Mauritius' news this week spans several sectors. The country is strengthening its fight against illegal fishing through a new regional agreement while reaffirming its ambition to become an ocean nation at a key blue economy meeting. A newly inaugurated endemic Tiny Forest supports ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The Ministry of Commerce has launched a WhatsApp number for reporting missing price tags, and OUT Moris has issued a warning about workplace discrimination faced by LBT individuals. Finally, Splash N Fun Leisure Park has permanently closed after years of financial losses.
Mauritius strengthens fisheries surveillance in the Indian Ocean
Mauritius has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling illegal fishing by signing a new agreement with the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) to enhance regional fisheries surveillance. Backed by the European Union through the ECOFISH program, the initiative spans a vast maritime area of over 7 million km虏. The objective is to curb illegal fishing activities, which are estimated to cause global financial losses of USD 15 billion. The surveillance strategy will rely on advanced technologies, including satellites and transponders, and will require close collaboration among Indian Ocean coastal states and international partners.
Mauritius hosts the 20th IOGOOS meeting
From May 5 to 9, the Labourdonnais Hotel in Port Louis is hosting the 20th meeting of the Indian Ocean Global Ocean Observing System (IOGOOS), gathering regional experts to discuss oceanography, maritime governance, and climate resilience. The event highlights Mauritius' ambition to position itself as an emerging ocean state, with a strong emphasis on developing the blue economy and expanding port infrastructure. This meeting forms part of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021鈥�2030).
Real estate remains a safe bet despite FDI decline in 2024
Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Mauritius declined in 2024, falling from Rs 37 billion to Rs 32.9 billion. Despite the overall drop, the real estate sector continued to perform strongly, attracting Rs 18.6 billion 鈥� a notable increase from Rs 13.9 billion in 2023 鈥� driven by incentives such as the Integrated Resort Scheme. Europe remained the primary source of investment, with France alone contributing Rs 9.3 billion. In contrast, U.S. investments saw a sharp decline, dropping from Rs 6.9 billion to just Rs 884 million. The agricultural sector, critical to national food security, was hit particularly hard, receiving only Rs 507 million in investment.
Endemic tiny forest inaugurated in 脡b猫ne
The 25th Tiny Forest in Mauritius was inaugurated on April 25, 2025, in 脡b猫ne. Covering 115 m虏 and planted exclusively with endemic species, the micro-forest is located at the entrance of the 脡b猫ne Skies car park. This initiative forms part of a national effort to cut carbon emissions by half by 2030. Developed in partnership with the NGO Tiny Forest of Mauritius and the Ferney Conservation Trust, the project supports urban biodiversity, enhances carbon capture, and promotes greener city landscapes.
Commerce Ministry launches WhatsApp line to report missing price tags
Starting May 12, 2025, the Ministry of Commerce will introduce a WhatsApp number for the public to report missing price displays on goods for sale. Retailers are reminded of their legal obligations: all prices must be clearly visible and include all applicable taxes. Businesses accepting foreign currencies must also display prices in Mauritian rupees and the relevant foreign currency, along with the exchange rate used and any commissions charged.
OUT Moris: Inclusion of LBT individuals in the workplace
A recent report by OUT Moris on perceptions of LBT women in the Mauritian workplace reveals persistent discrimination and frequent microaggressions. Many respondents reported feeling the need to conceal their identities to avoid conflict or exclusion. The study underscores the urgency of reinforcing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies tailored to local contexts. It calls for DEI principles to be meaningfully integrated into organizational culture. OUT Moris also recommends the implementation of more effective reporting mechanisms and action to address bias in recruitment and promotion practices.
Final closure of Splash N Fun Leisure Park
Splash N Fun Leisure Park, formerly known as Waterpark, has permanently shut down following months of inactivity linked to serious safety concerns. Originally envisioned as a major tourist attraction, the park struggled to turn a profit throughout its existence. Despite a major renovation between 2018 and 2019, financed through a Rs 350 million loan, the relaunch failed to meet expectations. Persistent financial losses made the prospect of reopening unsustainable. The Ministry of Agro-Industry has now confirmed the decision: the project is officially abandoned. What was once a symbol of leisure and promise has come to a quiet and definitive end.
