World Environment Day 2010
Launching of the World Environment Day 2010 activities
Address by Hon. D. Virahsawmy GOSK
Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development
Saturday 5th June 2010
 Colleague, Satish Faugoo, Minister of Agro-Industry & Food Security,
 Mr. Seebaluck, Senior Chief Executive & Supervising Officer of the
Ministry of Environment and SD,
 Mrs. Ramsamy, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of AgroIndustry & Food Security
 Mrs. Ng, Director of Environment,
 Mr. Puttoo, Director of the National Parks and Conservation Service,
 Distinguished guests,
 Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Morning,
It is my privilege to address you today as we celebrate World
Environment Day 2010. Year after year, this special day reminds us that
man and the environment are intrinsically linked and that we have the
moral duty to act as responsible stewards of our island and the planet.
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This year’s World Environment Day theme: “Many Species. One Planet.
One Future.” coincides with the International Year of Biodiversity and
echoes an urgent call to conserve the incredible variety of life on our
planet. It is useful and indeed necessary to remind ourselves that
biodiversity provides us with the critical goods and services on which
our lives depend. Provision of food, wood and fibers, energy and
medicines, purification of air and water, control of droughts and floods,
stabilization of climate are just some of the vital biodiversity services.
The goods and services supplied by biodiversity constitute the basis
upon which the economy is built. As such, biodiversity is a unique
ingredient of sustainable development.
For a long time, biodiversity and ecosystem services have been typically
viewed as abundant and free public goods: available to everyone and
providing enough for all. However, this does not reflect reality.
Biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate due to irresponsible
human behaviours and activities such as: pollution, over-exploitation of
resources, unsustainable consumption, deforestation, introduction of
invasive species and recently by the global climate challenge. The web
of life upon which our health, well-being, livelihood and future depend
is severely threatened as species are becoming extinct at rate never
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recorded before. Today, the resulting impacts of biodiversity loss on
human welfare are palpable and Mauritius is no exception!
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Despite being infamous for the extinct Dodo, Mauritius is also
recognised for having saved the Kestrel, Pink Pigeon and Echo Parakeet.
We are intent on saving whatever native biodiversity we have left with.
Indeed, Government has spared no efforts to come up with policies,
strategies and programmes for the safeguard and management of
biodiversity. Biodiversity issues of major importance to us include:
 Preservation and conservation of endemic species,
 Management of islets,
 Tremendous
economic potential
of
coastal
and
marine
biodiversity,
 Protection of Environmentally Sensitive Areas in view of the
significant ecosystem services they provide and which support
our quality of life, and
 An
integrated
approach
to
management of coastal ecosystems
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coastal
development
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Biodiversity management also involves new challenges posed by
climate change, invasive alien species and genetically modified
organisms.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
You will agree with me that development is central to ensure the
economic prosperity of our country. However, we should also bear in
mind that development cannot be promoted at the expense of the
environment. In this vein, in 2007 the Prime Minister has envisioned a
development path for Mauritius based on the concept of sustainable
development.
“Maurice Ile Durable” is this long term vision to ensure that economic
development is pursued in harmony with environmental protection and
the promotion of social justice and also where future generations enjoy
the same or better quality of life as we do.
Government is now engaged in a national consultation process to
formulate a policy and strategy for “Maurice Ile Durable”. All major
groups have had the opportunity of contributing to the vision of
“Maurice Ile Durable”. I will strive to ensure that this vision is translated
into concrete projects and programmes that will protect the
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environment; deliver social justice and create a healthy economy based
on the concept of sustainable development. For the first time in history,
Mauritius has a full-fledged Ministry responsible for sustainable
development.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
A sustainable lifestyle is an integral component to achieve sustainable
development. We should all rethink the way we act and consume
resources to minimize our impacts on the environment.
You will concur with me that the collaboration of the population at
large and a change in mindset are the requisites for achieving
sustainable development. Sensitisation will remain a strategic tool of
my Ministry to change mindsets.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today marks the launching of the World Environment Day 2010
activities. In this perspective my Ministry is organizing a series of
activities in collaboration with various stakeholders to sensitize the
general public on the importance of biodiversity. I would therefore
seize this opportunity to thank all stakeholders for their firm
commitment, continued support and active participation in our
activities. I would seize this opportunity to invite all of you present
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today and your family to visit the exhibition and to view the film shows
and PowerPoint presentations on biodiversity. A children corner is also
proposed and includes activities such as face painting, quiz and
drawings. You can also go on a guided tour on the nature trail. I would
like to add that following our request, the Private Sector has agreed to
participate in this Biodiversity weekend and entrance in the various
parks are at a rebated price. In this vein, I would like to thank
management of SSR Botanical Garden, Casela, La Vanille Crocodile Park
and the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation for their collaboration.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This Government is fully committed to pursue the path of sustainable
development to achieve of vision of “Maurice Ile Durable”. It will
continue to play its role as catalyst and facilitator. But to be successful,
we need the involvement of all stakeholders. I therefore make a strong
appeal to all parties concerned, namely the private sector, NGOs,
youth, women and the civil society at large to fully engage themselves
in making Mauritius a sustainable island.
Let us create the right synergy, forge a new partnership and act
together so that we can legate a better future to coming generations.
I thank you for your attention.
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