Reviving Le Morne – Community-Driven Coral Restoration for Future Resilience

The Reviving Le Morne project is a small-scale coral restoration initiative dedicated to rehabilitating the degraded coral reefs of Le Morne lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwestern Mauritius. Over the years, climate change, pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction have severely impacted these vital marine ecosystems, leading to a significant decline in coral cover. This three-year project aims to restore at least 0.5 hectare of degraded reefs by employing trained local fishermen as coral gardeners, enhancing biodiversity, and strengthening marine ecosystems’ resilience against climate change. Fishermen trained and certified as Coral Gardeners under from 2017 to 2022 by the Mauritius Oceanography Institute and the Albion Fisheries Research Centre both under the aegis of the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries will engage on the project to implement coral restoration activities under the guidance of CGC’s team. The project will establish coral nurseries, where coral fragments will be cultivated and later transplanted onto degraded reef sites, ensuring ecosystem recovery. Community engagement is central to the initiative, with trained local fishermen actively participating in coral restoration, while education and awareness programs will involve schools, tourists, and stakeholders in marine conservation efforts. Expected outcomes of this project which is funded entirely by RIU Hotels & Resorts Social Investment Mauritius will include the restoration of coral ecosystems, increased biodiversity, enhanced fisheries, sustainable employment for fishermen, and the establishment of coral gardens. The project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through marine ecosystem restoration, SDG 13 (Climate Action) by strengthening reef resilience, SDG 1 (No Poverty) via sustainable livelihoods, and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by enhancing fish populations for coastal food security. By integrating scientific research, community involvement, and sustainable conservation practices, the Reviving Le Morne project will serve as a model for community-tourism based reef restoration efforts in Mauritius and beyond, ensuring long-term ecological and economic sustainability.