Our mission: Recognize that Nature is a major player in human activities.

Eco-Sud

Eco-Sud is a non-governmental organisation aspiring for a combative Mauritius, where the “nature’s rights” is a priority and where it’s good to live for everyone.

The primary mission of the NGO is to fervently protect the Mauritian territory biodiversity and environment, for the current and future generations.

To complete this mission, Eco-Sud is dedicated to:

  • Raising awareness and educating the public on ecological issues.
  • Assembling and rallying a strong and passionate local society.
  • Defending and protecting the engendered species and sites on the Mauritian territory.
  • Promoting a balance between environmental, social and economic developments.
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Our History


In the years following its creation, Eco-Sud has led various fights, demonstrating its ability to act as a watchdog by mobilizing and taking action.
The association has developed two main forms of action: one based on advocacy and awareness, and the other based on education, research and conservation projects.

In 2010, the NGO created a programme called Blue Lagoon, positioning themselves as a provider of solutions based on scientific research, whilst in close collaboration with the local community. Eco-Sud does not only aim to alert the public but strives to create a better future with a committed society.

The association has been and remains the initiator of important discussions and actions, raising awareness for the public, proposing alternative solutions and drawing attention to the irreversible environmental consequences of the Mauritian non-responsible modernisation.

Our Victories


Almost 20 years ago, Eco-Sud was born from the love of Mauritian citizens for their island with a vigorous momentum. Since then, many actions have been taken to protect the country's environment and biodiversity. As a result, they have succeeded in winning important battles in collaboration with other associations and movements.


L’île des Deux Cocos

In 1999, the prospect of a real estate project on l’île des Deux Cocos threatens the Blue Bay marine park with all the ecosystem it shelters. In 2008, the island is designated as a Ramsar site, in recognition for the fundamental ecological work done for the protection of biodiversity.

The Ferney Valley

In 2005, the Mauritian government proposes and starts the implementation of a highway project across the Ferney Valley, home to an array of endemic flora and fauna unique to the world. In 2007, the site becomes a public-private trust, with a conservation zone of 200 hectares with around 25,000 plants and 200 endemic birds.

La Chaumière

In 2009, a waste incinerator project was in talks at La Chaumière, which implied to bring a high health risk for the local people. A campaign for national awareness, supported by international experts, helped to put an end to the project.

Albion

In 2010, a coal factory project to produce electricity was proposed at Albion, implying the infliction of harmful energies on the public and environment. After a long battle gathering numerous participants, the project was abandoned.

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Collaborations

Since its creation, Eco-Sud has actively collaborated with platforms, collectives and networks which were born from different fights on behalf of the local society and the diverse victories they have won.

Plateforme Maurice Environnement (PML)

Eco-Sud is one of the members that founded the PML, which was created in 2009 following the fight against the Waste to Energy project (La Chaumière). The NGO especially contributed to the writing and distribution of the “Charte Maurice Environnement” in 2010 and participated in talks when setting up Maurice Ile Durable in 2011 and 2012. Eco-Sud has been an active member of the PML from 2009 to 2015.


Kolektif pu Lenerzi Renuvlab (KLR - Collective for Renewable Energy)

KLR is a movement that fought against the construction of the coal factory of 110 MW in Albion, set in place by the Mauritian government. The project, named CT Power, would have postponed all efforts for a clean and sustainable energy. KLR is born from the merger of six groups, which are all ex-committees in support of Jeff Lingaya’s hunger strike.


National Energy Commission (NEC)

The NEC was set up in 2013, following the citizens’ demand, with the aim of determining the country’s energy needs and the projects to put in place for the short and long term. This commission was composed of 15 members, of which 3 were members of KLR. You can see the final report here.


People’s Cooperative Renewable Energy

In 2014, KLR launched the People’s Cooperative Renewable Energy, an initiative that used lands abandoned by small planters, to install equipment that produces photovoltaic energy. The campaign "For a Power Shift” was hereby instigated.


National Maritime Audit Commission

In 2012, Eco-Sud participated in the mobilization to say NO to the Fishing Partnership Agreement with the European Union. The coalition of seafarers, environmentalists, trade unionists, and social and political organisations have demanded the government to set up a National Maritime Audit Commission. This commission has not yet emerged.


Aret Kokin Nu Laplaz (AKNL)

Since 2015, Eco-Sud has formed part of the AKNL movement (meaning “stop stealing our beaches”), a coalition of the Mauritian local society against the privatisation of the last wild beaches and the destruction of their unique ecosystems. AKNL’s flagship fight, the release of the Pomponnette beach, is still up to date.


Wetlands Mauritius Collective

The Wetlands Mauritius Collective was launched in 2018 in response to the pervasive and growing threats to the wetlands. On May 4th 2018, this collective (of which Eco-Sud is a founding member) acquaints itself with the ESA study (2009) and makes this study public through an open letter to Mauritian MP’s, reminding of the need to protect ESAs. In this letter, the group asks to freeze all ongoing projects threatening ESAs.

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