for fuel and boat-building, as well as "coastal squeeze" from coastal development. High-resolution mapping allows us to detect "canopy thinning" and habitat fragmentation that is often invisible from the ground. It identifies hotspots of human encroachment, allowing for targeted enforcement and community education.

6. Nursery Function: Rhizophora mucronata & Bruguiera gymnorhiza as Critical Juvenile Habitats in Mauritian Mangroves

Rhizophora mucronata with their dense stilt roots and  Bruguiera gymnorhiza, knee roots,  provide vital nursery habitats because their intertidal position and complex root systems create sheltered, predator-free environments for juvenile organisms. They trap sediments and organic matter, supporting algae and microorganisms that form the base of a rich food web. As a result, mangroves sustain high biodiversity and productivity by supporting juvenile fish, diverse crustaceans and mollusks, as well as birds and turtles that depend on these food resources.  

The Objective of This Work

This atlas is designed for policymakers, urban planners, educators, researchers, and the Mauritian public. It synthesizes remote sensing data with on-the-ground ecological surveys.

By defining exactly what we have, where it is located, and how it is changing, we empower the next generation of Mauritians to become stewards of a landscape that is as functional as it is beautiful.

Associate Professor S Jawaheer and Professor SDDV Rughooputh (December 2025)