Mangrove protection in Mauritius is governed by a combination of fisheries management, environmental protection, and land-use laws. With the recent overhaul of environmental legislation in 2024, the legal framework has become more integrated.
The two main species protected under these laws are Rhizophora mucronata (the dominant species) and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza.
The Fisheries Act 2023 (which repealed the Fisheries and Marine Resources Act 2007) is the most direct legal instrument for mangrove protection. It treats mangroves as vital nursery grounds for marine life.
" Section 20. Protection of marine ecosystem
(3) No person shall, without an applicable authorisation –
(a) cut, lop, remove, take away, relocate, transplant or otherwise cause any damage to a mangrove plant, seagrass or coral.
(b) cause another person to cut, lop, remove, take away or otherwise cause any damage to a mangrove plant, seagrass or coral. ''
Strict Prohibition: It is an offence for any person to cut, remove, damage, or exploit a mangrove plant (or any part thereof) without the express written approval of the Ministry.
Preventive Approach: The law focuses on "exclusionary" protection, meaning mangroves are generally "off-limits" for any form of direct exploitation.
Citation: Fisheries Act 2023, Republic of Mauritius.
The Environment Act 2024 (replacing the EPA 2002) provides the broad ecosystem-based management framework.
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs): Mangroves are classified as "Coastal ESAs." The 2024 Act establishes an ESA Coordinating Committee to oversee their regulation (Section 12).
EIA Requirements: Any "undertaking" or project located within the coastal zone (1 km inland/seaward) that may affect mangroves requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
ICZM Committee: Section 85 establishes the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Committee, which coordinates the protection of mangrove forests across different ministries.
Citation: Environment Act 2024 (Act No. 3 of 2024).
Most mangroves grow on State Land known as the Pas Géométriques (the 81.21-meter strip from the high watermark).
Public Trust: Because mangroves are on State Land, they fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Housing and Land Use Planning, which usually restricts any construction or lease that would involve the removal of these trees.
Citation: Pas Géométriques Act 1895.
Mauritius is a signatory to several international treaties that give mangrove areas additional legal weight:
Ramsar Convention: The Pointe d'Esny wetland is a designated "Ramsar Site," meaning it is a wetland of international importance. This status requires the state to maintain its ecological character.
Nairobi Convention: Provides a regional legal framework (Eastern African Region) for the protection and management of the marine and coastal environment, specifically highlighting mangrove conservation.
Under the current framework, unauthorised damage to mangroves can lead to:
Heavy Fines: With a maximum penalty of up to 50 million MUR, depending on the severity and scale of the offence.
Restoration Orders: The court or Ministry can compel the offender to replant the damaged area at their own cost.
Imprisonment: Possible for repeat or severe offences under the Fisheries Act 2023, with a maximum term of up to 10 years.