The Republic of Mauritius Project Plan - RarePlanet

The Republic of Mauritius Project Plan
Cathleen Cybèle
Mauritian Wildlife Foundation
Grannum Road Vacoas
Mauritius
2008

Table of Contents
1. PROJECT SITE..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
SITE SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
I. The Physical Site.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
A. Definition of site ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
B. Physical region......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
C. Infrastructure around site ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
II. Socio-economic Characteristics of Site................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
A. Site history............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
B. Land Tenure........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
C. Main livelihoods and incomes ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
D. Site neighbours...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
III. Main Factors affecting the Site ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Known threats ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 15
IV. Conservation Issues ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
A. Biodiversity of the District of Grand-Port .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 16
B. Conservation history.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 17
Ile aux Aigrettes.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Ile de la Passe ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 22
Ilot Vacoas .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 25
Ile aux Mariannes ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Ile aux Fouquets ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
C. International Conventions of the Republic of Mauritius ....................................................................................................................................................................... 30
D. Special designations .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 32
E. Conservation legislation ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 33
F. Level of Tourism .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 38
V. Park Management ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 38
PROJECT TEAM AND STAKEHOLDERS ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 39
2. DEVELOPING THE CONCEPT MODEL ................................................................................................................................................................................ 43
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3. THREAT RANKING ANALYSIS............................................................................................................................................................................................ 46
4. FORMATIVE RESEARCH.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 49
5. PRIDE CAMPAIGN DEVELOPMENTS ................................................................................................................................................................................. 65
REVISED CONCEPTUAL MODEL............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 65
FLAGSHIP SPECIES................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 67
BARRIER REMOVAL PARTNERS................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 69
UNDERSTANDING THE AUDIENCE ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 70
OVERALL GOAL, OBJECTIVE THEMES AND SMART OBJECTIVES..................................................................................................................................................................... 80
CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 88
CAMPAIGN TIMELINE.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 110
BUDGET ALLOCATION......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 113
6. THEORY OF CHANGE...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 116
7. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 119
8. ACRONYMS ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 120
9. APPENDICES .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 121
APPENDIX 1 THE ISLETS NATIONAL PARKS MANAGEMENT PLAN................................................................................................................................................................. 121
APPENDIX 2 STAKEHOLDER’S MATRIX ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 135
APPENDIX 3 PRE-CAMPAIGN SURVEY..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 140
APPENDIX 4 PRE-CAMPAIGN SURVEY’S RESULTS ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 152
10. REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 249
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1. Project site
Site summary
The Republic of Mauritius is located in the Indian Ocean 800 km Southeast of Madagascar, with latitude location 20° 10' S and longitude
057° 30' E. It consists of two main islands, Mauritius (1865 km²) and Rodrigues (109 km²) and two groups of outer islands, namely the St
Brandon Archipelago (3 km²) and Agalega (21 km²). The total land area of the Republic of Mauritius is 2040 km² with an Exclusive
Economic Zone extending over more than 2 million square kilometers.
Mauritius and Rodrigues form part of the Mascarene Archipelago, along with Réunion Island (France). All three are of volcanic origin and
share many similarities in terms of their biodiversity.
Figure 1: Map of the Indian Ocean and Mauritius (MWF 2005)
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I. The Physical Site
A. Definition of site
Mauritius was formed by a volcanic eruption eight to ten million years ago. The island has a surface area of 1860 km² and rises to 828 m at Piton
de la Petite Rivière Noire being the highest peak. Following its formation there was no life on Mauritius.
Figure 2: Map of Mauritius (MWF 2008)
5

Over the millions of years that followed, plants and animals
reached the island from Madagascar, Africa, India and Asia
by the wind and by the sea. These plants and animals
adapted to this new land and became completely different
from species found elsewhere in the world.
The island of Mauritius is surrounded by 49 offshore islets
that vary in size from 253 m² to 253 hectares. Whilst some
are far out at sea and difficult to access, others are found
inside the lagoon and are easily accessible to the casual
visitor. The islands vary in geological formation, some being
of calcareous origin while others are of pure volcanic source
and others a combination of both. The flora and fauna of
the islets have evolved through millions of years of isolation
and adaptation and are characterized by a high diversity and
a high endemicity (species unique to Mauritius) that is
particularly vulnerable to decline and extinction. Thus, some
of these islets are being viewed as a sanctuary of
biodiversity importance and their protection is of extreme
value.
N
Figure 3: Location of Offshore islets in Mauritius
(The Islets National Park Strategic Plan 2004)
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B. Physical region
Key
Mauritius is divided into 9 districts:
N
Figure 4: District of Mauritius (Wikipedia 2008)
1. Black River
2. Flacq
3. Grand-Port
4. Moka
5. Pamplemousses
6. Plaine Wilhems
7. Port-Louis
8. Rivière du Rampart
9. Savanne
The northern part of the district is mountainous with forested valleys and rivers. The eastern part gently rises to meet the central
plateau and enjoys a cool temperate climate suitable for tea plantations. The southern part is a flat plain on part of which sits the
international airport.
The pride campaign will be focused in the southeastern part of the island, the district of Grand-Port and the offshore islets neighboring
the district. The district has an area of 259 km² and a population size estimate of 112,000 people. Indeed, the district lies in the Bay of
Mahebourg or the Bay of Grand-Port. On the other hand Grand-Port is well known for its biodiversity, from coastal forests to dry islet
coastal vegetations. Starting from the coastline with coastal lowland vegetation, its land has a maximum elevation of 400 m with mid
upland forest.
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On the other hand the bay includes 12 offshore islets with a unique biodiversity. These calcareous islets vary in size, geological composition,
remoteness, accessibility, conservation value and restoration potential.
1. Ile aux Oiseaux
0.7 Ha
National Park under Wildlife and National Park Act
2. Ile aux Mariannes
4.06 Ha
Nature Reserve under Forest and Reserves Act
N
3. Rocher des Oiseaux 0.1Ha National Park under Wildlife and National Park Act
4. Ilot Fous 0.3 Ha National Park under Wildlife and National Park Act
5. Ilot Chat 0.029 Ha State land under Ministry of Housing
6. Ile aux Singes 0.266 Ha State land under Ministry of Housing
7. Mouchoir Rouge 515 m 2 Leased to Private owner
8. Ile aux Fouquets 2.49 Ha National Park under Wildlife and National Park Act
9. Ilot Vacoas 1.06 Ha National Park under Wildlife and National Park Act
10. Ile de la Passe 2.19 Ha National monument under the ministry of arts and culture
11. Ile aux Aigrettes 24.69 Ha Nature Reserve, Leased to MWF
12. Ile des Deux Cocos 3.60 Ha Leased to Private Owner
Figure 5: Islets of the Bay of Mahebourg
(The Islets National Park Strategic Plan 2004)
13. Petit Rat 0.016 Ha State land under Ministry of Housing
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C. Infrastructure around site
The target site, the district of Grand-Port, as any other district of Mauritius, has all the basic amenities of a living; on one hand water and
electricity facilities. On the other hand, road network is well served and on the educational side, the district comprises of 22 primary schools
and 3 Secondary schools.
II. Socio-economic Characteristics of Site
A. Site history
When the first explorers discovered Mauritius in the 16th century, the whole of the island was covered with a luxuriant forest teeming with
plant and animal life. After four centuries of colonization less than 2% of the native forest remains.
Figure 6: Endemic forests of Mauritius throughout centuries (MWF
2005)
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Hardwood trees such as the Bois d’Ebène (Diospyros egrettarum) became rare because their wood was valuable for building; giant
tortoises were driven to extinction for their meat, and whole areas of forest were cleared for agriculture (especially sugarcane),
settlement and development. Invasive plants and animals introduced by man have also contributed to the loss of many native species in
Mauritius. Exploitation, habitat destruction and the impact of invasive plants and animals have driven many of the native species to
extinction meaning that they are lost to the world forever. Many of the remaining species are extremely rare, restricted to remnants of
native forest in remote mountainous areas or on the outer islets of Mauritius, (MWF 2005)
The bay of Mahebourg is a national symbolic site, as it is the place where all the ships from Europe first landed in Mauritius. The South
East Trade Wind led the ships into the bay of Mahebourg where everything started. Grand Port is also the biggest natural port in the
Mascarenes.
The district of Grand-Port is named after the village of Old Grand Port which saw the first Dutch landing and the first port of the island. It
is centered on the town of Mahebourg on the coast, inside the Grand-Port Bay. Built by the Dutch and later taken over by the French,
the town is a reminder of the colonial past of the island.
Mauritius gained its independence on the 12 th March 1968 and became a Republic in March 1992. It has a multicultural society, made up
of descendants of immigrants from Africa, Asia and Europe. All the major religions are practiced. The total population was 1.236 million
in 2006 with a growth rate of about 1.1% per year. Over the next twenty years, population growth is expected to stabilize at
replacement levels or less, but as population density in Mauritius is already high with 600 people per km², the predicted population
growth (of 250,000 by 2010) will increase pressure on land use. Government policy is thus actively seeking to generate employment in
rural areas.
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B. Land Tenure
Land in Mauritius is largely privately owned. State land is distributed throughout the island and the ‘Pas Geométrique’, a narrow belt of
land (250 french feet) around the coast is owned by the government. Vacant land for the development is limited since most of the
useable land has already been put to productive use.
Land Use
Agriculture
Forestry
Community
Sugarcane
Tea
Tobacco
Food Crops
Fresh vegetables
Planted forests
Natural forests
Savannah, scrub, grazing and
Other forest lands
Reservoirs
Swamps and Rocks
Roads
Built up areas
Table 1: Land use in the District of Grand-Port
(Ministry of Housing and land Government of Mauritius)
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C. Main livelihoods and incomes
Economy of Mauritius
Mauritius has one of the most successful and competitive economies in Africa; 2006 GDP at market prices was estimated at $6.5 billion
and per capita income at $5,214, one of the highest in Africa. The economy is based on tourism, textiles, sugar, and financial services. In
recent years, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and seafood have emerged as important sectors of the economy,
growing by an average of 40% last year. Over the past two decades, real output growth averaged just below 6% per year, leading to a
more than doubling of per capita income and a marked improvement in social indicators. However, since 2002, the economy started to
face some serious challenges as a result of globalization, involving the erosion of trade preferences for both textiles and sugar, two
pillars of the economy. Economic growth declined to 3-4% while unemployment, government budget deficit, and public debt increased
steadily.
The government that took office in July 2005 embarked on a bold economic reform program aimed at moving Mauritius from reliance on
trade preferences to global competitiveness. The reform strategy, outlined in the Financial Year 2006-2007 government budget, was
designed not only to remedy fiscal weaknesses but also to open up the economy, facilitate business, improve the investment climate,
and mobilize foreign direct investment and expertise. The reforms and the opening up of the economy have already started to positively
impact the economy. GDP growth increased to 5% in 2006, and the same rate was expected in 2007.
In addition to encouraging the restructuring and modernization of the textile and sugar sectors, the government is putting much
emphasis on the development of the ICT sector and the promotion of Mauritius as a seafood hub in the region, using existing logistics
and distribution facilities at the Freeport (free trade zone at the port and airport). To further diversify the economic base and generate
sustainable growth, the government is actively encouraging the following economic activities:
(i) The land-based oceanic industry
(ii) Hospitality and property development
(iii) Healthcare and biomedical industry
(iv) Agro-processing and biotechnology
(v) The knowledge industry.
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The business climate is friendly yet extremely competitive. The World Bank 2007 Doing Business Survey ranks Mauritius 32 nd in the world
and second in Africa for ease of doing business. Mauritius has a long tradition of private entrepreneurship, which has led to a strong and
dynamic private sector. Firms entering the market will find a well-developed legal and commercial infrastructure. With regard to
telecommunications, Mauritius has a well-developed digital infrastructure and offers state-of-the-art telecommunications facilities
including international leased lines and high speed Internet access. Telecommunications services were liberalized in January 2003. The
government policy is to act as a facilitator to business, leaving production to the private sector. However, it still controls key utility
services directly or through parastatals, including electricity, water, waste water, postal services, and broadcasting. The State Trading
Corporation controls imports of rice, flour, petroleum products, and cement.
Economy of the district of Grand-Port
Regarding the district council area, various activities take place: agriculture, fishing, Export Processing Zone Industry and tourism are the
main economic activities carried out
Tea production can also be included, but on a lesser scale. Sugar production is carried out on a large scale in view of the good climatic
conditions prevailing in the area, representing a total amount of 650,000 tons produced within the district of Grand-Port/Savanne.
In addition to that, a fish farm has been established at Pointe Feuilles and Quatre-Soeurs. Furthermore, vegetable production is widely
carried out in the South East Coast where the land favours onion and garlic plantation on a large scale. There are also many textile mills
in the surroundings.
As for the tourism industry, it has helped considerably in the rapid development of the Southern region. Numerous hotels have been
built. Tourist attractions have been created, such as ‘La Vanille Crocodile Park’ and the Mahebourg Waterfront. The SSR International
Airport is also located in the region. With tourism earn marked as a rapid-growth sector,the district is being urbanized at a rapid pace.
Government has accelerated hotel development in the Southern part of the island. In the Mahebourg/Blue Bay area are the Preskil Hotel
and numerous smaller hotels. The Shandrani at Le Chaland was one of the first hotels on the island.
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Numerous handicraft shops and tourism-related businesses have benefitted from the Tourism development in the South. “Green
tourism” is seen as a fast expanding activity in the area, due to the natural beauty of the region.
The Grand-Port District also has a significant importance in the history of Mauritius as the area is where the first Dutch settlers landed in
1598. Thus, historical museums can be found in the villages of Old Grand-Port and Mahebourg.
D. Site neighbours
The neighboring districts to Grand-Port are the district of Flacq and the district of Savanne
a. The district of Savanne
The south of Mauritius is one of the most scenic and native parts of the island. Several sites of attractions are found in the
district of Savanne. The land previously used for sugarcane fields is now being relocated for the construction of luxurious hotels.
The south coast is well-known for the cliffs lying and particularly the famous Gris-Gris.
b. The district of Flacq
Flacq is situated in the east of the island. The capital is Centre de Flacq. It is the largest district, having an area of 298 km², and as
of 2000 has a population of 126,839.
There is also the small village of Trou d'Eau Douce, from where visitors take boats for tours on Ile aux Cerfs islet. Moreover, Belle
Mare plage beach is reputed internationally for its luxurious and prestigious hotels.
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III. Main Factors affecting the Site
The endemic flora and fauna have been destroyed throughout centuries with the arrival of human being on the island. The endemic forest has
been cleared but our target site (the district of Grand-Port) is the second best preserve endemic forest after Black River Gorges national park. On
the other hand, the islets found in the bay of Mahebourg have built up unique species greatly threatened by human activities.
Known threats
The bay of Mahebourg comprises 12 offshore islets with coastal lowland vegetation. Amongst these islets, Ile aux Aigrettes (open nature
reserve), Ile aux Mariannes (closed reserve), Rocher des Oiseaux, Ilot Fous and Ilot Vacoas (closed reserve) s are protected nature
reserves for their endangered fauna and flora. Moreover, Ile de la Passe has been declared Natural Heritage site as its architecture is of
high historical value. On the other hand Ile aux Fouquets, islet considered as an open nature reserve.
The main threats to these islets are uncontrolled human activities. People visiting the islets generate excessive littering, picnicking,
barbecuing and open fires on the islets. These threats damage the endemic reptiles and vegetation of the islets menacing their species.
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IV. Conservation Issues
A. Biodiversity of the District of Grand-Port
Plants Reptiles Birds Mammals
Bois d’ébène
Ornate day gecko
Mauritius kestrel
Mauritius Fruit Bat/flying fox
Diospyros egrettarum
Phelsuma ornata
Falco puncatus
Pteropus niger
Bois jaune
Ochrosia borbonica
Ilot Vacoas Bojer skink
Gongylomorphus bojerii
sp.
Pink pigeon
Nesoenas mayeri
Bois clou
Lesser night gecko
Mauritian fody
Eugenia bojeri
Nactus coindemirensis
Foudia rubra
Liane chartier
Telfair skink
Olive-white eye bird
Gouania tiliifolia
Leiolopisma telfairii
Zosterops chloronothos
Bois perroquet
Bouton’s skink
Wedge-tailed shearwater bird
Olax psittacorum
Cryptoblepharus boutonii
Puffinus pacificus
White-tailed tropic bird
Phaeton lepturus
Table 2: Some native species of the District of Grand-Port, Mauritius
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B. Conservation history
Conservation on Mauritius is one of the World's most successful conservation stories. This is due to MWF's restoration work that started in the
1975 which includes the rescue of the Mauritius Kestrel, then following the years,the Echo Parakeet, the Pink Pigeon and the olive white-eye
brought back from the brink of extinction. We develop protocols for the rescue of native plant species and we also work in Rodrigues restoring
the flora and fauna and replanting the native forest. MWF has been actively involved with islet restoration, in particular on Ile aux Aigrettes and
Round Island both of which are endangered biodiversity hotspots of global importance. These conservation efforts will benefit future
generations of Mauritians. Mauritian Wildlife Foundation promotes local capacity building and provides employment through its activities. MWF
wishes to remain a strong, vibrant and innovative organisation. In addition MWF has worked in close collaboration with NPCS since its creation
in 1994, in the creation of a Conservation Management Area in the native forests, rat eradication on islets, the Round island restoration project,
rare plant propagation (with the cooperation of the Forestry service).
Regarding the conservation history of reptiles found in the target site, the Telfair’s skink is a success of translocation project for Mauritius.
Indeed, Mauritius was once home to one of the richest diversities of reptiles in the world and these reptiles were integral to the natural function
of the pristine Mauritian ecosystem. Following human colonisation in the 16 th century numerous alien animals and plants were introduced and
most of the Mauritian forests were destroyed, causing the loss of more than 60% of the Mauritian reptiles’ species from the mainland (Cole et al.
2007). Some species survived only on a few of the offshore islands, particularly those that had not been invaded by predatory mammals, such as
rats, which have been responsible for many extinction events worldwide.
Round Island is one of these few locations within the Mascarenes that has never been invaded by rats. Some 30 years ago, it was recognised that
the reptiles on Round Island and a few other reptile species that could still be found on some of the other offshore islands were still at risk of
extinction. Action had to be taken to secure the future survival of these reptile species that could not be found anywhere else in the world. At
the time it was proposed that these reptile species should be translocated back to other islands where they used to occur. Translocation is a
conservation tool used worldwide to create new populations of a species by moving a number of organisms from one location to another.
However, successful translocation could take place only on pest-free islands.
Recently, a project funded by the Darwin Initiative in the UK, has translocated four endemic and endangered lizard species to other offshore
islands around Mauritius (Cole et al., 2007).
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One of the four species that the team is initially translocating is the Telfair’s skink, Leiolopisma telfairii, which lived throughout Mauritius and
many of the offshore islands, but only continued to survive on Round Island. The Telfair’s skink plays an important role within the ecology of
Round Island as a predator of invertebrates and other reptiles, and itself as prey item for larger reptiles and birds, or as pollinator and seed
disperser of the native plants. The species is being released on Gunner’s Quoin and Ile aux Aigrettes. Each skink has been fitted with a small
electronic tag so that their progress can be tracked as they start to re-populate their former homes (Cole et al., 2007).
The skinks on Ile aux Aigrettes remain fit and healthy in comparison to their donor population on Round Island. Investigation into the skinks use
of the island’s resources demonstrates that they are dispersing many seeds of endemic fruiting plants and as such are assisting in the restoration
process on the island. Furthermore there have been significant declines in problematic invasive species, such as the Indian musk shrew, Indian
wolf snake, common house gecko, the agamid lizard and African land snails as a result of skink predation (Nik Cole pers. comm.).
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Ile aux Aigrettes
Area: 26 ha
Present Status: Nature Reserve under the Forestry and Reserve Act, 1983
Institution Responsible: Forestry Service, Ministry of Agro-industry Food Production and Security. Conservation activities are carried out by
MWF since 1985.
Description & Biodiversity Value:
It takes its name after the egrets that once lived there. It is the last refuge of the dry coastal forest, a vegetation type once common around
Mauritius but lost through the action of man.
The island harbours over 40 species of native plants, many of which are rare on the mainland, with 18 species are classified as endangered. The
dry coastal forest is rich in the unique and critically endangered species of ebony (Diospyros egrettarum) named after Ile aux Aigrettes, and other
species like the endangered Bois Chandelle (Dracaena concinna), and a species of orchid (Oeniella aphrodite), amongst others. Endemic animals
included the ornate day gecko, the only remaining endemic vertebrate on the island before MWF, NPCS and Darwin’s Initiative project started
moving species back.
In 1965, Ile aux Aigrettes was declared a Nature Reserve to save this last remnant of not only Mauritian, but also Mascarene coastal forest.
Already by then the island had become a damaged ecosystem, highly infested by invasive alien weeds and animals, putting immense pressure on
the native species. The fast growing weeds were choking off the native plants, and the rats were predating heavily on their fruits preventing
regeneration or eating native animals.
The restoration work started in 1985 with a weeding programme to eradicate introduced invasive plants such as the False Acacia ( Leucena
leucocephala ) and the spiny Prune Malgache ( Flacourtia indica). In 1991 the rats, cats and mongooses were successfully eradicated. The
eradication of invasive alien animals was followed by establishment of large numbers of seedlings of native species. In 1996, a large weeding
programme was launched and today nearly 90% of the island has been weeded and replanted with native plants from the island’s nursery. The
nursery can produces about 7000 plants per year. Some 20 endangered native plant species have been introduced to the island, including the
Bottle Palm and the Hurricane Palm of Round Island.
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Concomitantly, native animals were also reintroduced. The Mauritius Kestrel was released for the first time at the island; however, it prefers the
nearby mainland Bambous Mountains and rarely comes back. The Pink Pigeon was re-introduced in 1994, the Mauritian fody in 2003 and the
olive white-eye in 2005.
Mauritius was once the home of two species of endemic giant tortoises, but these became extinct about 200 years ago through excessive
predation by man. In 2000, giant Aldabran tortoises were released on Ile aux Aigrettes to simulate the impact of the lost native browsers on the
island’s vegetation.
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N
W
E
S
N. Cole 2009
Darwin Initiative
Durrell
0 100 200 300 400 500 Meters
Manmade structures
Paths
Scaevola
Ehretia
Ehretia & Scaevola
Ehretia & Tarenna
Maytenus, Ehretia & Tarenna
Diospyros & Eugenia
Diospyros
Mixture of coastal vegetation
Coraline bedrock
Figure 7: Map of Ile aux Aigrettes (Cole 2009)
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Ile de la Passe
Area: 2.19 Hectares
Present Status: National Heritage Site
Institution Responsible: Ministry of Art & Culture
Description: Ile de la Passe is a small but very historic island off the South-East coast of Mauritius. From the islet all maritime movements into
the Bay of Mahébourg, which is the largest bay of the island and contains the oldest port, can be controlled. The French and British inhabitants
of Mauritius built defenses on Ile de la Passe, and ruins of these defenses dating back two and a half centuries are still intact. The ports of
Mauritius were the preferred stopping-over sites to and from the East for mariners of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries in the western Indian
Ocean and it was acknowledged that whoever controlled Mauritius was favoured to control the Region. The main port on the island, until the
mid-18th century was Port Sud-Est in the Mahébourg bay. The strategic position of Ile de la Passe made it, therefore, the key not only to the
island of Mauritius, but to the Indian Ocean.
Biodiversity Value:
Native flora present: Scattered clumps of Veloutier Vert (Scaevola tacada) ,Veloutier Argentée (Tournefortia argentea), Bois matelot (Suriana
maritima) and planted Pandanus on almost bare soil.
Native fauna present: wedged tailed shearwaters and Bouton’s skink (Cryptoblepharus boutonii)
Observation:
The building
the thick double wall (thicker on the unprotected side) of the powder magazine
the juxtaposition of 18th, 19th and 20th century works, especially visible in concrete/steel additions
the aeration system of the magazine and its wonderful arches
22

the reservoir for storing water
the shot furnace in the middle of the defense, with its ball slide and cups, and chimney
the bulk of the defenses built to attack traffic in the pass
the original French battery near sea-level, the later British battery higher up
the 18th century French mortar and gun serving as a bollard
the 20th century toilet rails overhanging the sea on the northern side
the underground WWII generator house, the cable ducts and the generator mountings in the store.
The lay-out
imagining an enemy vessel entering the bay through the pass, allows the layout of the buildings to be better understood - the need to
protect the powder in the rear of the defence work and to surround it with a wall
the sighting tower and searchlight houses in the exposed position
the barracks, stores and reservoir in the low-lying middle, in a coherent living area
the engraved soldiers’ names (some dated, some regiments noted) from 19th and 20th centuries
Preservation and Use of Ile de la Passe:
At present, the site is not managed and visits are not controlled. The fortifications on this islet are among the oldest in Mauritius, and are
certainly the most varied and best preserved coastal defenses in Mauritius, perhaps in the Western Indian Ocean.
Given the key role that the fortifications played in the history of Mauritius not only in the settlement of the islands of the Region but also the
excellent state of the buildings, something constructive should be done for Ile de la Passe. Indeed, if only for the natural beauty and harmony of
the buildings and the site, something should be done. Ile de la Passe is a reflection of the history of the island and its natural setting in its
23

preservation as a World Heritage Site. The islet might satisfy the criteria to become such a site and this would necessitate that the site be
adequately managed. Day visits only should be encouraged, and information on the history and function of the structures should be discreetly
posted on site. As litter and vandalism are problems, guardianship and refuse removal systems are essential.
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Ilot Vacoas
Area: 1.06 Hectares
Present Status: Islet National Park
Institution Responsible: National Parks and Conservation Services Ministry of Agro-industry Food Production and Security.
Description: This is a small raised coral islet lying between Ile de la Passe and Ile aux Fouquets. It has scrub vegetation and is a stopping point for
lunch by skippers organizing barbecue for tourists.
Biodiversity Value:
Native flora: Mixed scrub of Pemphis acidula, Veloutier Vert (Scaevola tacada), Veloutier Argentée (Tournefortia argentea) , Bois matelot
(Suriana maritima) and L’herbe bourique ( Stenotaphrum dimidiatum, Stenotaphrum micranthum).
Native fauna: It is by far the most valuable islet found in the bay of Mahebourg in terms of conservation as it has a good range of reptiles; the
Gongylomorphus bojerii sp., which is a genetically distinct, remnant population of Bojer’s skinks of the northern populations of Gongylomorphus
bojerii (Cole et al. 2007). On the other hand Bouton’s skink (Cryptoblepharus boutonii) and the lesser night gecko (Nactus coindemirensis) as
well as Wedge-tailed shearwater (Puffinus pacificus) can be found on the islet.
25

N
Scaevola
Tournefortia
Pemphis
Beach
Cynodon grass
Stenotaphrum grass
Sand & rock
Bedrock
Tidal zone
0 25 50 75 100 Meters
Figure 8: Map of Ilot Vacoas (Cole 2008)
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Ile aux Mariannes
Area: 4.05 Hectares
Present Status: Nature reserve
Institution Responsible: Forestry Service, Ministry of Agro-industry Food Production and Security.
Description: This is a small coral islet. It is very dry and covered with low scrub. The islet is used for occasional picnics and overnight camping by
local people.
Biodiversity Value:
Native flora: Veloutier Vert (Scaevola tacada), Veloutier Argentée (Tournefortia argentea), Bois matelot(Suriana maritima), L’herbe bourique (
Stenotaphrum dimidiatum, Stenotaphrum micranthum) and Pemphis acidula
Native fauna: No species are present but the islet could be used as a site for translocation of reptiles.
27

Ile aux Fouquets
Area: 2.49 Hectares
Present Status: Islet National Park
Institution Responsible: of Agro-industry Food Production and Security, National Parks and Conservation Services
Description: Ile aux Fouquets, commonly named as Ile aux Phare, is well-known for its old lighthouse dominating as well as being the main focus
of the islets. It is a popular site visit by foreign tourists and local people.
Biodiversity Value: Together with Ile de la Passe and Ile aux Vacoas, this islet is important for reptile conservation. Its proximity to the other
islets renders it vulnerable to the introduction of undesirable animals and plants, particularly result of the tourism activity.
Native flora present: Veloutier Vert (Scaevola tacada), Veloutier Argentée (Tournefortia argentea), Bois matelot (Suriana maritima) and L’herbe
bourique ( Stenotaphrum dimidiatum, Stenotaphrum micranthum)
Native fauna present :
Birds: wedged-tailed shearwater, white-tail tropic bird, green heron, whimbrels.
Reptiles: Bouton’s skink and Ilot Vacoas Bojer’s skink which has been translocated from Ilot Vacoas.
28

N
0 1 0 0 2 0 0 M e t e r s
R o c k p o o ls
S c a e v o la
C a s u a r i n a
P e m p h is
T o u r n e fo r ti a
C y n o d o n g r a s s
S te n o ta p h r u m g r a s s (s h o r t)
S te n o ta p h r u m g r a s s (lo n g )
S e d g e , s h o r t g r a s s e s , s a n d
L o o s e r o c k & s a n d
S a n d
B e d r o c k
B u i ld in g s & s tr u c tu r e s
Figure 9: Map of Ile aux Fouquets (Cole 2008)
29

C. International Conventions of the Republic of Mauritius
List of International environmental conventions and protocols signed/ratified by Mauritius:
1. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
2. The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
3. The London Amendment in 1990
4. The Copenhagen Amendment to the Montreal Protocol in 1992
5. The Montreal Amendment to the Montreal Protocol in 1997
6. The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and the Disposal entered into force on 5 th May
1992
7. Bamako Convention on the Ban of the Import into Africa and the Control of Transboundary Movement and Management of Hazardous
Wastes within Africa
8. United Nations Convention to combat Desertification
9. The Stockholm convention on persistent organic pollutants
10. The World Heritage Convention: adhered on 19 th September 1995
11. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora: ratified on 28 th April, 1975.
12. The Conservation on Biological Diversity: ratified on 1st September, 1992.
The Government of Mauritius is also signatory to a number of International Conventions relating to Article 1 of the CBD. These include:
The International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, (1946);
The African Convention for the Protection of Nature and Natural Resources,
(1968);
The Convention on Fishing and Conservation of Living Resources of the High
Seas, (1958);
The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (RAMSAR), (1971);
30

The Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage,
(1972);
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora (CITES), (1973);
The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), (1982);
The UN Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous
Wastes and their Disposal (MARPOL), (1989);
The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (1992);
The Convention to Combat Drought and Desertification in Africa (UNCCD)
(1995).
The Convention on Migratory Species (1994)
The African Eurasian Water Bird Agreement (1999)
The Indian Ocean – South-East Asia Marine Turtle MOU (IOSEA) (2003).
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity (2000).
31

The Marine Parks
D. Special designations
The long-term protection and conservation of marine biodiversity and ecosystems for sustainable use and to maximize economic and social
benefits derived from the coastal zone.
An extent of sea of 353ha at Blue Bay and 485ha at Balaclava were proclaimed as National Parks in October 1997 under section 11 of the
WildLife & National Parks Act 1993 and then declared as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in June 2000 under section 7 of the Fisheries & Marine
Resources Act 1998. Measures for the protection, conservation and management of Marine Protected Areas are prescribed in the Fisheries and
Marine Resources (Marine Protected Areas) (Amendments) Regulations 2007.
The Blue Bay Marine Park has been designated as a "Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar site) on the 31st of January 2008.
32

E. Conservation legislation
The main pieces of legislation and policies providing the protection and management of the offshore islets are:
1. The forests and reserves act 1983
2. The Wildlife and National Parks Act 1993
3. Pas Geometriques Act
4. State Lands Act
5. Environment Protection act 1991
6. National coast Guard Act 1988
7. Fisheries and Marine Resources Act 1998
8. The Pleasure Crafts Act 1993
9. Continental Shelf Act 1970
10. Removal of Sand Act 1975
11. National Environment Strategies (NES)
12. National physical Development Plan (NPDP) and Outline Schemes
13. National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
14. Forest Policy
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1. Forests and Reserves Act 1983
This Act falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Agro-industry Food Production and Security and provides protection for
designated areas of land. A list of nature reserves is found in the Second Schedule. The protection afforded to nature reserves is found in
Section 14 which sets out a list of offences, such as damaging, destroying, digging or removing any forest produce from the reserve.
The Forestry Service is responsible for the management of all state lands under forest plantation and native vegetation including Nature
Reserves the exception of those areas under the jurisdiction of the National Parks and Conservation Service (NPCS). For any
development on Nature Reserves Board should be sought.
2. Wildlife and National Parks Act 1993
This is the main piece of legislation providing for the protection of flora and fauna including those on our islets. This fact falls under the
responsibility of the Ministry of Agro-industry Food Production and Security. The NPCS was created in 1994 under this act and is
responsible for the protection and preservation of terrestrial biodiversity in all protected areas proclaimed under this Act.
Although by Law, the Islets Nature Reserves fall under the jurisdiction of Forestry Service, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Technology
and Natural Resources has entrusted all activities on conservation of biodiversity to NPCS.
National Parks and Conservation Service has also been entrusted with responsibility of carrying out conservation activities on islets
nature reserves as spelt out in the Bell Report (1994).
For the proper implementation of the Wildlife and National Parks Act 1993, the National Parks and Reserves Regulations (1996) and the
Wildlife Regulations (1998) have been promulgated.
Part IV and Section 11 of the Wildlife and National Parks Act 1993 deals with the Proclamation of National Parks and other Reserves and
also stipulates the following:
34

“The President may, by Proclamation, declare any State land, nature reserve, Pas Geometriques, or other land to be a national park or
other reserve where:
a) Such land is of natural, scenic, scientific, educational, recreational or their importance or value to the State;
b) The preservation of the land is necessary to properly protect, to permit access to or management of, or to allow public
viewing or enjoyment of, an area of such land.
The above two are the major legislations, which provide for the protection and management of biodiversity.
3. Pas Geometriques Act
The reserved lands along the seacoast are commonly called the Pas Geometriques. They form part of the domaine public and are
inalienable and imprescriptible. This Act is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Housing and Lands. The islets adjacent to the shore
and which can be reached on foot at low tides are deemed annexes of the Pas Geometriques (Section 4 of Pas Geometriques Act). Since
all the islets are state lands they are subject mainly to provision of State Land Act.
Relevant Sections of the Act are Section 4, 13, 14, 17, and 23.
35

4. State Lands Act
‘State Land’ includes lands and the Pas Geometriques as defined in section 2 of the Forests and Mountain and River Reserves Act and all
lands belonging to or in possession of the State.
The main provisions of the Act are:
i. That no person shall take possession of, encroach upon, cultivate or put up any building or other structure on any part of any
State land without the express authorisation in writing of the Minister.
ii.
That any person who dumps or causes to be dumped any sand, coral, earth, stones, wood or other object on any State Land on
any beach, sea, canal, river or lake adjoining State Land shall commit an offence and shall on conviction be liable to a fine which
shall not be less that 500 rupees or more than 2,000 rupees and to imprisonment for a term which shall not exceed 6 months.
In case the islet is leased there are certain binding agreements that the lessee should observe. Some of these obligations are:
1) The Lessee shall maintain the Land leased and the plantation in a neat and tidy state,
2) The lessee shall watch over the property leased and prevent:
a. The removal of sand;
5. Environment Protection Act 1991
b. Interference with roads crossing the land leased to it; and
c. Any cutting or removal of any trees growing thereon and not authorized by this lease or in breach of any
conditions of this lease.
The Environment Protection Act (EPA) 1991 is the main pieces of legislation that addresses the protection of the environment. Under the
section 42 of the EPA, the zone means the coastal zone and the maritime zone and extends to the outer limit of the Exclusive Economic
Zone (200 nautical miles)
36

The “zone” is defined in section 42 of the Environment Protection Act 1991, as meaning the coastal zone (any area of seawater including
any low-tide elevation, land, beach, islet, reefs, rocks, lying between the baseline and the high water mark; and any land which is
situated wholly or partly within 81.21 metres from the high water mark; including any estuary or mouth of a river, stream or canal which
lies within 81.21 metres from the outermost point of its bank on the sea at high tide) and the maritime zone (which includes the
territorial sea, the exclusive economic zone, and the continental shelf).
6. National Coast Guard Act 1988
The National Coast Guard Act 1988 (under the Ministry responsible for Home Affairs, responsibility for which has now been assigned to
the Prime Minister) established the National Coast Guard, a specialist unit of the Police Force and under the command of the
Commissioner of Police. Under the section 6 of the Act the National Coast Guard “shall be responsible for the enforcement of any law
relating to the protection of the maritime zones, and the detection, prevention and suppression of any illegal activity within the
maritime zones”. These duties are “subject to…any environmental law”. In addition, under Section 12, their powers include “authority to
prevent any activity which is likely to constitute a threat to the maritime zones, including the seabed, the flora, the reefs, the beach and
the coastline and to prevent any form of maritime pollution or any activity to cause maritime pollution”.
7. The Pleasure Crafts Act 1993
This Act provides for the licensing and control of pleasure crafts. Under this Act “pleasure craft” means
a) Any vessel used for fishing as a sport, for watersports, or pleasure purposes generally;
b) Does not include pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, surfboards and non-motorised rubber inflatable boats.
37

F. Level of Tourism
From the government report of the level of Tourism in 2006, 788,276 tourists visited Mauritius. Mauritius name is extending in the tourist industry and
it is expected to have 1 million of Tourists per year by 2010. The district of Grand-Port is a significant place in the tourism sector not only the charm emanate
from the coastal upland forest, the islets found in the bay of Mahebourg but the historical part of Mauritius starts in the bay of Grand-Port.
V. Park Management
The Park Management of the islets found in the bay of Mahebourg is under the responsibility of the Agro-industry Food Production and Security.
The Ministries has developed a management plan for the Conservation and Management of Offshore Islets for the Republic of Mauritius.
(Appendix 1)
This report is the development strategy for the proposed Islets National Park, the prime objective of which is the protection and conservation of
the remnant animal and plant populations that still exist on relatively isolated lagoon and offshore islets.
38

Project team and stakeholders
The first stakeholders’ meeting was held in a rented conference room, technologically equipped and easily accessible. Amongst 33 stakeholders
invited, 23 were present that day; members of the local authorities as well as none-governmental organisations. The main theme of this first
stakeholders’ meeting was “The terrestrial coastal habitat of South-east Mauritius, including the islets found in the bay of Grand-Port”. After a
presentation of the MWF and the Rare Pride Campaign in Mauritius, the attendees were divided in 5 groups and were asked to think and work
on the threats that affect the endemic flora and fauna of “The terrestrial coastal habitat of South-east Mauritius, including the islets found in the
bay of Grand-Port. In order to design a concept model for the campaign, each member worked in group and discussed about the direct threats,
the indirect threats and the contributing factors affecting the native species of South-east Mauritius, including the islets found in that area.
Moreover, every group had a moderator, a MWF staff having a team to control. In addition, the direct threats, indirect threats and contributing
factors were written by the participant on different colored paper for each group of threats. After 20 minutes, the group-work was over and with
a view to enhancing interactivity amongst the stakeholders, nearly each participant stuck a threat on a sticky wall and explained to the audience
the choices made. The moderators for the concept model session were the campaign manager and one MWF staff.
The first stakeholder’s meeting was a successful approach in the sense that both government and none-governmental representatives worked
hand in hand to produce a fruitful concept model for the campaign.
Following the first meeting, the data collected in form of concept model were classified in terms of threats and ranked by a scientists and
members of the MWF. Furthermore a questionnaire survey has been designed based on these threats and in total 1119 surveys have been
conducted in the target site. The results of these surveys allowed the MWF to set SMART objectives for the campaign.
Indeed the second stakeholders’ meeting aim was to present the questionnaire survey, the result and the SMART objectives set for the
campaign. As a matter of fact, the attendees, 15 present, were asked to think about “their contribution for the campaign” and were given time
to write individually for a brainstorming session. The contributions and suggestions of the participants were as follows:
39

The main issues raised concerning the threats and dangers to reptiles on the islands in the Bay of Mahebourg were:
Deforestation
Camping
Barbecues
It was also mentioned that even though these reptiles are endemic species, a lot of people are indifferent to the problem since the
animal that we are trying to save is not directly related and does not affect most people.
It was then discussed about means of communicating with the targeted population.
1) The use of media (TV, Radio)
2) Carnivals
3) Stickers/Posters/Drawings on Boats and Buses
4) Posters
Education of kids was agreed to be an important way of getting the local population involved and increasing the interest in the endemic
reptiles.
A) Educational tours for kids were discussed. This would include:
1) Showing the animals
2) Mauritian stories for kids
3) Not all animals should be in one place, so that the kids could discover different places along with the animals (Domaine D’Anse
Jonché, Vallée de Ferney, etc...)
40

B) Having 2 hr sessions at schools. This would include:
1) Videos
2) Games
These sessions could be followed by an extracurricular activity. (White Sand Tours had mentioned that they might be able to supply
buses for some of these activities)
Other ideas mentioned were:
1) Having a sport event such as a regatta around Ile aux Aigrettes
2) Workshops to show what is being done by the conservation community
3) Brainwash teachers to get them to pass on our message (include Head masters and Head teachers)
4) Make use of the protected areas network
5) Have a pamphlet/kit about conservation to give to people
When discussing methods of communication, the following was brought up:
1) Target Clubs (e.g Clubs de Jeunesse, etc..)
2) Reduce paper usage (use other methods)
3) Use games on the Radio (questions about conservation, animals, etc..) and give prizes (trips to Ile aux Aigrettes, Domaine Anse
Jonchée, Vallée de Ferney)
4) Have a Treasure hunt
5) National picnic (special event/open day)
6) Make short films (we can even get kids to make the film and give a prize to the winner)
7) Use Mahebourg waterfront for event (lizard day)
8) Have pictures in the museum
41

Problems about similar projects that should be avoided:
1) no follow up
2) lake of visual/practical experience
Though less attendee participated to the second stakeholders’ meeting, the contribution of the latter were rich in potential activities for the
campaign. In addition 8 stakeholders gave their approval to join the Rare Pride advisory committee every three months to be able to follow
closely and contribute directly in the campaign.
42

2. Developing the Concept Model
The terrestrial habitat of the islets of the Bay of Mahebourg
The Target Condition (TC) for this campaign has been identified as the terrestrial habitat of the islets found in the bay of Mahebourg, with a
particular focus on four components of the biodiversity: the habitat of the native birds, the habitat of the native reptiles as well as the native
birds and reptiles themselves. Thus the concept model illustrates how these 4 components are influenced by the threats and factors that
influence the TC.
Regarding the direct factors, invasive species is a main threat to the bird’s habitat (coastal lowland forest). The alien plants destroy and compete
with the endemic lowland forest and this reduces the capacity of the endemic plants to propagate. On the other hand, invasive rats eat the eggs
of endemic reptiles and birds, decreasing the population of the endangered fauna. Moreover invasive species lead to a reduction of prey and
food for the flora and fauna.
Another direct factor affecting the terrestrial habitat of the islets is the increasing number of people picnicking in the area. By doing so, people
not only damage the coastal lowland forests through their activities ,mainly picnicking, barbecuing, and fire camps but they also directly act upon
the habitat of the native reptiles and birds. Another direct factor influencing the target condition is pollution through dumping and littering as
this is poisoning the natural habitat through leakage. Also, litter can be detrimental for the survival of endangered reptiles as they can get stuck
and die inside open plastic bottles.
Further, habitat destruction through deforestation devastates the coastal lowland forest, and consequently causes a reduction of prey and food
for the native birds and reptiles.
Tourism is a flourishing activity and important economic pillar in the area, and an underlying factor to many of the abovementioned threats. It
leads to an increasing number of boats and people visiting, picnicking , polluting and, bringing invasive species to the islets and also is a factor
driving development. However people’s lack of awareness about the biodiversity value of the islets and the damaging effect of tourism related
activities on the target condition is identified as one of the main causes of these threats. Further, demographic pressure is one of the underlying
43

factors driving development in the area, contributing to habitat destruction through deforestation. Poverty is one of the factors influencing
demographic pressure as poor people tend to have larger families.
Another important factor causing some of the threats is lack of law enforcement. The islets found in the bay of Grand-Port have been declared
nature reserve and Islet National Park, some are closed and some islets are open. These islets are under the National Parks and Wildlife act and
do not allow people to access the mainland of the closed islets and open fires are forbidden on any nature reserve. The law is not enforced in
the sense that the local authorities neither control these nature reserves nor fine people acting against the laws.
Lack of funding is also an important factor as it is an underlying cause of lack of law enforcement, lack of awareness and a lack of scientific
expertise. Indeed, there is a need in restoration program for the endangered species as well as monitoring of the habitat and population ecology
of the threatened flora and fauna, more specifically the reptiles, birds and plants.
Moreover, whilst the effects are not easily quantifiable climate change is a further factor affecting the availability of prey and food to the native
birds and reptiles of the islets.
In summary, in combination with an expanding tourism industry, two of the main factors causing the above identified threats to the terrestrial
habitat of the islets of Mahebourg are lack of awareness and lack of law enforcement. These contribute to visitors bringing invasive species to
the islets as well as damaging the TC through littering, fires and trampling. Further demographic pressure, poverty and a flourishing tourist
industry are leading to increasing pressure to develop the islands causing deforestation and degradation of the coastal lowland forest and a
decline in the population of the native birds and reptiles.
44

Figure 10: Initial concept model
45

3. Threat Ranking Analysis
Using the Initial Concept Model developed at the key stakeholder meeting, Miradi software was used to rank the direct threat that
have been identified. The threat analysis has been ranked by 4 members of the MWF each specialist in a specific field: Ashok Khadun
the islet coordinator, Vikash Tatayah as conservation manager, Lone Raffray fund raising manger of the organisation and Dr Nic Cole
reptile scientist.
Miradi software automatically captures the targets from the Concept Model displaying them along the “X” axis with the direct
threats aligned on the “Y” axis.Each threat is ranked by Scope, Severity and Irreversibility against each target using the following
scoring guide:
KEY TO THREAT CRITERIA (Based on Miradi definitions)
A: SCOPE (Area)
4 = Very High: The threat is likely to be very widespread across all or much of your site.
3 = High: The threat is likely to be widespread in its scope, and affect conservation targets at many locations at your site.
2 = Medium: The threat is likely to be localized in its scope, and affect the conservation target at some of the target’s locations at the site.
1 = Low: The threat is likely to be very localized in its scope, and affect the conservation target at a limited portion of the target’s location at the
site.
B: SEVERITY – The level of damage to the conservation target that can reasonably be expected under current circumstances
4 = Very High: The threat is likely to destroy or eliminate the conservation target over some portion of the target’s occurrence at the site.
3 = High: The threat is likely to seriously degrade the conservation target over some portion of the target’s occurrence at the site.
2 = Medium: The threat is likely to moderately degrade the conservation target over some portion of the target’s occurrence at the site.
1 = Low: The threat is likely to only slightly impair the conservation target over some portion of the target’s occurrence at the site.
C: IRREVERSIBILITY – The importance of taking immediate action to counter the threat.
4 = Very High: The effects of the direct threat are not reversible (e.g., wetlands converted to a shopping center).
3 = High: The effects of the direct threat are reversible, but not practically affordable (e.g., wetland converted to agriculture).
2 = Medium: The effects of the direct threat are reversible with a reasonable commitment of resources (e.g., ditching and draining of wetland).
1 = Low: The effects of the direct threat are easily reversible at relatively low cost (e.g., off-road vehicles trespassing in wetland).
46

The ranking served to:
i. Identify the level of threat affecting the native reptiles, the native birds, the coastal lowland forest and the rocky habitat
(reptile’s habitat)
ii.
A summary of each threat
Habitat destruction through fire and barbecues has been selected as being the main threat to the endangered fauna and flora of the islets and
particularly to the reptiles. This decision has been taken after the pre-campaign survey due to the busy time-table of the MWF staff.
47

By Ashok Khadun, Islets co-ordinator
By Dr Nick Cole, reptile expert
By Vikash Tatayah, Conservation Manager
By Lone Raffray, Fund Raising Manager
48
Table 3: Biological threat ranking

4. Formative Research
Directed conversations
The islets of the bay of Grand-Port are highly visited by tour operators who bring tourists for visit. We decided to focus on skippers because they
are the primary target audiences for the campaign. Furthermore, we interviewed 2 islet specialist; a technical officer to the islet national
strategic plan and a scientist working on a reptile restoration project.
Directed conversations took place before designing the questionnaire survey. These conversations occurred informally near their working sites
and at analysing the common behaviour of skippers by taking into considerations the observations of the scientists working on the target site.
Directed conversations with Key Target Audiences
The boat users; skippers, fishermen and boat owners are important for this campaign as they are the direct link between the islets and people
visiting them. The direct conversations with skippers aimed at identifying their not only activities but also their behaviour on the target site.
The following shows us an example of questions and answer to a tour operator:
Example of survey question with Independent Tour Operator and answers
1. How long have you been a tour operator for?
10 years
2. What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
The mechanical concept of catamarans
3. What does a typical day in the life of a tour operator look like?
Organising tours for tourists, working with the skippers and monitoring day to day visits to islets.
4. Is there any aspect of your job that you wish could be different?
He wished that the visit tour could be extended to other islets but it is an undeniable fact that some islets are littering places
for local people
49

5. What are your aspirations for the future?
Extend his market to other islets and buy new boats
6. Which islets do you visit?
Ile aux Cerfs and on rare occasions Ile aux Fouquets
7. How many trips do you do per week?
1 trip per day, 7 trip/ week
8. What is it like working with tourists?
First of all the tourist book their trips in advance. A trip can be in average of 25 people. The group of tourists meet at the
sand jetty where the catamaran is waiting for them. The catamaran brings them to Ile au Cerfs. Throughout the trip at a stop
point they scuba dive then lunch on Ile aux Cerfs where the skipper entertains them with local sega music before taking the
group back to mainland late afternoon.
9. Which is the peak month/season for visits of the islets found in the bay of Mahebourg?
Neutral visit throughout the year
10. During a peak month, about how many tourists do you get per week?
25 tourists per day, around
11. And during off-seasons?
No peak seasons
12. In your view, what is the main attraction of the islets for locals? And for tourists?
“coming to Mauritius is like a dream come true for them, being in that wonderful setup; the sun, the never ending beaches,
the blue lagoons... everyone one dreams of becoming Robinson Crusoe, being on a small exotic island, without having to
worry about worldly affairs“
13. Which animals are you most likely to encounter on the islets?
No particular animals
14. Have you, or a member of your company, ever seen/come across any unusual animal? (which you don’t normally see on mainland
Mauritius)
Dolphins and once a whale
15. How do you feel about rodents in Mauritius?
He doesn’t come across rodents
50

16. Have you ever seen any on the islets?
Never
17. Do they ever come unto your boat?
Never
18. Do you know what is meant by the word endemic or native?
Yes, endemic means from a country or place only
19. Have you seen any endemic species on any of the islets? (animals then plants)
He does not know the names of the species, except black lizard on Ile aux Fouquets
Furthermore, the other trip generally comprises of small tours in the Blue-bay marine park, snorkelling, diving, barbecuing on Ilot Vacaos, Ile aux
Fouquets, Ile aux Cerfs and the traditional sega dancing. On the other hand, the skippers are aware of the littering occurring on islets and
regarding invasive animals, they have never seen a rodent in their boats.
Directed conversations with scientist to assess threat ranking
The scientist, Dr Cole is in charge of the Darwin Initiative project in Mauritius,on the reintroduction of endemic Mauritian reptile communities.
Dr Cole works with his team on the reptile found in the islets of the bay of Mahebourg. The conversations with the scientist regarding the threats
affecting the species found in the target site:
51

1. The effect of Habitat destruction through deforestation
o Very little shrubs bushes, little substantial vegetation, native grasses: people break up vegetation for fire and barbecues. People
think that the bushes are dead because they are dried and used them to feed fires. This tends to be the action of fisherman and
local people but not organized group. Though the destruction of native grasses is done on a small scale, it is indeed an important
one due to the fact that the native grasses take years to grow to small bushes.
2. The effect of Habitat destruction through fire and barbecues
o Skinks lost their legs due to fires. Camp fire which continue on the grass (fires went on months on the ground, smouldering and
catching other grasses. The islands are very small, the risk if fire can be quite devastating. The fires had happened in the past and
took years to re-generate the native grass. Moreover, the rocky habitat of Ilot Vacoas is being destroyed; people removed the
corals from the beach and put it on the rocky habitat, destroying the rocky habitat of the Nactus coindemirensis. On the other
hand on Ilot Vacoas, charcoal is being dumped all over the nactus’ habitat; they cook on nactus habitat without knowing it. The
tour operators left their hot ashes on the rock, killing all the geckos. Regarding Ile de la Passe, fires and barbecues are destroying
the natural heritage of this site due to lack of awareness; the heat destroying the ancient graffiti’s.
3. The effect of Predation by invasive animals
o Ile de la Passe, Ile aux Fouquets: shrews arrive; small insectivores arrived in the beginning of the 20 th centuries and killed skinks
and nactus. If one wolf snake reaches an islet it could kill all the population of skinks in a year. Combined with shrews, they
could disseminate and kill the skink population in Mauritius; even ants could devastate the skinks.
4. The effect of dumping and littering
o Barbecues and fires go hand in hand with littering, food waste can enhance exotic to grow, and bring potential invaders. They
are all interlinked; especially plastic cups, bags and bottles cause the death of so many skinks, it is a continuous trap. The reptiles
get stuck in those plastics and lead to the death of skinks and lizards.
52

_
c
0
Survey results
Methods of sampling
Mauritius has a total population size estimated to 1.2 million of people. The sample size to conduct the survey has been calculated using the
total population of the island with a confidence interval of three and a confidence level of 95%. A total of 1119 questionnaire surveys were
carried out in the district of Grand-Port that amply covers the initial sample population of 1057, amongst which 5 surveys were incomplete and
1114 complete. 10 villages were selected as survey sites as a representative of the district.
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Suburb of Mahebourg 82 7.4%
LEscalier 44 3.9%
Plaine magnien 183 16.4%
bar_c0
Totals 1114 100.0%
Mahebourg 172 15.4%
bar_c
Rose Belle 148 13.3%
b
Bambou Virieux 116 10.4%
Old Grand Port 110 9.9%
Nouvelle France 91 8.2%
Riv des Creoles 85 7.6%
New Grove 83 7.5%
Table 4 : Name of village where survey was conducted
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The questionnaires were designed to obtain information on the knowledge, attitude and behavior of people towards the islets found in the bay
of Mahebourg. Moreover, media preferences to be used during the campaign, and the questionnaires were also based on the threat-ranking
analysis. The survey was also used to identify the Flagship species that will help carry the message to the Mauritian people.
Data were collected by volunteers from the National Youth Achievement Award and from fundraiser, monitored by MWF staff who worked on a
daily basis rotation under the close supervision of the Campaign Manager. Reasonable transport and meal allowances were provided. The
volunteers were trained by the Campaign Manager before they started conducting the surveys.
The data were then entered and analyzed using the Survey Pro® software.
Gender of respondents:
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
MALE 596 53.5%
bar_c0.gif
FEMALE 519 46.5%
bar_c0.gif
Table 6 : Gender of respondents
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.gi
f
_
c
0
Q3: How old were you at your last birthday?
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
16-20 282 25.2%
bar_c0.gif
21-25 195 17.4%
bar_c0.gi
31-40 166 14.8%
bar
41-50 164 14.7%
ba
26-30 151 13.5%
b
51-60 113 10.1%
61>et plus 48 4.3%
Totals 1119 100.0%
Table 7 : Age of respondents
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This is a simple analysis of the most important information and data generated from the questionnaire survey
Population data
Out of the people who answered the questionnaire (n=1119) 53.5% where male and 46.5% were female. 97.3% (n=1097; Q1) of respondents live
in the District of Grand-Port. The dominant religion in the District of Grand-Port is Hinduism 39.2% (n=1119; Q6) and Roman Catholic 37%.
Sources of information and trustworthy sources (Q7 to Q17)
The sources of Information on the environment which people find very trustworthy or trustworthy are radio 87% of the total population
(n=1119; Q7) ; TV 82% (n= 1119); Newspaper 77% (n=1118); friends and family 80% (n=1118); teachers 76% (n=1119).
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Q7a: Person on the radio
Person on the radio
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
Somewhat trustworthy 531 47.5%
bar_c0.gif
Very trustworthy 404 36.1%
bar_c0.gif
Not trustworthy 119 10.6%
Not sure/Don't know 65 5.8%
Table 8 : Level of trust of respondents towards a person on the radio
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Religious leaders are considered trustworthy or very trustworthy by 55% of the population (n=1119), however 27% say it not a trustworthy
source. Further ‘Local Community leaders’ and ‘Government environment officials’ are not considered trustworthy by 47% (n=1119) and 42%
(n=1118) respectively.
Preferred TV channel is MBC1, followed by MBC3. Preferred newspapers are in order of preference 5-Plus, L’Express, Le Defi and the Week-end.
Amongst primary users (fisherman and skippers n=69) the preferred source of information about the environment is the radio (60%, n= 69),
followed by TV (19%) and newspaper 12%. Preferred radio stations are Radio Plus followed by MBC radio. Preferred radio listening times during
the week are 6-7am, 4-6pm, 8-9am, Preferred radio programmes are local music and information. Further the following sources are considered a
trustworthy or very trustworthy source of information on the environment: radio by 84% of this target audience (n=69); tv by 81% (n=69);
newspaper by 73% (n=69); family and friends by 75% (n= ); village council by 60% (although 32% do not believe this is a trustworthy source);
government officials by 51% (although again 30% do not believe this is a trustworthy source); NGO by 56% and religious leaders 55% (again both
sources are not considered a trustworthy source by 30% of the target audience); teachers by 54%. Preferred TV stations are MBC1 followed by
MBC3. Preferred newspapers are in order of preference 5-Plus, L’Express, Le Defi, and le Week-end.
Amongst recreational users (n= 545) the preferred sources of information are radio 45%, TV 32%, newspaper 32%. Radio is considered very
trustworthy or trustworthy by 84% of recreational users. Their preferred radio stations (Q13) are first of all Radio Plus followed by Radio One
and radio MBC (30%). Preferred listening time to Radio Plus and Radio One amongst this target audience from Monday to Friday is (in order of
preference) 6-7am, 4-6pm, 7-8am, 6pm to midnight. During the week-end it is: 8-9am, 7-8am, 4-6pm, 9am to 4pm. Preferred radio
programmes for recreational users that listen to Radio Plus and Radio One are local music and information. Preferred TV channels are MBC1
followed by MBC3. Preferred newspapers are in order of preference 5-Plus, L’Express, Le Defi and the Week-end.
Knowledge
General
71% (n= 1119, Q19) of respondents do not know what is meant by an endemic plant or animal. Only 5% (n=1119; Q19a) can name 3 endemic
plants or animals. 80% (n=1119; Q20) of respondents know that there are reptiles on the islet and 63% (n=1118; Q20a) think that there are some
reptiles that are becoming rare and are on the verge of extinction.
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Among 4 lizards named (A= Telfair skink, B= Bouton skink, C= ornate day gecko and D= Bojer skink) shown to the interviewee, C has been
recognized as one they have seen before by 82.7% (n=1119; Q21). On the other hand only 34% (n=1096; Q21c) of the interviewee could properly
name the ornate day gecko.
Only 54 % (n=1119; Q23a) of the respondents could accurately say what a nature reserve is. Moreover 48% (1119; Q23d) of the interviewees
know that some islets found in the bay of Mahebourg are nature reserve. Indeed, 52% (n=1119; Q23g) of the population thinks that it is legal to
visit nature reserve (protected areas). 22% (n=1119; Q23h) think that there is a penalty for visiting protected areas.
32% (n=1119; 23e) know that there are some special rules that apply to the islets but only 8.5% (n=1117; Q23f) can name lighting of fire or
dumping, polluting or camping as illegal activities.
18% (n=1119 ;Q24b) of the interviewee heard of a reptile’s restoration program
Primary users
73% (n= 1119, Q19) of respondents do not know what is meant by an endemic plant or animal. 6% (n=1119; Q19a) can name 3 endemic plants
or animals. 83% (n=1119; Q20) of respondents know that there are reptiles on the islet and 65% (n=1118; Q20a) think that there are some
reptiles that are becoming rare and are on the verge of extinction.
Among 4 lizards named (A= Telfair skink, B= Bouton skink, C= ornate day gecko and D= Bojer skink) shown to the interviewee, C has been
recognized as one they have seen before by 84% (n=1119; Q21). On the other hand only 49% (n=1096; Q21c) of the interviewee could properly
name the ornate day gecko.
Only 51 % (n=1119; Q23a) of the respondents could accurately say what a nature reserve is. Moreover 68% (1119; Q23d) of the interviewees
know that some islets found in the bay of Mahebourg are nature reserve. Indeed, 49% (n=1119; Q23g) of the population thinks that it is legal to
visit nature reserve (protected areas). 26% (n=1119; Q23h) think that there is a penalty for visiting protected areas.
30% (n=1119; 23e) know that there are some special rules that apply to the islets but only 15% (n=1117; Q23f) can name lighting of fire or
dumping, polluting or camping as illegal activities.
23% (n=1119 ;Q24b) of the interviewee heard of a reptile’s restoration program
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Recreational user
Indeed 68% (n= 1119, Q19) of respondents do not know what is meant by an endemic plant or animal. 7% (n=1119; Q19a) can name 3 endemic
plants or animals. 88% (n=1119; Q20) of respondents know that there are reptiles on the islet and 69% (n=1118; Q20a) think that there are some
reptiles that are becoming rare and are on the verge of extinction.
Among 4 lizards named (A= Telfair skink, B= Bouton skink, C= ornate day gecko and D= Bojer skink) shown to the interviewee, C has been
recognized as one they have seen before by 86% (n=1119; Q21). On the other hand only 40% (n=1096; Q21c) of the interviewee could properly
name the ornate day gecko.
Only 62 % (n=1119; Q23a) of the respondents could accurately say what a nature reserve is. Moreover 60% (1119; Q23d) of the interviewees
know that some islets found in the bay of Mahebourg are nature reserve. Indeed, 54% (n=1119; Q23g) of the population thinks that it is legal to
visit nature reserve (protected areas). 26% (n=1119; Q23h) think that there is a penalty for visiting protected areas.
38% (n=1119; 23e) know that there are some special rules that apply to the islets but only 11% (n=1117; Q23f) can name lighting of fire or
dumping, polluting or camping as illegal activities.
21% (n=1119 ;Q24b) of the interviewee heard of a reptile’s restoration program
Attitude
General public
Question 18 (c): The majority, 40.2% of respondents, can not think of an answer when asked what comes to their mind when they think of the
islets.
97% (n=1119; Q25a) respondents strongly agree or agree that littering and dumping should be illegal while 94% (n=1119; Q25b) respondents
would like to find out more about the rules and regulations that apply to the islets, 72% (n=1119; Q25c) strongly agree or agree that it should be
illegal to picnic on islets where you can find endangered animals and plants. 82% (n=1119; Q25d) agree or strongly agree that it should be illegal
to make barbecues and light fires on islets where you can find endangered animals and plants. At the same time 85% (n=1119; Q25e) say that
there is a need for more designated barbecue areas.
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Further 57% (n=1119; Q26a) say it is important to them that people of the district of Grand-Port can continue picnicking on some of the islets
and 91% (n=1119; Q26d) say that making sure that endangered plants and animals can continue to survive on the islets is important to them.
90% (n=1119; Q26c) say that it is important to them that people are stopped from cutting down trees/bushes/grass on Ile aux Vacoas, Ile aux
Marianne and Ile aux Aigrettes.
In the past month 19% (n=1118; Q28a) have talked about the islets with somebody in their close family; 16% (n=1118; Q28b) with someone in
their extended family; 22% (n=1096; Q28c) with friends and neighbors; 6% (n=1118; Q28d) with a community leader, politician or priest.
Primary users
94% (n=69; Q25a) respondents strongly agree or agree that littering and dumping should be illegal while 96% (n=69; Q25b) respondents would
like to find out more about the rules and regulations that apply to the islets, 61% (n=69; Q25c) strongly agree or agree that it should be illegal to
picnic on islets where you can find endangered animals and plants. 77% (n=69; Q25d) agree or strongly agree that it should be illegal to make
barbecues and light fires on islets where you can find endangered animals and plants. At the same time 83% (n=69; Q25e) say that there is a
need for more designated barbecue areas.
Further 59% (n=69; Q26a) say it is important to them that people of the district of Grand-Port can continue picnicking on some of the islets and
94% (n=69; Q26d) say that making sure that endangered plants and animals can continue to survive on the islets is important to them. 88%
(n=69; Q26c) say that it is important to them that people are stopped from cutting down trees/bushes/grass on Ile aux Vacoas, Ile aux Marianne
and Ile aux Aigrettes.
In the past month 35% (n=69 ;Q28a) have talked about the islets with somebody in their close family; 27% (n=69;Q28b) with someone in their
extended family; 42% (n=68; Q28c) with friends and neighbors; 16% (n=69 ;Q28d) with a community leader, politician or priest.
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Recreational users
97% (n=545; Q25a) respondents strongly agree or agree that littering and dumping should be illegal while 96% (n=545; Q25b) respondents
would like to find out more about the rules and regulations that apply to the islets, 70% (n=545; Q25c) strongly agree or agree that it should be
illegal to picnic on islets where you can find endangered animals and plants. 80% (n=; Q25d) agree or strongly agree that it should be illegal to
make barbecues and light fires on islets where you can find endangered animals and plants. At the same time 83% (n=545; Q25e) say that there
is a need for more designated barbecue areas.
Further 60% (n=; Q26a) say it is important to them that people of the district of Grand-Port can continue picnicking on some of the islets and
94% (n=545; Q26d) say that making sure that endangered plants and animals can continue to survive on the islets is important to them. 91%
(n=545; Q26c) say that it is important to them that people are stopped from cutting down trees/bushes/grass on Ile aux Vacoas, Ile aux
Marianne and Ile aux Aigrettes.
In the past month 21% (n=545 ;Q28a) have talked about the islets with somebody in their close family; 19% (n=545;Q28b) with someone in
their extended family; 25% (n=545; Q28c) with friends and neighbors; 7% (n=545 ;Q28d) with a community leader, politician or priest.
Behaviour
General public
49% (n=1116; Q18c) of people have visited one of the islets in the past. 34% (n=1118, Q18e) of people name picnicking as an activity they have
done on the islets when they visited. 8.1% name barbecuing; 5.7% name camping.
18% (n=1119; Q24a) have heard of someone picnicking on one of the protected islets (Ilot Vacoas, Ile aux Marianne, Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile de la
Passe)
22% (n=1118; Q27a) of people would find it easy to report somebody from their village who illegally picnicked on a protected area.
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If going for a barbecue on the islets, 71% (n=1118; Q27b) of this target audience would find it easy to barbecue in a designated area only.
18% (n=1118; Q27c) would find it easy to stop visiting the inland of the islets and only visit the beach.
Primary users
86% (n=69; Q18c) of primary users have visited one of the islets in the past. 39% (n=69, Q18e) of respondents name picnicking as an activity they
have done on the islets when they visited. 48% name relaxing; 21% name barbecuing; 26% name swimming; 30% name fishing and only 3%
name camping.
With regards to activities the target audience can further be differentiated into skippers and fisherman. For fisherman 15% (n=53; Q18e)name
barbecuing as one of the activities they do on the islets, 52% name relaxing, 40% name picnicking, 20% name swimming and 23% name fishing
and 3.8% name camping. In comparison so 44% (n=16; Q18e) of skippers name barbecuing, 69% name relaxing; 37% name picnicking, 44% name
swimming, 56% name fishing.
50% (n=545; Q24a) have heard of someone picnicking on one of the protected islets (Ilot Vacoas, Ile aux Marianne, Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile de la
Passe)
22% (n=69; Q27a) of primary users visitors would find it easy to report somebody from their village who illegally picnicked on a protected area.
If going for a barbecue on the islets, 58% (n=69; Q27b) of this target audience would find it easy to only barbecue in a designated site
12% (n=69; Q27c) would find it easy to stop visiting the inland of the islets and only visit the beach.
Recreational users
44% (n=545, Q18e) of respondents name picnicking as an activity they have done on the islets when they visited. 33% name relaxing; 11% name
barbecuing; 22% name swimming; 15% name fishing and only 8% name camping.
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25% (n=545; Q24a) have heard of someone picnicking on one of the protected islets (Ilot Vacoas, Ile aux Marianne, Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile de la
Passe)
23% (n=545; Q27a) of recreational visitors would find it easy to report somebody from their village who illegally picnicked on a protected area.
If going for a barbecue on the islets, 71% (n=545; Q27b) of this target audience would find it easy to only barbecue in a designated area.
17% (n=545; Q27c) would find it easy to stop visiting the inland of the islets and only visit the beach.
Profile of target audiences
The Primary target audience, named the Islet users are namely skippers, boat users, boat owners and fishermen are people working on the
target site.
The Secondary target audiences, known as the Mauritian Recreational visitors are local people visiting the islets.
Tertiary target audience, identified as the Foreign tourists are foreigners visiting Mauritius and its islets.
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5. Pride Campaign developments
Revised Conceptual Model
The revised Concept Model clarifies the first concept model in the sense that some indirect factors has proved to be direct factors and are more
interlinked with the others. If we take into consideration the target condition; it was originally focus on the ‘Terrestrial habitat of the south-east
coast of Grand-Port’. It has been changed to the project scope named ‘Terrestrial habitat of the islets of Mahebourg’, thus specifying the exact
location of the target condition, found in the district of Grand-Port but revised to the islets found in the village of Mahebourg. Furthermore, the
project scope has been extended and classified to; the coastal lowland forest, the native birds, the rocky habitat of reptiles and the native
reptiles. In doing so, we have a clearer concept of which threats is affecting a specific component of the project scope.
In addition, the campaign manager and Rare course manager decided that the insufficient restoration program should be a direct fator to the
project scope as not only this factor affect the habitat quality through competition of invasives but also it is an immediate menace to the native
reptiles and birds.
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Figure 11: Revised concept model
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Flagship species
Figure 10: Flagship Species the Phelsuma ornata
Common names: Ornate day gecko, Vinson's gecko, Lézard couleur,
Lézard vert
Taxonomic name: Phelsuma ornata
Status: Endemic
Distribution: Coastal and lowland Mauritius, except the central south coast. Also found on Round Island, Flat Island, Gabriel Island, Gunners
Quoin, Ile d'Ambre, Ile de l'Est, Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Singes, Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile des Deux Cocos, Ilot Fourneau and Ile aux Benitiers.
Description: A medium sized gecko; average 10cm total length. Coloration greenish-brown to bluish/turquoise-green with a row of paired
red spots down the back bordered by longitudinal red lines or a row of spots. The original tail of adults has thin dorsal red bands. Adult
males are brighter than females and their tails are typically a bright turquoise blue. They have a broad dark greyish to brown/black stripe
bordered above and below with a white stripe that runs from behind the eye through the ear to the forelegs. The head is marked with a
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distinctive red “T” shape of various widths, which runs from between to in front of the eyes. The underside of the body is pale creamy-white
and can be bright yellow particularly around the vent of adult males. When cold or stressed they become darker in color. Juveniles have
the same patterns as the adults, but are generally browner in color.
Identification from similar species: Only likely to be confused with Phelsuma cepediana, although distinguishing by the broad, dark greyish
to brown/black stripe bordered above and below by white stripes behind the eye (but see description of northern and eastern populations
of Phelsuma cepediana), the paler white to yellow underside, red “T” shape on the head and red tail bands.
Characteristics: Males are larger than females. Females deposit two eggs, which are glued into position and are often laid in communal
nesting sites within rocky crevices, cavities and coves, but also on sheltered vegetation and in tree cavities. An arboreal lizard with clawless
lobed toe-pads. Prefers mature native coastal/lowland vegetation, particularly Pandanus and palms, but can also be found in open rocky
habitats and on buildings in coastal urban areas. They are predominantly diurnal, although can also be found foraging at night, particularly
around electric light sources. They feed mostly upon invertebrates, but will also consume fruit, nectar, tree resin and other smaller geckos.
They are also occasionally cannibalistic.
Charismatics: The red, blue, yellow and green colour present on the ornate day gecko matches the colour of the Mauritian flag. Phelsuma’s
can generally be seen in the backyard trees, especially on banana tree and palm trees. Mauritian identifies them as “lezard vert” or “lizard
couleur”. Amongst the endemic reptiles of Mauritius, Phelsuma’s are the most recognizable and known lizard by Mauritian. They also
important for the dispersal of seeds and pollination of plants and thus is a key stone species in the ecosystem of the island.
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Barrier removal partners
The National Parks and Conservation Services (NPCS) manage Ile aux Fouquets and Ilot Vacoas Islet National Park while The National
Heritage Trust under the Ministry of Arts and Culture controls Ile de la Passe. On the other hand the forestry department under the
Ministry of Housing is responsible for Ile aux Mariannes, Ile aux Chats and Ile aux Singes. There is no entity in the government
directly in charge of neither the islets nor the enforcement of the laws regarding them.
Furthermore the NPCS is the department of the authorities which is highly involved in terrestrial biodiversity conservation. The
campaign aims at changing the behavior of people towards the islets found in the bay of Mahebourg. A code of conduct will be
designed with the help of NPCS for the primary users of these islets with a view to guiding them towards behaviours and actions
while visiting the islets.
The litter disposal of the islet is controlled by the District Council of Grand-Port and a strategy must be put forward to create litter
collection point on the coast of the district.
The scientists of the Darwin’s Initiative Program are the campaign’s expertise on the reptiles of Mauritius. They will help us to
monitor and follow up the reptiles found in the target site.
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Understanding the audience
The questionnaire survey conducted in the district of Grand-Port by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation shows us the Knowledge, Attitude,
Practice as well as principle sources of information and media preferences of the residents of the district towards the – ‘Terrestrial coastal
habitat of south east Mauritius, focusing on the islets of the bay of Mahebourg’—our audience. Moreover, the survey has measured the
perception of excess human activities on the reptiles found on these islets. Indeed the Target audience has been simplified to a “primary
audience” comprising of fishermen and skippers and will be commonly named “islet users”. On the other hand the “secondary audience” is
mainly the “Recreational visitors” of the district of Grand-Port. The “foreign tourists” visiting the islets are identified as the tertiary audience
while the “school children” are known to be the fourth target described as a peripheral audience.
All this information will be used to create our main objectives, generating the key messages that will be focused on during the campaign.
The surveys’ result gives us an analysed view of our target audience’s perception and is illustrated as follows:
PRIMARY AUDIENCE : ISLET USERS
What do we know
about this group?
During the past decade, the tourism industry has become the main economic pillar of Mauritius. Islets as well as coastal
regions are highly visited by local people and foreigners. Indeed, a boost of skippers and independent tour operators
has been identified. The islet users composed of fishermen and boatmen who currently live and work in the district of
Grand-Port tend to be active adult between 26-50 years old. This target audience does more barbecue and open fires
on the islets through their organised tours for tourists. This menace has an immediate impact on the reptiles prevailing
on the islets, due to the fire generated. In contrario, fishermen visit the islets with their family and friends, and tend to
picnick more rather than barbecue. In terms of activity surveys conducted in the district of Grand-Port show that
majority of respondents have a restricted level of education; primary school. Nevertheless this segment is aware that
reptiles live on these islets but only half of the segment could name the reptiles. On the other hand the concept of
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endemic species is hardly known among this segment. The primary audience is identified as being in the beginning of
the contemplation stage when it comes to their behavioural changes needed to protect the endangered species and
habitat of the islets found in the bay of Mahebourg in the district of Grand-Port.
Knowledge
Attitude
Practice
Trusted sources
Media sources
Though the islet users not only know that reptiles are present on the islets (83%) but also that these reptiles are
becoming rare (66%). Only half of this segment (50%) could name one of the reptiles. Moreover (69%) could not define
the term ‘nature reserve’. Regarding awareness of protected islets declared as nature reserve only (54%) of this
segment could accurately say what a nature reserve is.
Perception upon making sure that endangered plants and animals can continue to survive on islets (94%).The audience
agrees that littering should be illegal (94%). While (62%) agrees that it should be illegal to picnick on the islets where
we can find endangered plants and animals. (50%) is neither not sure nor trust the government.
Amongst our primary audience only (40%) talked about the islets found in the bay of Mahebourg with their friends and
neighbours.
Very respectful and highly trusting of radio, newspapers and television. Target population likes to listen to local music
and news.
58% of our target audience listen to radio and preferred listening time is 4pm to 6 pm and 9am to 4 pm while ‘Radioplus’
is the preferred station for music and news. Newspapers the most read are ‘5-plus’ and ‘ Le Defi’.
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SECONDARY AUDIENCE : MAURITIAN RECREATIONAL VISITORS
What do we know
about this group?
The offshore islets of Mauritius are recreational places for Mauritians and have been developed to a traditional visit.
The survey conducted in the district of Grand-Port shows that half of the interviewee has visited an islet found in the
target site. This segment has been categorised as ‘recreational visitors’. They are members of the population from 16
to 60 years old with a level of education up to the secondary school.
The recreational visitors of the islets comprises of two profiles:
1. Local visitors: It is part of the Mauritian tradition to on the beach during week-end and holidays. The main
activity appreciated on the islets is pickinicking. The outings are usually lead by the local boat owners;
primarily by local fishermen who acts as proxy for local recreational visits on the islets.
2. Foreign tourists: They are generally influenced by hotels and tour operators proposing tourists different
organized trips and excursion on the islets.
Nevertheless this segment is aware that reptiles live on the islets and only 40% could properly name one reptile. As a
matter of fact, endemism is nearly unknown amongst this audience. This segment appears to be at an early phase of
contemplation when it comes to behavioural changes needed to protect the endangered species and habitat of the
islets found in the bay of Mahebourg.
Knowledge
A high percentage, 89% of the recreational visitors know that reptiles are present on the islet. Not only 40% of this
segment could properly name a reptile but also 62% of respondents could accurately say what a nature reserve is.
Attitude
Practice
Perception upon making sure that endangered plants and animals can continue to survive on islets (92%).The
audience agrees that littering should be illegal (98%). While (70%) agrees that it should be illegal to picnick on the
islets where we can find endangered plants and animals. (47%) is neither not sure nor trust the government.
Amongst our primary audience only (25%) talked about the islets found in the bay of Mahebourg with their friends
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and neighbours.
Trusted sources
Media sources
Very respectful and highly trusting of radio, newspapers and television. Target population likes to listen to local music
and news.
58% of our target audience listens to radio and preferred listening time is 6 am to 8 am and 4 pm to 6 pm while
‘Radio-plus’ is the preferred station for music and news. Newspapers the most read are ‘5-plus’ and ‘ L’Express’.
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TERTIARY AUDIENCE : FOREIGN TOURISTS
What do we know
about this group?
The offshore islets of Mauritius are recreational places for Foreign tourist. They are generally influenced by hotels and
tour operators proposing tourists different organized trips and excursion on the islets.
Foreign tourists are the tertiary audience. It is a separate channel from the primary and secondary audience. The
campaign will analyse the practices of the foreign tourists.
Knowledge -
Attitude -
Practice
Their practices will be assessed through monthly census and surveys and will be analysed at the end of the campaign.
Trusted sources -
Media sources -
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Other AUDIENCE : School children
What do we know
about this group?
Knowledge
The school children are students from primary to secondary schools.
They are taught the basics of conservation and some birds and plant species in primary school.
Attitude -
Practice -
Trusted sources -
Media sources -
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Figure 12: Result chain of the Primary Audience
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Figure 13: Result chain of Secondary Audience
77

Figure 14: Result chain of Tertiary Audience
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Figure 15: Result chain of other Audience, School children
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Overall goal, Objective themes and SMART objectives
Objective theme 1 – Increase people’s knowledge about Mauritian biodiversity on the islets
Target Audience - Islets visitors (primary audience, recreational visitors, foreign tourists), general public
SMART OB1 – By April 2009 the number of people from the District of Grand Port who think that there are some reptiles on the islets that are in
danger of disappearing goes up from 63% to 85% (n=1118, Q20a)
SMART OB2 – By April 2009 the number of people from the District of Grand Port who can name the ornate day gecko when shown a picture
goes up from 34% to 60% (n=1096, Q21c).
SMART OB3 - By April 2009 the number of primary users (fisherman and skippers) who can name 3 endemic species found on the islets goes up
from 6% to 25% (n=545, Q19a)
SMART OB4 - By April 2009 the number of recreational users who can name 3 endemic species found on the islets in the Bay of Mahebourg goes
up from 7% to 30% (n=545, Q19a)
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SMART OB5 - By April 2009 the number of primary users who know what an endemic species is goes up from 27% to 50% (n=69, Q23d)
SMART OB6 - By April 2009 the number of recreational users who know what an endemic species is goes up goes up from 32% to 55% (n=545,
Q23d)
Objective theme 2 - Stop littering on islets
Target Audience - Islets visitors (primary audience, recreational visitors)
SMART OB7 – By April 2009 out of the local people visiting Ile aux Fouquet the % of people littering will have gone down from X (in July, August,
September) to Y (Y=X-20%X) in December, January, February)
SMART OB8 - By April 2009 out of the foreign tourists visiting Ile aux Fouquet the % of people littering will have gone down from X (in July,
August, September) to Y in December, January, February)
SMART OB9 - By April 2009 the number of bags collected on Ilot Vacoas, Ile aux Fouquet and Ile aux Marianne by NPCS and on Ile aux Fouquet (
by the National Heritage Trust) will have declines from 10 bags/month to 2 bags per month
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SMART OB10 - By April 2009 the number of recreational users who name dumping, littering or pollution as illegal activities on the islets will have
gone up from 6.6 % (n=545; Q23f) to 25%
.
SMART OB11- By April 2009 the number of primary users (skippers and fisherman) who name dumping, littering or pollution as illegal activities
on the islets will have gone up from 9.9 % (n=69; Q23f) to 30%
SMART OB12 In relation to disposal of litter from the islets in an environmentally friendly and viable way for the skippers a SMART OBJECTIVE to
measure whether this has been attained by February 2009 is to be determined by August 2008.
Objective theme 3 – Stop open fire on islets
Target Audience : Islets visitors (primary audience, recreational visitors)
SMART OB13 - By April 2009 the number of recreational users who name lighting of fires as illegal activities on the islets will have gone up from
9.4 % (n=545; Q23f) to 30%
.
SMART OB14 - By April 2009 the number of primary users who name lighting of fires as illegal activities on the islets will have gone up from 5.6%
(n=69; Q23f) to 25%
SMART OB15 - By April 2009 out of the local people visiting Ile aux Fouquet the % of people doing illegal activities associated with barbecuing
(open fires, moving of stones, disposal of hot charcoal and oil on the islet) will have gone down from X (in July, August, September) to Y (Y=X-
20%X) in December, January, February)
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SMART OB16 - By April 2009 out of the boats with foreign tourists visiting Ile aux Fouquet the % of boats where the skipper is doing illegal
activities associated with barbecuing (open fires, moving of stones, disposal of hot charcoal and oil on the islet) will have gone down from X (in
July, August, September) to Y in December, January, February)
Objective theme 4 – Stop people going onto the nature reserves
Target Audience - Skippers and boat owners, recreational visitors and foreign tourists
SMART OB17- By April 2009 the percentage of primary users who name Ilot Vacoas as one of the islets which are already protected (nature
reserves) will go up from 1.4% (n=69, Q23D) to 20%
SMART OB18- By April 2009 the percentage of primary users who name Ile aux Marianne as on of the islets which are already protected (nature
reserves) will go up from 1.4% (n=69, Q23D) to 20%
SMART OB19- By April 2009 the percentage of recreational users who name Ilot Vacoas as on of the islets which are already protected (nature
reserves) will go up from 0.6% (n=545, Q23D) to 20%
SMART OB20- By April 2009 the percentage of recreational users who name Ile aux Marianne as on of the islets which are already protected
(nature reserves) will go up from 1.5% (n=545, Q23D) to 20%
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SMART OB21- By April 2009 the percentage of primary users who think it is legal to visit a nature reserve will go down from 49% to 25% (n=69;
Q23g)
SMART OB22- By April 2009 the percentage of recreational users who think it is legal to visit a nature reserve will go down from 54% to 34%
(n=545; Q23g)
SMART OB23- By April 2009 the percentage of primary users who find it easy to stop visiting the inland of the islets of Ile aux Vacoas, Ile aux
Marianne and only visit the beach will go up from 12% (n=69; Q27c) to 30%.
SMART OB24- By April 2009 the percentage of recreational users who find it easy to stop visiting the inland of the islets of Ile aux Vacoas, Ile aux
Marianne and only visit the beach would go up from 17% (n=545; Q27c) to 35%.
SMART OB25 - By April 2008 have appropriate signage placed on Ilot Vacoas, Ile aux Marianne, Ile aux Fouquet, Ile aux Chat, Ile aux Singes, Ile de
la Passe (in co-operation with NHT, NPCS).
Objective theme 5 – To have long term conservation impact on the endemic and native reptiles found on the islets in the Bay of Mahebourg
By April 2009, disturbances are reduced sufficiently to permit the survival of the translocated population of the Ilot Vacoas Bojer’s skink the by
recording the difference in population estimate of the number of the Ilot Vacoas Bojer’s skink Gongylomorphus bojerii sp. on Ilot Vacoas and on
Ile aux Fouquets.
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Key
OT
OT1
OT 2
OT 3
OT 4
OT 5
Objective theme
Increase people’s knowledge about Mauritian biodiversity on the islets
Stop littering on islets
Stop open fire on islets
Stop people going onto the nature reserves
To have long term conservation impact on the endemic and native reptiles found on the islets in the Bay of Mahebourg
List of Activities OT 1 OT 2 OT 3 OT 4 OT 5
Workshop X X X X X
Radio Plus Quiz X X X X
Song competition X X X X X
Gecko day X X X
Regatta day
X
Gecko presentation in schools X X X X X
Articles in tourists magazines X X X
Table 9: Activities that will fulfil the objective themes
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Fact sheet (laminated) X X X X X
Tv program X X X X X
Signage on islands X X X X X
National roller tour
X
Creation of additional web-page on MWF website X X X X
Puppet show X X X X
Table 9: Activities that will fulfil the objective themes
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Key Messages
Know:
Mauritius is home to some very special reptiles found nowhere else in the world
Endemic means which live in a place/country and nowhere else in the world
Reptiles used to be widespread but have been rapidly disappearing and are now only left on a few small islets in the Bay of Mahebourg
The main threats to the reptiles are the unwanted side effects of recreational activities
The goal of the campaign is to reduce the threats that influence the endangered reptiles of South East Mauritius
Think:
The reptiles of Mauritius are our national heritage
The reptiles are attractive animals
Together we can protect them for the future of our children
Celebrating the skippers for their good after following the code of conduct
Do
Together we can save our reptiles. It’s easy, we have to follow 3 simple rules when visiting the islets:
1. Take rubbish back home!
2. Use only mobile barbecue sets!
3. Check boat for invasive species!
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Campaign activities
Activity #1
Channel:
Workshop
Training
Key Messages
STRATEGIES AND TACTICS
The primary audience will get free training form the MWF on wildlife. This training will be a
positive asset for their business and they will gain the knowledge of the reptiles’ habitat and
the threats affecting them.
They will know that:
Mauritius is home to some very special reptiles found nowhere else in the world
Vehicle:
Meeting
Endemic means which live in a place/country and nowhere else in the world
Reptiles used to be widespread but have been rapidly disappearing and are now only
left on a few small islets in the Bay of Mahebourg
The main threats to the reptiles are the unwanted side effects of recreational
activities
The goal of the campaign is to reduce the threats that influence the endangered
reptiles of South East Mauritius
They will think that:
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The reptiles of Mauritius are our national heritage
The reptiles are attractive animals
Together we can protect them for the future of our children
Celebrating the skippers for their good after following the code of conduct
They will implement:
Together we can save our reptiles. It’s easy, we have to follow 3 simple rules when
visiting the islets:
1. Take rubbish back home!
2. Use only mobile barbecue sets!
3. Check boat for invasive species!
Why doing this task?
A workshop is a key to initiate the target audience on conservation issues prevailing in their
area. The islet users (skippers, boat users, boat owners and fishermen) working in the district
of Grand-Port will be given presentations on the endangered reptiles of the target site. Most
of them are literate, mobile and generally supportive of the environmental issues but they are
unaware of the adverse effects of open fire and barbecue on native wildlife. Moreover, one of
the main aims of the workshop is to encourage the islet users to write a ‘code of conduct’
from the knowledge they have been acquiring during the training.
How will the activity
be delivered?
Who will be in charge
of this activity?
In form of meeting and also site visit to the islets
The campaign manager as well as Mauritian Wildlife staff
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Who will be the target
audience?
When will this take
place?
Pre-requisites
Assumptions
Some commercial boat owners and skippers .The average number of skippers that will be
invited is 30.
In October in 3 sessions. The first and second session will be the theoretical part of the
workshop. It is a 2 hour session with food and transport facilities are included. The third
session will be focus on the practical part of the workshops, visiting Ile aux Aigrettes and be
able to discover conservation work.
Reptile’s living specimen will be shown to the audience by scientists working with the Darwin’s
Initiative Program. The venue, brochure, certificates. They will also receive caps and bracelet
and the flagship species mascot will be introduced to them.
They will learn more about the importance of the reptiles and the islets for the benefit of the
ecosystem of their country. Moreover they will be pride of the islets and will follow the code
of conduct, thus the endangered reptiles will live safely in their habitat.
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Activity #2
Channel:
Information
Vehicle:
Radio Plus
Quiz
Key Messages
STRATEGIES AND TACTICS
Mauritius is home to some very special reptiles found nowhere else in the world
The main threats to the reptiles are the unwanted side effects of recreational activities
The reptiles of Mauritius are our national heritage
The reptiles are attractive animals and together we can protect them for the future of our
children
Save our reptiles. It’s easy, we have to follow 3 simple rules when visiting the islets:
1. Take rubbish back home!
2. Use only mobile barbecue sets!
3. Check boat for invasive species
There is a code of conduct and that people can receive it from MWF if they need information
or it will be available at Blue Bay information centre
Why doing this task?
How will the activity
be delivered?
The information given on a regular basis and followed by a quiz will raise people’s interest in
listening to the radio and eventually get the message.
On a weekly basis or twice a month
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Who will be in charge
of this activity?
Who will be the target
audience?
When will this take
place?
Pre-requisites
The campaign manager and Radio Plus Radio Station
The general public
From November 2008, January-April 2009
Text to be read as information tool, gifts to be given for the quiz
Assumptions
Through the information given on the radio and the quiz the audience will be aware of things
to do while visiting islets and they would put into practice the code of conduct diffused to
them.
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Activity #3
Key Messages
STRATEGIES AND TACTICS
They will know that:
Channel:
Song
creation
Vehicle:
Song
Mauritius is home to some very special reptiles found nowhere else in the world
Endemic means which live in a place/country and nowhere else in the world
Reptiles used to be widespread but have been rapidly disappearing and are now only
left on a few small islets in the Bay of Mahebourg
The main threats to the reptiles are the unwanted side effects of recreational
activities
The goal of the campaign is to reduce the threats that influence the endangered
reptiles of South East Mauritius
They will think that:
The reptiles of Mauritius are our national heritage
The reptiles are attractive animals
Together we can protect them for the future of our children
Celebrating the skippers for their good after following the code of conduct
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They will have to implement:
Save our reptiles. It’s easy, we have to follow 3 simple rules when visiting the islets:
1. Take rubbish back home!
2. Use only mobile barbecue sets!
3. Check boat for invasive species!
Why doing this task?
How will the activity
be delivered?
Who will be in charge
of this activity?
Who will be the target
audience?
When will this take
place?
Pre-requisites
Assumptions
A song is a first media tool to diffuse the message.
The song will be advertised on the radio and newspapers.
The campaign manager, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, Artists, Potential Sponsors
The general public
From end of September 2008 to end of December 2008
Text to be sent composer, inspiring them to create a song for the campaign
This song will explain the most significant information on the existence of Mauritian reptiles,
their names and locations (the islets). The threats affecting the species put forward in the
song will arouse the attention of people. They will be aware of the do’s and don’ts and they
will implement the code of conduct. As a matter of fact, the reptiles will be saved from human
94

threats.
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Activity #4
Key Messages
STRATEGIES AND TACTICS
They will know that:
Channel:
Gecko Day
Vehicle:
Open day
Mauritius is home to some very special reptiles found nowhere else in the world
Endemic means which live in a place/country and nowhere else in the world
Reptiles used to be widespread but have been rapidly disappearing and are now only
left on a few small islets in the Bay of Mahebourg
The main threats to the reptiles are the unwanted side effects of recreational
activities
The goal of the campaign is to reduce the threats that influence the endangered
reptiles of South East Mauritius
They will think that:
The reptiles of Mauritius are our national heritage
The reptiles are attractive animals
Together we can protect them for the future of our children
Celebrating the skippers for their good after following the code of conduct
They will implement:
96

Together we can save our reptiles. It’s easy, we have to follow 3 simple rules when visiting the
islets:
1. Take rubbish back home!
2. Use only mobile barbecue sets!
3. Check boat for invasive species!
Why doing this task?
How will the activity
be delivered?
Who will be in charge
of this activity?
Who will be the target
audience?
When will this take
place?
Pre-requisites
Assumptions
To spread maximum messages in one day efficiently and effectively. The general public can
see and interact through workshop, games, reptile exhibition, presentation, fact sheets given
to the public
An open day
The campaign manager, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, the Darwin’s Initiative, the
National Parks and Conservation Services and local partners
The general public
February 2009
Permission from District Council and local authorities. Communication tool ( brochure, fact
sheet, stickers, tattoo, T-shirt, endemic plants, caps), puppet materials for puppet show, face
paint.
The audience present, a Diaspora of potential recreational visitors aw well as skippers and
boat users will move from a contemplation stage to a late preparation stage through the
messages spread on that day.
Potential recreational visitors will change in behavior while visiting the islets, saving the
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endangered reptiles living there. This event will have a long term impact on the protection of
the reptiles of Mauritius.
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Activity #5
Key Messages
STRATEGIES AND TACTICS
They will know that:
Channel:
Regatta day
Vehicle:
Open day
Mauritius is home to some very special reptiles found nowhere else in the world
Endemic means which live in a place/country and nowhere else in the world
Reptiles used to be widespread but have been rapidly disappearing and are now only
left on a few small islets in the Bay of Mahebourg
The main threats to the reptiles are the unwanted side effects of recreational
activities
The goal of the campaign is to reduce the threats that influence the endangered
reptiles of South East Mauritius
They will think that:
The reptiles of Mauritius are our national heritage
The reptiles are attractive animals
Together we can protect them for the future of our children
Celebrating the skippers for their good after following the code of conduct
They will implement:
99

They can save our reptiles. It’s easy, we have to follow 3 simple rules when visiting the islets:
1. Take rubbish back home!
2. Use only mobile barbecue sets!
3. Check boat for invasive species!
Why doing this task?
How will the activity
be delivered?
Who will be in charge
of this activity?
Who will be the target
audience?
When will this take
place?
Pre-requisites
Use the regatta day, en event organized every year where people are gathered and promote
the campaign during the day we will spread maximum messages in one day efficiently and
effectively. The general public can see and interact through games, reptile exhibition,
presentation, fact sheets given to the public.
A day
The campaign manager working with the organizers of the Regatta day, the MWF staff, the
Darwin’s Initiative staff
The general public
27 th , 28 th and 29 th of November 2008
A team of volunteers, Communication tool ( brochure, fact sheet, stickers, tattoo, T-shirt,
endemic plants, caps), puppet materials for puppet show, face paint.
Assumptions 1. The boat users, participants for this regatta are mostly people living in the district of
Grand-port, will gain more awareness of the mission of the campaign; attitude and
behavior change towards the islets found in the bay.
2. People on the mainland will have the opportunity to see living reptiles and scientific
explanations acquiring knowledge on the native species
100

3. Gecko tattoos will be offered and puppet shows on endemic endangered species of
Mauritius. The children will keep in mind the name of the species through the puppet
show, the tattoo, face painting. These children back home will talk about the species
with their relatives/family promoting more diffusion of the information.
4. Thus the audience present will but into practice what they have learned and the
endangered islet and reptiles will be saved from threats prevailing.
Activity #6
Key Messages
STRATEGIES AND TACTICS
They will know that:
Channel:
Gecko
presentation
in schools
Vehicle:
Open day
Mauritius is home to some very special reptiles found nowhere else in the world
Endemic means which live in a place/country and nowhere else in the world
Reptiles used to be widespread but have been rapidly disappearing and are now only
left on a few small islets in the Bay of Mahebourg
The main threats to the reptiles are the unwanted side effects of recreational
activities
The goal of the campaign is to reduce the threats that influence the endangered
reptiles of South East Mauritius
101

They will think that:
The reptiles of Mauritius are our national heritage
The reptiles are attractive animals
Together we can protect them for the future of our children
Celebrating the skippers for their good after following the code of conduct
They will implement:
Together we can save our reptiles. It’s easy, we have to follow 3 simple rules when visiting
the islets:
1. Take rubbish back home!
2. Use only mobile barbecue sets!
3. Check boat for invasive species!
Why doing this task?
How will the activity
be delivered?
Who will be in charge
of this activity?
Who will be the target
audience?
When will this take
place?
A presentation will enable children to have a first introduction of reptiles of Mauritius as it is
not present in their syllabus.
A 2 hour session per class in primary and secondary schools
The campaign manager and 1 MWF staff
Primary and secondary schools’ students
February-March 2009
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Pre-requisites
Permission from the Ministry of Education, and gifts (stickers or caps or pen)
Assumptions 1. The students will be aware of reptiles on the islets that are in danger of extinction
2. The effects of littering, barbecuing and open fires on the endangered species will be
known and might be reduced
3. The audience will collect and bring back the litter to mainland bins (if they visit the islets)
4. They will be aware of protected areas, nature reserve
5. The student will be proud of endemic reptiles they are part of the national heritage to
protect.
6. The reptiles of Mauritius will then be saved.
STRATEGIES AND TACTICS
Activity #7
Channel:
Articles in
Tourists
Magazines
Key Messages 1. Mauritius is home to some very special reptiles found nowhere else in the world
2. Reptiles used to be widespread but have been rapidly disappearing and are now only left
on a few small islets in the Bay of Mahebourg
3. The main threats to the reptiles are the unwanted side effects of recreational activities
Vehicle:
Open day
Why doing this task?
To promote the endangered species as well as there location to tourists.
103

How will the activity
be delivered?
Who will be in charge
of this activity?
Who will be the target
audience?
When will this take
place?
Pre-requisites
Assumptions
In tourist’s magazines
The campaign manager
The foreign tourists
January –March 2009
1 MWF staff, availability of magazines, designer to produce article
The foreign tourist will be aware of the endangered biodiversity of Mauritius through the
reptiles.
They will pay particular attention to the site where these species are found and the
designation of closed and open nature reserves before potentially visiting the islets.
The foreign tourists will be aware of the existence of endangered reptiles and will tend to
avoid misuse of barbecue sets during visits to islets. In addition they might further choose
open nature reserves for visits (rather than closed nature reserves)
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Activity #8
Channel:
Fact sheet
with map
Key Messages
STRATEGIES AND TACTICS
The code of conduct comprises of rules and regulations:
1. Take rubbish back home
2. Use only mobile barbecue sets
3. Check boat for invasive species
Vehicle:
Open day
Why doing this task?
How will the activity
be delivered?
Who will be in charge
of this activity?
Who will be the target
audience?
When will this take
place?
Pre-requisites
Assumptions
The creation of a fact sheet will be an easy and accessible tool created mainly for the primary
audience. This is a tactile and long term communication tool.
A handy waterproof fact sheet
The campaign manager, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, the Darwin’s Initiative and local
partners
The primary audience
December 2008
The MWF team, Darwin’s Initiative team , volunteers, the venue, Media
Through the fact sheet, the audience will have along term communication tool which will help
to protect the reptiles, thus saving them from extinction.
105

STRATEGIES AND TACTICS
Activity #9
Channel:
MBC tv
program
/MCA
Vehicle:
Open day
Key Messages
Why doing this task?
How will the activity
be delivered?
Who will be in charge
of this activity?
Who will be the target
audience?
When will this take
place?
Pre-requisites
Assumptions
To promote the impact of the threats
Television program on the local channels
The campaign manager, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, the Darwin’s Initiative and the
Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation / the Mauritius College of the Air
The general public
January - March 2009
The MWF team, Darwin Initiative team , volunteers, the venue, Media
The Tv program will show the threats affecting the endangered reptiles and their habitat and
the code of conduct to follow while visiting these areas. As a matter of fact, the potential
recreational visitors will change in behavior while visiting the islets following the rules and
regulations, protecting the reptiles of the islets. They will move from a late preparation stage
to action stage
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Activity #10
Channel:
Signage on
Islands
Vehicle:
Open day
Key Messages
Why doing this task?
How will the activity
be delivered?
Who will be in charge
of this activity?
Who will be the target
audience?
When will this take
place?
Pre-requisites
Assumptions
STRATEGIES AND TACTICS
The reptiles species found on the islets and the rules and regulations to respect while visiting
an islet.
To create awareness on the reptiles species and the islets future reference
To reinforce workshops, open days, presentation and media releases, to influence the
recreational visitors upon their behaviour while visiting the islets
To physically mark the islet site as open or closed reserve to aid the recreational visitors
By engaging the skippers themselves to set the signage
The campaign manager, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, the Darwin’s Initiative, the
National Parks and Conservation Services, the District Council and local partners
The general public
February 2009
The MWF team, Darwin’s Initiative team , volunteers, the venue, Media
The signage present on the islets will be read by the general population and will have an
immediate effect on the visitors of the island.
The audience present, a Diaspora of primary, secondary and tertiary audience will move from
a late preparation stage to action stage
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Activity #11
Channel:
National
Roller tour
Vehicle:
Open day
Key Messages
Why doing this task?
How will the activity
be delivered?
Who will be in charge
of this activity?
Who will be the target
audience?
When will this take
place?
Pre-requisites
Assumptions
STRATEGIES AND TACTICS
The flagship species, the Phelsuma ornata, and Mauritius as a Gecko island
To create awareness on the reptiles species and the islets future reference
To reinforce workshops, open days, presentation and media releases, to influence the
recreational visitors upon their behaviour while visiting the islets
A national roller tour will be organized and this event will promote Mauritius as a Gecko island
Conic limited, the campaign manager, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, the Darwin’s Initiative
The general public
April 2009
The MWF team, Darwin’s Initiative team , volunteers, communication tool (brochure, stickers,
caps, T-shirt, face paint), Local Radio, journalists, transport & food facilities.
108

Activity #12
Channel:
Gecko week
Vehicle:
Open day
Key Messages
Why doing this task?
How will the activity
be delivered?
Who will be in charge
of this activity?
Who will be the target
audience?
When will this take
place?
Pre-requisites
Assumptions
STRATEGIES AND TACTICS
The flagship species importance for the biodiversity of Mauritius
A final activity for the primary audience to remind them of their responsibilities
From boat to boat visiting the islets
The campaign manager, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation and chosen skippers
The primary audience
April 2009
The MWF team, skipper and volunteers
The flagship species present on the boat will interact with the visitors and the skippers
enabling a good mean of communication on saving the reptiles. The audience present will
change their behavior while visiting the islets, saving the reptiles from extinction.
109

Campaign timeline
Campaign Timeline Calendar
Key
Numbers 1, 2, 3, 4
and 5 represent
weekly schedule
per month
June 2008
1= 1 st - 8 th
2= 9 th -15 th
3=16 th -22 nd
4=23 rd -29 th July 2008
1=30 th June -6 th
2=7 th -1 st
3=14 th -20 th
4=21 st -27 th August 2008
1=28 th July-3 rd
2=4 th -10 th
3=11 th -17 th
4=18 th -24 th
5=25 th -31 st September 2008
1=1 st -7 th
2=8 th -14 th
3=15 th -21 st
4=22 nd -28 th October 2008
1=29 th Sep-5 th
2=6 th -12 th
3=13 th -19 th
4=20 th -26 th
5=27 th -2 nd November
November 2008 December 2008
1=3 rd -9 th
1=1st - 7th
2=10 th -16 th 2=8th - 14th
3=17 th -23 rd 3=15th - 21st
4=24 th -30 th 4=22nd - 28th
January 2009
1=29th December - 4th January
2=5th - 11th
3=12th - 18th
4=19th - 25th
5=26th - 1st February
February 2009
1=2nd - 8th
2=9th - 15th
3=16th - 22nd
4=23rd - 1st March
March 2009
1=2nd - 8th
2=9th - 15th
3=16th - 22nd
4=23rd - 29th
April 2009
1=30th March -5th
2=6th - 12th
3=13th-19th
4=20th-26th
5=27th - 3rd May
KEY
DONE
IN PROCESS
WILL BE DONE
COMPLETED
110

111

112

Budget allocation
113

114

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6. Theory of Change
The islets of the bay of Grand-Port are found in the south-east of Mauritius. Some islets have been declared nature reserve and are protected
islets. Others are open to the public.
The islets constitute an important habitat and for many species the last stronghold of several endemic and threatened species of plants and
animals. Amongst there are the following endemic reptiles:
Lesser night gecko Nactus coindemirensis is listed as vulnerable in the IUCN Red list and found on Ilot Vacoas (population here estimated
in April 2008 was between 238 and 572 with a mean of 369 – Cole pers. comm.) (as well as on the islets located in the northern part of
Mauritius).
Ilot Vacoas Bojer’s skink Gongylomorphus bojerii spp. (population here estimated in April 2008 was between 246 and 463 with a mean of
354 – the global population!!! – Cole pers. comm.) (not currently listed by IUCN but “critically endangered” and at greatest risk if we
take into consideration IUCN criteria). Ilot Vacoas hosts the only remnant population of this subspecies.
Ornate day gecko Phelsuma ornata (not currently listed by IUCN but “at risk” if we take into consideration IUCN criteria) can be found on
Ile aux Aigrettes (population here estimated in April 2008 was between 5979 and 8764 with a mean of 7239 – Cole pers. comm.), and in
the coastal area of South-east Mauritius.
The main threats to the reptile populations and their habitat on the islets have been identified in order of importance as: habitat destruction
through fire and barbecues (very high), effect of invasive rodents (very high), reduction of prey and food (high), littering (high), insufficient
restoration programs (high).
The campaign will focus on uncontrolled human activities namely barbecuing and lighting of fires, camping and littering by promoting awareness
of the biodiversity value of the islets and promoting responsible behavior when visiting the islets. Target audiences of the campaign have been
identified as fisherman and skippers (primary users), recreational visitors (people who visit the islets) and the general population of the District
of Grand-Port.
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Through a variety of a range of proven marketing techniques (mass media and mini media tools such as Radio talk shows, Television spot, Press
releases and through activities namely workshops, training and school visits) the campaign will work on increasing people’s environmental
knowledge, awareness and attitude and ultimately aim to change people’s behavior in relation to their activities on the islets. In particular the
campaign will promote a Code of Conduct in relation to picnicking and barbecuing on the islets and specify which areas should be used for this
purpose and how best to dispose of barbecuing oil and charcoal as well as remnant food and litter. The campaign will raise awareness on all
illegal activities on the islets including camping, littering, collection of firewood and moving of stones (which are part of the reptile’s habitat and
natural heritage) for the use of barbecuing. Instead the campaign will recommend than only mobile barbecues are to be used for this purpose.
The campaign will also raise awareness about the need to check boats for invasive prior to departure for the islets.
In order to achieve these objectives a partnership will be formed between the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) and the National Parks &
Conservation Services (NPCS) and the Darwin Initiative Program.
The correct use of the islets will be further facilitated through the creation of different usage level zones (these may include the provision of
additional designated areas for barbecues on the islets, the creation of closed and open reserves TO BE DISCUSSED)
Moreover, the Darwin Initiative program, focusing on the endangered reptiles found on the islet of Grand-Port will be working in close
collaboration with MWF during the campaign, bringing expertise and know-how on the endangered reptile species and helping with the
monitoring of threat reduction and positive conservation impact.
In the end, the campaign’s impact will be measured through a range of indicators measuring increases knowledge about the endemic reptiles
and their natural habitat, increased support for their protection and increased compliance with the promoted Code of Conduct.
The campaign will be considered a success if amongst other:
By April 2009 the percentage of islet users who say that they find it easy to only barbecue in a designated area when barbecuing on the
islets will have gone up from 58% (n=69; Q27b) 75%
By April 2009 the percentage of islet users who say that they have heard of someone (illegally) picnicking on one the inland of one of the
protected islets (Ilot Vacoas, Ile aux Marianne, Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile de la Passe) will have gone down from 50% (n=545; Q24a) to 30%.
By April 2009 the percentage of recreational users who find it easy to stop visiting the inland of the islets and only visit the beach would
go up from 17% (n=545; Q27c) to 35%.
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By April 2009 the percentage of Mauritian recreational users who have talked about the islets with somebody in their close family in the
previous month will have gone up from 21% (n=545 ;Q28a) to 41%.
By April 2009, 85% (n=69; Q23) of Islet Users will be able to accurately define a “Nature Reserve” (up from 64%).
By April 2009, the number of illegal barbecues on Ilot Vacoas will have gone down
By April 2009, the disturbances are reduced sufficiently to permit the survival of the translocated population of the Ilot Vacoas Bojer’s
skink
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7. Acknowledgements
The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation has taken a positive action while starting for the first time a national awareness campaign. I would like to
thank, first of all, Lone Raffray my mentor and supervisor who accompanied me in every step to create the campaign; Jean-Claude Sevathian the
best botanist of the country who inspired me to discover the in depths of the flora of Mauritius and conservation itself. The Ecotour manager of
Ile aux Aigrettes Dany Thisbe who contributes largely in helping to work on the target site. In addition Noor-Jahan Anissa Calloo Rohimun,
Martine Goder and Kevin Nundloll who provided limitless encouragement including comments on every draft. And of course to Prof. Carl Jones
our scientific director who started the big conservation work in Mauritius.
I would like to thank Dr Nic Cole for being active in saving the endangered reptiles of Mauritius from extinction, thus inspiring me with a new
vision of spreading the message throughout Mauritius. Indeed, Dr Nic Cole working on the Darwin’s Initiative Program and secondly his crew,
Zaid Jhumka and Rouben Mootoocarpen for their participation.
The National Parks and Conservation Service are our direct partner on behalf of the local authorities, most notably: Kevin Ruhomaun, Senior
Research and Development Officer (Wildlife) and Vimul Nundlaul Research and Development Officer (Wildlife) are our most important
collaborators for the campaign. Kevin Ruhomaun is omni present in keeping in touch for the campaign’s activities.
I am also grateful to Virginie Orange, Fabrice Tamby our embassador skipper working the Blue-Bay who is motivated in promoting conservation
amongst skippers of the region. Also to the youths and volunteers of the Duke of Eidenburg’s Award (NYAA) and the Green team (MCB) who
volunteered for the pre-campaign survey. A special thanks to the positive thinkers in the campaign enhanced the work done to create the
concept of the campaign, merci: Mathew Ingrand for his help and moral support, Steeves Buckland for his infinite knowledge on the
conservation of Mauritius, Heather Richards and Poonam Gangaram for believing in the campaign from the beginning.
Above all a warm thank you to Rare for their tremendous global mission in inspiring people. Rosemary Godfrey our senior course manager,
Annalisa Bianchessi my course manger, Adam Murray, Sean Southey and Paul Butler. And of course a thankful thought for our lecturers of the
University of Kent who transmitted the knowledge and passion for conservation; Dr Ian Bride, Dr Bob Smith and Prof. Stuart Harrop. To end up,
to the Islands of Gaia.
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8. Acronyms
GDP
IAA
NYAA
MCB
MWF
NPCS
OB
TA
Gross Domestic Product
Ile aux Aigrettes
National Youth Achievement Award
Mauritius Commercial Bank
Mauritian Wildlife Foundation
National Parks and Conservation Services
Objectives Theme
Target Audience
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9. Appendices
Appendix 1 The Islets National Parks Management Plan
The Islets National Parks Management Plan
Precise zone locations need to be included in each of the individual islet management plans based on ‘ground-truthed’ biotope mapping.
Threats and Issues to Biodiversity Conservation
Threats and issues fall under six separate categories:
1. Intentional or accidental destruction or degradation of habitat by humans;
2. Disturbance by humans;
3. Removal, poaching, theft of valuable species;
4. Introduction of invasive plants and animals that threaten the existence of the native species, through destruction of habitat, competition or predation;
5. Introduction of native species that have not previously been known to exist in a particular location;
6. Sea-level rise and fire
7. Accidental transference of protected species to other locations.
Degradation of Habitats by Humans
Major threats such as construction and agriculture are obvious and easy to control. Less easy is to control is destruction caused by fire, trampling and littering.
The lighting of fires is prohibited in all designated Nature Reserves. However, cooking on open fires is a tradition at picnics in Mauritius. The provision of
barbeque facilities at frequently visited sites and strict patrols to ensure compliance will hopefully reduce this risk. Presently it appears that the Forestry
Department, when it clears underbrush and exotic species from forested land leaves the felled scrub in situ. This unfortunately provides excessive tinder during
the dry season may facilitate the spread of fire. All such clearing of scrub in the future should also include its removal either physically or through controlled
burning or mulching at site.
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Trampling of important habitat can normally be prevented by the provision of good pathways, which encourage people to stay on particular tracks, as they are
easier to negotiate.
Littering is unsightly but also more importantly provides a potential source of food to pest species. There is a need to provide litter disposal facilities and
collection routines at all popular islet venues.
Disturbance by Humans
Certain areas in designated Open Reserves, such as nesting grounds or sensitive habitats should be protected. This can either be done through zoning (see
above), by fencing and signposting the area or by provision of pathways that lead away from the area.
Removal, Poaching, Theft of Valuable Species
Specimens of some species will be attractive to collectors, given their rarity value. This inevitably leads to poaching and theft. Islets that are planted with rare
plants or repopulated with endangered species will have to be made secure, though stationing of wardens, regular patrols and effective law enforcement.
Introduction of Invasive Plants and Animals
All islets, to a greater or lesser extent, are affected by invasive species, which have a disruptive effect on the native flora and fauna.
Animal pests (e.g., rats, hares, rabbits, shrews, goats dogs, cats, and alien reptiles such as house geckos and wolf snakes, invertebrates and disease vectors.)
Currently, all islets under consideration have been cleared of the larger mammals. It is likely that, with the exception of Ile aux Aigrettes, the Mahebourg Islets
are currently free of rat and shrew populations. Of the Northern Islets, Round Island, and Serpent Island, Gunner’s Quoin, and Pigeon Rock are free of all
introduced mammals and reptiles. Gunner’s Quoin, Gabriel Island, and Flat Island have been previously cleared of rodents. Trapping surveys, carried out under
the present contract, confirmed rat and shrew populations on Ile d’Ambre, but none on the Mahebourg Islets of La Passe, Fouquet and Mariannes. House
geckos and wolf snakes are found on Ile aux Aigrettes.
Plants and weeds
Weed species particularly (FULL SPECIES NAMES) Flacourtia indica (prune), Cordia , Leucaena and Lantana are a major problem, as they crowd out and
constrain the re-establishment of native plant species. New threats include the Spear grass Heteropogon contortus found on Round Island in 1994 and Triffid
weed or Siam weed Chromolaena odorata, found on Round Island in October 2000. Chromolaena is acknowledged as one of the world’s worst weeds in warm
dry areas and it has the potential to become the most serious threat to native habitats. Other weed species include: Achyranthes aspera.
The need to aggressively control the spread of dominant weed species has increased since the removal of introduced grazers, i.e., goats, hares and rabbits,
from some of the islets.
Woody plants, under certain circumstances, also pose a problem, e.g., Bell recommended the removal of Casuarina from the centre of the Gabriel Island, where
it is slowly spreading at the expense of Psiadia and other indigenous species. However, under other circumstances Casuarina performs an important function of
windbreak on the immediate coastal fringe of many of the islets and should be maintained, until a more appropriate functional native species replacement is
found.
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Any islet that has a significant number of visitors has an increased risk of accidental introduction of exotic species. This is not an important issue where islets are
relatively degraded or already have established populations of exotic species but is a major concern on islands that are relatively pristine or are being
rehabilitated, i.e., designated Closed Reserve islets or on Open Reserve islets which are primarily comprised of Zones a, b & c. There needs to be some form of
quarantine system established to limit this risk.
Establishment of Quarantine Procedures for the Islets
Quarantine is vital for the long-term survival of many of the islets ecosystems. Much of the degradation to the islets has been caused by accidental or planned
introduction of exotic plant and animal species, which have proceeded to invade and impact upon the natural system. In light of the increasing number of
visitors to the islets, provision must be made for quarantine procedures.
There will be a greater need to minimize the risk of transference of pests to the islets from the Mauritian mainland, from other islets and from other countries.
The type of person interested in visiting the islets from aboard is likely to have travelled to other similar natural regions in other tropical countries. It is quite
likely that within their clothing and bags there are seeds, possibly even animals, from other destinations. Visitors from Mauritius and the boats than carry them
could also unwittingly transport pest that are common on the mainland to the islets.
It will therefore be essential to develop appropriate quarantine and vetting procedures to ensure that these accidental transfers don’t take place. Each islet will
need to develop its own appropriate quarantine procedures, dependent on the risk of accidental transference and the risk that this transference poses to an
individual islet. It will also depend on the location and facilities developed for the islets.
The Forests and Reserves Act (1983) states that no plant or animal should be introduced to a nature reserve. This includes islet Nature Reserves. Some of the
islets proposed under the National Park are not Nature Reserves under the Forests and Reserves Act, and thus need to have quarantine procedures established
as part of their management strategy. Guidelines to the types of procedure are given below:
Various scales of quarantine are proposed, which are linked to the proposed uses of the island and also the degree of impact of possible invasion. It is
proposed that 3 levels of quarantine are carried out and associated with the islets Status as part of the National Park:
Baseline – for Open and Controlled Access islets,
Simple – for Limited Access islets,
Intensive – for Restricted and Closed Islets.
The following quarantine procedures are proposed:
Baseline:
1. No planned release of any plant or animal species, unless determined to be of conservation benefit and complementary to the islet Management
Plan, as determined by the statutory authority.
Simple:
As Baseline procedures, plus:
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Intensive:
All visitors to must ensure that their clothing and footwear are completely free of seeds prior to boarding boat.
Captains to check on boats for small mammals and vegetation prior to boarding and departure.
As Baseline and Simple, plus:
1. All construction equipment, to be fully checked prior to departure (e.g. inside pipes etc).
2. Check on stores and equipment prior to departure.
3. Sealing of boxes, crates, tents and other equipment, and use of plastic crates and drums.
4. Check on helicopters. Helicopters are much less likely to be carrying pests and plant material than boats but nonetheless there is some
quarantine risk. The comments made above in regard to boats equally apply to helicopters.
5. Brush the concrete helicopter-landing pad before the first trip and after each trip.
6. The helicopter take off area needs to be a weed-free site.
7. Unloading of equipment and supplies from vehicle to concrete and then onto boat/helicopter. Equipment should not be placed on vegetation
prior to departure.
8. Inspection of gear during unpacking.
9. Regular monitoring for signs of introduced animals should be carried out on Gunners Quoin and Round Island. In addition, casual surveying by
restoration teams should be encouraged, and any sightings reported to the officer in charge.
10. If permanent mooring points are close to the island (e.g. Gunners Quoin), then clear signage should be maintained clarifying the islet status to
discourage access.
11. Response plans for likely species should be developed, as part of each islet management plan.
Introduction of Native Species to New Habitats
As a matter of principle, native species should only be reintroduced to habitats where they are known to have previously existed. If there is a need to conserve
per se then this should be within the confines of botanic gardens, arboreta etc., not within habitats and ecosystems that are undergoing restoration. The
exception to this rule would be in the case of introduction of a functional replacement species where a particular niche needs to be filled to ensure ecosystem
functionality and resilience.
Sea level rise and fire
Some of the sand-bar islets and low-lying islets, such as Flammants, Ile aux Oiseaux, Benitiers and the Mariannes group, will be susceptible to global warming
induced sea-level rise. They are to differing degrees already highly influenced by the sea, and cyclone storm surges, and as such there are no plans to have
substantial developments on these islets. The remaining islets, which are basaltic based, have high topographic features and cliff frontage will be less
influenced by any predicted sea-level rise.
The risk of fire on many of the islets will increase given the proposed use of some the islets for eco-tourism, education and recreation. Various
management measures and contingency plans need to be drawn up to ensure that the risk of fire is minimised and that in the event of an
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outbreak of a serious fire the response will be rapid and effective. It is recommended that the islets be cleared of potential tinder remaining
from weed clearance and path clearance, that signs warning of fire risk are clearly posted and that the development of a rapid response force be
considered within the coastguard and other relevant authorities. Each islet management plan should address locality specific risks with regard to
fire and cyclones.
Accidental transference of protected species to other locations
Occasionally, protected native species manage to hide in items being transported off closed status islets. If this happens they should not be
transferred back to the islet of origin, because of the risk of transferring disease. Such peripatetic animals should be used to develop open
educational displays, in one of the Limited Public Access Zones of the multi-purpose islets.
Input Requirements: Identification of Available Resources and Institutional Issues
Substantial expertise exists in Mauritius and a large amount of work has been achieved and is continuing with the assistance of NGOs (MWF) and
external funding (e.g., GEF).
However, the institutions dealing with biodiversity conservation need increased funding to enable them to enhance their capacity to respond to
the growing pressure on the remaining native habitat. More resources need to be dedicated to monitoring and evaluation of remaining
resources to enable effective policy formulation.
Both the Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan and National Environmental Strategy suggest the further involvement of NGO and private sector
organisations, as well increased involvement of public in management activities.
Except for their close relationship with MWF, the main operating authority (NPCS) is not particularly experienced in dealing with NGOs or private
sector organisations.
Islet leasing arrangements remain an invaluable part of the conservation management of the 16 islets. The ongoing activities with MWF
involving agreements for conservation restoration on Ile aux Aigrettes and Round Island are a functional model that can be used to develop
other agreements. However, further involvement of NGO and private sector, as proposed in state policies, must be carefully managed through
NPCS, especially as the goals of other partner organisations might be less complementary to NPCS as those of MWF; other organizations may not
have such a high degree of mutually compatible objectives.
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Such arrangements should be developed, in part to access alternative funding resources and capacity, and in part to mainstream environmental
and conservation issues into economic activities. It is proposed that future leasing arrangements are very clearly laid out in detail. It is proposed
that the leasing contracts involve two aspects:
Service Level Agreement (SLA) – these identify the conditions of the maintenance of the lease. This could be, for example, thorough clearing of
all litter on the islet and/or carry out yearly weeding operations on a set of identified species. The SLA would be clearly stated in a way that
permits the NPCS to monitor the conditions of the lease.
Managed development – the aim of the strategic management plan is not to maintain the status quo, but to increase the conservation value of
the islets whilst maintaining visitor and tourism potential of some of the islets. Thus a clear framework for development and a timeline should be
agreed as part of the lease. This could be for example, development of a specific type of sanitary infrastructure within 2 years and the creation
of walkways on specific areas to help visitor zonation on the islet. Such development should be expressed in a negotiated Logical Framework in
which the activities up to the ultimate goal for the island are clear to both the NPCS and lessee.
There remains duplication, ambiguity and potential for conflict in the designation of protected areas and responsibility for their conservation.
There is a strong argument on the grounds of institutional efficiency for consolidating the conservation responsibility of the Islets into one
authority, thereby allowing a more effective allocation of limited resources, information and experience.
A major institutional issue is the current position of Nature Parks and Conservation Service within the Ministry of Agriculture. Its institutional
affiliation is due to the organic development of NPCS out of the Department of Forestry. The location of NPCS within the Ministry of Agriculture
is not particularly logical and encourages the common institutional misperception that biodiversity and conservation should be treated as
another sector rather than an over-arching environmental concern which needs to coordinate and collaborate with a variety of developmental
sector ministries and line agencies.
It would make more institutional sense if NPCS were eventually moved to the Ministry of Environment, especially as the Ministry of Environment
has initiated the development of the Islets National Park, chaired the Islet Task Force and is currently chairing the Strategic Planning Committee.
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Community Participation
It is fundamental for the long-term effectiveness of any management plan that it engender local community support. This is particularly true for
the Mahebourg Islets and the Ile d’Ambre / Bernache Islet group. Public participation in the management of reserved areas needs to be
encouraged and legally strengthened.
Although the public may make written representations in relation to draft management plans, under the Wildlife and National Parks Act, 1993,
these do not have to taken into account by the Director. Furthermore there is no statutory guidance or objective to be followed in drawing up
the plans. Given the importance of the plan for future management of the area (particularly the power to build or to remove resources, see
section 14) the process of drawing up the plans could be made more transparent and participatory than is currently required by law.
If the islet grouping suggested above is accepted, then there is an excellent opportunity to develop a fully participatory plan for Ile de la Passe,
Ile aux Fouquets and Ile aux Vacoas group, with a partnership that would include NPCS, MWF, the National Heritage Trust Fund, and the local
community through local government and other representation, such as youth groups, small enterprise associations and other local commercial
enterprises. This would be particularly relevant given the high use of this islet group by the local community for recreational purposes.
Where the demarcation of the islets includes coastal margins or marine areas, the local use by fishermen needs to be taken into account.
Collaborative efforts need to be developed. Demarcation, whether in the form of a marine protected area or a buffer zone, does not necessarily
mean that fishing will be proscribed, although specific areas of the zone may be off limits or specific gear types may be proscribed. Given the
local knowledge that the fishermen of the area may have, it is important to include them in the development of the islets, and where possible
enable employment within the system, or if a planned development is likely to impact on livelihood, to facilitate the movement to alternative
livelihoods.
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The protection and conservation of native species will be difficult to sustain without the support of the general public, from political, financial
and implementation perspectives. Public interest creates the demand for specific environmental services, and eco-recreational facilities. Public
support encourages continuous government commitment and funding; and enforcement is less onerous and more effective with the
cooperation of the general public.
Increasing the awareness of environmental issues is most effective when started at an early age; the development of a Mauritian identity and
ethos is imperative to engender respect for the environment and to instil a sense of belonging. The right attitude towards the environment can
be nurtured through visits, guided nature tours and “hands-on” activities; children will learn to conserve the environment. At higher levels
students may undertake projects and research on the islets in conservation of endemic species and sustainable development.
The Department of Environment and the National Parks and Conservation Service AND NGO’S need to work with the National Environmental
Education Committee to ensure that environmental issues are given sufficient recognition and weight in the school curricula, and that the
lessons, which introduce children of all ages to environmental issues, are taught in a relevant manner. These would include environment and
conservation, with emphasis on the national environment and the importance of the islets in conserving the native fauna and flora of Mauritius.
There is also a need to strengthen environmental awareness in government agencies that deal with issues that can impact on the environment
or are associated with the maintenance of environmental quality. A basic understanding of how various human activities undermine the
ecological processes that support biodiversity should be developed particularly among those responsible for various enforcement and control
activities, e.g. coast-guard, customs, environmental police.
It is recommended that the DoE coordinate the development of a set of environmental training modules on specific subjects, including
biodiversity and native species, with and for different target audiences such as schools, government agencies, and NGOs.
The Ministry of Education is responsible for reviews of policy and policy revision, with respect to school curriculum. The Chief Technical Officer
under the Permanent Secretary supervises school curriculum development; local responsibility rests with the four district technical directors.
The Ministry of Education charges the National Centre for Curriculum Development with the task of revision, the NCCD in turn resources staff
from the Mauritius Institute of Education to develop curriculum and supporting texts.
The Department of Environment and NPCS need to enhance their Public Awareness and Education capacity through:
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Organizing awareness raising events, for example about the coastal zone and the islets. Such events need to be specifically designed to satisfy
the interests and the needs of the target audience, e.g., youth, women’s groups, farmers, fishermen, NGOs, tourism and recreation.
Educating the media as to the importance of environmental issues and assisting them to entertain, inform and interest the public in the natural
heritage of Mauritius as well as informing the public as to the threats and their responsibilities.
Supporting NGOs in taking forward environmental education projects.
Working with the Ministry of Tourism and Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority to raise awareness of tourists and tour operators to the
environmental sensitivity of Mauritius, through notices in hotels etc.
The proposed establishment of a Nature Park at Ile d’Ambre would be an ideal venue for educational and awareness programmes in
conservation that would be both practical and relevant.
Eco-tourism
Tourism affects environmental quality and yet is dependent on a high quality environment for its success. Mauritius has successfully targeted
high quality, high spend tourist who are largely attracted by the promise of pristine lagoon water, un-crowded beaches and excellent facilities
and service.
Although Mauritius has regulations and laws that protect much of the environment, inadequate planning and enforcement has lead to a
degradation of parts of the coastal zone, which attracts most tourists to Mauritius. There is an increasing risk that the crowding of hotels,
coastal pollution and erosion of the beaches and the large-scale destruction of the coral reef system will make Mauritius a less attractive
destination in the future.
Without a long-term vision the uncontrolled tourist industry tends to mine coastal resources, consuming them rather than using them in a
sustainable fashion. Construction on Pas Geometrique land and inadequate waste disposal has had a major deleterious impact on prime beach
locations, such as the public beach area of Flic en Flac. Inappropriate attempts at erosion prevention and the removal of sea grass beds and
lagoon coral to create “swimming areas” has also contributed to the widespread degradation of the coastal lagoon areas; making it much more
susceptible to cyclone damage.
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The islets represent a relatively undeveloped and as yet untapped resource for tourism, especially with increasing land pressure on the coastal
mainland. However, traditional hotel-based tourism, especially the mid-market level, has not shown itself historically to be conducive to
environmental protection or conservation. The record of the tourist industry is not one of eco-friendly sustainability.
It is important that any tourist-based activities allowed in the Islets National Park be highly regulated, monitored and enforced, to ensure that
the overall objectives of the park are not compromised.
That said, it is also obvious that the development of a high profile conservation agenda by the NPCS in cooperation with the tourism sector will
be mutually beneficial. Tourism is important to the national economy; a green image for the tourist industry helps attract the more desirable
customer; and the tourist sector is able to invest sufficient funds to service high upfront capital costs to cover infrastructure and service
development that are needed prior to any revenue generating activities.
The strategic goal of the tourism sector as stated in NEAP2 is:
“to support the tourism industry such that it can continue to fulfil its development role for the country without creating environmental or social
impacts that would undermine its long-term future”.
Essentially it is necessary to encourage the sustainable use of appropriate natural resources for tourism and recreation. Eco-tourism should
enable funding of more expensive conservation projects without undermining their objectives.
Each islet group will need a management plan that will take the form of a contractual agreement between the NPCS and the contractor which
details all planned uses, buildings and infrastructure as well as accessibility constraints, activity restrictions, and enforcement; it should include
agreed indices for management success that will allow assessment of adherence to agreements and covenants.
Leasing to large-scale tourist consortiums must ensure adequate access for local recreational or educational use, through group concession
charges, special site days, licensing of local operators, and the like, to enhance the link between major tourist developers and the local
community.
Following the recommendations of the Inter-ministerial Committee on Islets Management, the Cabinet agreed on the 22nd of March 2002 to
entrust the management of certain islets to the various organizations listed below, through Memorandum of Understanding:
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Organization responsible
for management
Islets
Purpose of Management
AHRIM Flat Island, Ilot Gabriel Eco-tourism and
conservation
Mauritian Wildlife
Foundation
Ile aux Vacoas,
Ile aux Fouquets
Ile aux Mariannes
Rocher des Oiseaux
Ile aux Fous
Conservation
Green Valley Resort Ile aux Oiseaux Eco-tourism
The purpose of management of those islets provisionally allocated to MWF needs to be modified to incorporate eco-tourism, following the
recommendations included in this report.
Certainly Public-Private-Partnerships between government agencies and the private sector, NGOs, etc. should be encouraged as they allow
access to complementary resources and experiences and have been shown to be successful in Mauritius, as illustrated by the partnership
developed between the NPCS and MWF.
However, such partnerships must be firmly rooted in formal legally binding contractual obligations that detail expectations from the viewpoint
of all partners so as to minimize potential misunderstandings and give necessary redress to remedy perceived conflicts of interest. Given the
recent ruling of the State Law Office the allocation of management responsibilities will need to be based on the management plans that are to
be developed by the NPCS. Ideally, these management plans need to be developed in partnership with current and potential stakeholders to
ensure effective implementation.
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Planning of eco-tourism needs to be transparent and developed, in the case of the lagoon islands, in consultation with the local community, as
well as taking into consideration the local recreational demands and the carrying capacity of the islets that will be accessed by the public and
eco-tourists.
This is particularly relevant to the “Open Reserve” islets such as Ile d’Ambre, Ile de la Passe, and Ile aux Aigrettes, all of which have potential in
terms of tourism, education, recreation, and income generation.
The long-term effectiveness of any management plan depends on local community support. This is particularly true for the Mahebourg Islets and
the Ile d’Ambre / Bernache Islet group. Public participation in the management of reserved areas needs to be encouraged and needs to be
legally strengthened.
The loss of public access to beaches commandeered by the large hotels and the restricted (CONTROLLED) access to Ile aux Aigrettes nature
reserve, managed by MWF, has caused some resentment among local residents.
Although the public may make written representations in relation to draft management plans, under the Wildlife and National Parks Act, 1993,
these do not have to taken into account by the Director. Furthermore there is no statutory guidance or objective to be followed in drawing up
the plans. Given the importance of the plan for future management of the area (particularly the power to build or to remove resources, see
section 14) the process of drawing up the plans could be made more transparent and participatory than is currently practised under the law.
If the Islet grouping suggested above is accepted, then there is an excellent opportunity to develop a fully participatory plan of the Ile de la
Passe, Ile aux Fouquets and Ile aux Vacoas group, with a partnership that would include NPCS, MWF, the National Heritage Foundation, and the
local community through local government and other representation. This would be particularly relevant given the high use of this islet group by
the local community for recreational purposes.
132

The round table on Legislation and Enforcement, at the Strategy Planning Workshop identified the need to provide an effective and efficient
enforcement mechanism for surveillance and policing of the islets, and suggested that this should rest with a single enforcement body to avoid
duplication and inefficient use of resources.
There is a comprehensive legal and policy framework that supports the development of strategic plan for the Islets National Park. The protection
of flora and fauna is defined in Mauritian Law and Policy and is, currently, largely the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food
Technology and Natural Resources, with the central role of NPCS clearly defined as the implementing authority for islet conservation.
In addition, the future conservation of the islets is directly in line with the International Conventions signed by the Government of Mauritius.
The law is quite comprehensive in scope; however:
The legal and institutional framework is fragmented, with relevant provisions being dispersed across a number of different acts and regulations,
often giving rise to jurisdictional overlap (e.g. powers of law-making and enforcement being conferred on a range of different authorities in
respect to the same matters).
There is a potential for uncertainty and conflict between different sets of legislation, which seeks to protect potentially overlapping areas of land
according to different criteria and under the control of different institutions. This needs to be resolved through the rationalization of land
designations and consolidation of institutional responsibility.
There appears to be insufficient coordination between the planning regime under the Town and Country Planning Act, the EIA procedure under
the Environmental Protection Act and the relevant nature protection legislation to ensure that proper consideration is given to protected areas
and biodiversity conservation in general in the planning and development process.
A single piece of legislation is needed to address these legislative and institutional issues so as to clearly allocate institutional responsibilities and
provide unambiguous instructions to facilitate the coordinative effort that will be required for sustainable management of the islets
Many of the islets are still being degraded, suggesting that full implementation of the objectives of the legal and policy framework have not been
achieved. Central to this is the issue of enforcement. Most existing environmental laws are inadequately enforced, mainly due to lack of
resources and capacity in government departments, a lack of awareness of the laws themselves, overlapping responsibility for enforcement, and
legal limitations on the admissibility of evidence in court proceedings.
133

The Islets Task Force (2001) identified evidence of significant amounts of illegal activities on some islets (e.g. encampments, littering, fires).
The responsibility for the prevention of these activities at present fall under the mandate of National Coastguard. The National Coastguard
clearly has extensive powers of enforcement under the National Coastguard Act, 1988, but it is not clear to what extent they are putting these
powers into practice. The resources and training dedicated to prevention of islet degradation is limited and are included with the more
substantive coastguard duties, which means supporting ongoing conservation management efforts may be given relatively low priority.
134

Appendix 2 Stakeholder’s Matrix
Rare Pride Campaign Stakeholder’s Matrix
No
Participant/ Stakeholder
Organisation/Affiliation
Sector:
(Private, NGO,
Government, Individual,
Education etc.) Name
Key Issues of organization/
person Stakeholder’s Contribution Stakeholder’s Interest/Motive
1
District council of Grand-Port
Social Welfare officer
Government
Mrs. Sewpal
The district council plays an
important role in decision making
regarding not only the
management of the target site but
also the activities prevailing in this
region
(what the stakeholder may bring to
the meeting)
The representative of the district
council will have a better
understanding of the campaign and
could be in favor of activities which
will be held on a large scale in the
district
(what the meeting can give to
stakeholder)
Enhancing the percept ion of the
villages in this district as well as
the dist rict council itself,
changing it to the reference of a
known conservation site
2 Ministry of Education
Government
Mr Joorawon
Representatives of decision makers
in the education system
potential in the implementation
The perception of conservation issues
of conservation in the
in the education system.
curriculum/syllabus
3 Ministry of Environment
Government
Mrs. Bhagimly
Law re-enforcement
knowledge in law enforcement in the
area, deforestation of native forests
and islets
Action plan in taking incentives
to re-enforce the laws
4
Ministry of Youth and Sports
Government
Mr. Valaydon
Youth activities
The contribution of young
generation, potential collaboration
for youth activities Involving the
youth in the campaign
New activities for the youth
involving them in conservation
5
National Parks and
Conservation Service
Government Mr. Nunloll Biodiversity degradation
Information on conservation issues in
the target area
Knowledge and action plan for
the target condition
Key:
Invited guest who attended the 1 st stakeholders’ meeting only
Invited guest who attended the 2 nd stakeholders’ meeting only
Invited guest who attended both 1 st and 2nd stakeholders’ meeting
Invited guest who did not attend the stakeholders’ meeting
135

No
Participant/
Stakeholder
Sector:
(Private, NGO,
Government, Individual,
Education etc.) Name Key Issues Interest/Motive Potential Contribution
(what participants bring to the
meeting)
(what the meeting can give to
participant)
11
12
Mauritius Tourist
Promotion Authority
Mahebourg citizen’s
welfare fund
Government
The President
Local People
Mr. Tupsy
Georges Ah-Yan
Information regarding the
visitors, business prospect
Organization gathering Local
people representative.
Knowledge on tourism activities
potential for village opinion,
information on village people
He is the direct link with the local
people. A representative of the local
people.
information about threat &
opportunities in natural resources
management,
Involvement of villagers in the
campaign.
Have a general opinion of the local
people and may contribute in better
decision making regarding the
population
13
Catamaran
Croisiere Australe
Local peole
Mr. Xavier Drouin
Local people working with
tourists
Information on tourists visiting the
islets
The endangered fauna and flora of
these islets
14 Tour Operators
White Sand Tours
Ms. Karen Ross
Mr. Yashill Ittoo
Tourist operators are in
direct contact with tourists
and the tourist trend
The tourist world
Ecotourism, awareness of the threats
prevailing in the target site
15
Key:
Club
Taxi drivers
Local people
Mr. Audit
Invited guest who attended the 1 st stakeholders’ meeting only
Local taxi drivers are in
direct contact with tourists.
They propose tours, specific
places to be visited by
tourists
Their perception of biodiversity
(themselves or tourist)
Protect and respect the endangered
flora and fauna and the location of
these sites
Invited guest who attended the 2 nd stakeholders’ meeting only
Invited guest who attended both 1 st and 2nd stakeholders’ meeting
Invited guest who did not attend the stakeholders’ meeting
136

No
Participant/
Stakeholder
16 Ecosud
Sector:
(Private, NGO,
Government, Individual,
Education etc.) Name Key Issues Interest/Motive
Local People
Mr. Sauvage
Organization gathering
Local people interested in
the protection of the
environment
(what participants bring to the
meeting)
Their knowledge on the threats that
influence the target site
Potential Contribution
(what the meeting can give to
participant
)
Involvement in an action plan
regarding the protection of the
target site (the islets)
17
Reef Conservation
Mauritius
NGO
Ms. Jennifer Ah-King
Local people working with
tourists
Information on tourists visiting the
islets
The endangered fauna and flora of
these islets
18
Mauritius Marine
Ms. Jennifer Ah-King (
Conservation Society Society representative)
Tourist operators are in
directly in contact with
tourists and the tourist
trend
The tourist world
Ecotourism, awareness of the
threats prevailing in the target site
19
The GEF- The Small
Grants Programme-
UNDP
World Organization
Mrs. Bapoo-Dundoo
Funding and co-working
A new project aiming at improving
The International know-how in
the conservation in Mauritius, a
organizing a national campaign. Also
positive impact for the island and
UNDP can be a potential help in
the population
funding activities particularly in
education
20
Environment Care
Association
Association
Mr.Poinen
Association grouping
people caring for the
environment
Their knowledge about how people
perceive conservation. Their past
experiences in promoting
conservation amongst Mauritian
A new prospect on conservation;
including specific action oriented
plan based upon social marketing in
a way to promoting conservation. A
win-win contribution between the
association and Rare.
Key:
Invited guest who attended the 1 st stakeholders’ meeting only
Invited guest who attended the 2 nd stakeholders’ meeting only
Invited guest who attended both 1 st and 2nd stakeholders’ meeting
Invited guest who did not attend the stakeholders’ meeting
137

No
21
Participant/ Stakeholder
Environmental Protection &
Conservation Organization
Sector:
(Private, NGO,
Government, Individual,
Education etc.)
None Governmental
Organization
Mr Mikael
Name Key Issues Interest/Motive Potential Contribution
Organization grouping
people caring for the
environment
(what the meeting can give to
(what participants bring to the
participant
meeting)
)
Their knowledge about how people
Activities for student on conservation
perceive conservation. Their past
experiences in promoting conservation
amongst Mauritians
22
Association for the Promotion for
Environmental Education
None Governmental
Organization
Mr Jeerodurkhan
Awareness on the
environment in education
The work they have already
undertaken in promoting conservation
in education
Work together in the same field
23 Durell Wildlife Trust
Organization
Dr Nicholas Cole
Darwin initiative
Reptile expert working on the islets
Collaborating to find a way to protect
the islets and endangered reptiles
24
Loreto College Mahebourg
Secondary school
Ms Nellun Biology teacher Secondary school syllabus and needs
Incentives in encouraging more
conservation issues in the syllabus
Primary school
25 Mahebourg RCA School
Mr Jolicoeur Teacher Primary school syllabus and activities
More activities regarding conservation
for the children
Key:
Invited guest who attended the 1 st stakeholders’ meeting only
Invited guest who attended the 2 nd stakeholders’ meeting only
Invited guest who attended both 1 st and 2nd stakeholders’ meeting
Invited guest who did not attend the stakeholders’ meeting
138

No
Participant/ Stakeholder
Sector:
(Private, NGO, Government,
Individual, Education etc.)
Name
Key Issues Interest/Motive Potential Contribution
(what the meeting can give to participant
(what participants bring to the meeting)
)
26
National Youth
Achievement Award
Local People
Mrs Finaz Moothia
Representatives of decision The perception of conservation issues in
makers in the education system the education system.
potential in the implementation of
conservation in the curriculum/syllabus
27 Domaine d’Anse Jonchée
NGO
Ms Lapendry
Local people working with
tourists
Information on tourists visiting the islets
The endangered fauna and flora of these
islets
28
Bioculture (Mtius) Ltd
Mr Padayatchy Restoration of plants Knowledge on plants of Mauritius
Promote the endangered plants of
Mmauritius
Society
29 Incentive Partners
Tour operator
Mrs Cecilia Robert
Ms Natacha Gromme
Tourist operators are in directly
in contact with tourists and the
tourist trend
The tourist world
Ecotourism, awareness of the threats
prevailing in the target site
Key:
Invited guest who attended the 1 st stakeholders’ meeting only
Invited guest who attended the 2 nd stakeholders’ meeting only
Invited guest who attended both 1 st and 2nd stakeholders’ meeting
Invited guest who did not attend the stakeholders’ meeting
139

Appendix 3 Pre-campaign survey
District of Grand-Port survey
Background information on the interview
To be filled out by the interviewer for all interviews prior to the interview
Interviewer name:
________________
Supervisor:
________________
Village name where survey is being done:
________________
Gender of respondent:
[ ] Male [ ] Female
Introduction:
Hello, my name is ..................., and I am working with the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation. We are conducting a survey of people in this area
about the natural environment. We would very much appreciate your participation in this survey by answering a few questions about the
environment. Whatever information you provide will be kept strictly confidential and will not be shown to or shared with any other person except
for those people who are working on the survey. Your answers will help us to plan environmental programs.
Participation in this survey is voluntary and you can choose not to answer any individual question or all of the questions. However, your views
are important to us and I hope you will participate. May I begin the interview now?
140

Respondent agrees to be interviewed
[ ] Yes [ ] No
To begin, I would like to ask you some questions about yourself.
(1) Do you live in the district of Grand-Port?
[ ] Location inside District of Grand-Port [ ] Location outside District of Grand-Port
(2) In which village do you live?
(3) How old were you at your last birthday?
[ ] 16-20 [ ] 21-25 [ ] 26-30 [ ] 31-40 [ ] 41-50 [ ] 51-60 [ ] 61>More
(4) What is your primary profession? (do not read out answers)(CHECK ONE ONLY)
[ ] Unemployed [ ] Student [ ] Fisherman [ ] Skipper [ ] Hostelry [ ] Self-employed [ ] Public sector [ ] Private sector
[ ] Other ________________
(5) What is the highest level of education that you have completed?
[ ] No Formal Education [ ] Primary School [ ] Form 1 - Form 4 [ ] Form 5 School Certificate [ ] High School Certificate [ ]
University [ ] Other ________________
(6) If you belong to a religion, please tell me which religion. If you do not belong to a religion, please say "none". (do not read out answers)
[ ] Hindu [ ] Muslim [ ] Roman Catholic [ ] Christian [ ] None [ ] Other ________________
(7) People hear information about the environment from many different sources. I am going to read you a list of sources from which you might
hear information about the environment, and I would like you to tell me whether you would find that source "very trustworthy, somewhat
trustworthy, or not trustworthy. After I have read all of the types of sources to you, I would like you to pick one as the type of source you would
trust the most with environmental information.
(A) Person on the radio
[ ] Trust the most [ ] Very trustworthy [ ] Somewhat trustworthy [ ] Not trustworthy [ ] Not sure/Don't know [ ] No other
141

(B) Person on television
[ ] Trust the most [ ] Very trustworthy [ ] Somewhat trustworthy [ ] Not trustworthy [ ] Not sure/Don't know [ ] No other
(C) Report in newspaper or magazine
[ ] Trust the most [ ] Very trustworthy [ ] Somewhat trustworthy [ ] Not trustworthy [ ] Not sure/Don't know [ ] No other
(D) Local community leaders
[ ] Trust the most [ ] Very trustworthy [ ] Somewhat trustworthy [ ] Not trustworthy [ ] Not sure/Don't know [ ] No other
(E) Government environment officials
[ ] Trust the most [ ] Very trustworthy [ ] Somewhat trustworthy [ ] Not trustworthy [ ] Not sure/Don't know [ ] No other
(F) Environmental NGO
[ ] Trust the most [ ] Very trustworthy [ ] Somewhat trustworthy [ ] Not trustworthy [ ] Not sure/Don't know [ ] No other
(G) Religious leaders
[ ] Trust the most [ ] Very trustworthy [ ] Somewhat trustworthy [ ] Not trustworthy [ ] Not sure/Don't know [ ] No other
(H) Friends or family members
[ ] Trust the most [ ] Very trustworthy [ ] Somewhat trustworthy [ ] Not trustworthy [ ] Not sure/Don't know [ ] No other
(I) Teachers
[ ] Trust the most [ ] Very trustworthy [ ] Somewhat trustworthy [ ] Not trustworthy [ ] Not sure/Don't know [ ] No other
(J) Other:
[ ] Trust the most [ ] Very trustworthy [ ] Somewhat trustworthy [ ] Not trustworthy [ ] Not sure/Don't know [ ] No other
(8) Which is your principle source of information about the environment? (CHECK ONE ONLY) DO NOT READ ANSWERS
142

[ ] Radio [ ] Newspaper [ ] Television [ ] Friends/family [ ] Religious Leader [ ]
[ ] Local community leaders [ ]Government environment officials [ ]Environmental NGO
[ ]Religious leaders [ ]Friends or family members [ ]Teachers
Other ________________
(9) In the past month, would you say that you usually watched television:(CHECK ONE ONLY)
[ ] Never [ ] Up to 3 days per week [ ] 4 - 6 days per week [ ] 7 days per week
(10) In the past month, would you say that you usually read a newspaper: (CHECK ONE ONLY)
[ ] Never [ ] Up to 3 days per week [ ] 4 - 6 days par week [ ] 7 days per week
(11) If you read the newspaper, please tell me up to three publications that you read most often?(do not read out answers):
[ ] Don't read newspaper [ ] Week-end [ ] L'Express [ ] 5-Plus [ ] Le Défi [ ] Le Mauricien [ ] News on Sunday [ ] Le
Matinale [ ] Other ________________
(12) In the past month, would you say that you usually listen to the radio: (CHECK ONE ONLY)
[ ] Never [ ] Up to 3 days per week [ ] 4 - 6 days par week [ ] 7 days per week
If the respondent "never" listens to the radio, you can mark "Doesn't listen to radio" on the next 4 questions without asking the question and go
on to Question 18
.
(13) When you listen to the radio, which radio station is your most preferred station? (do not read out answers) Please check up to 3 stations that
you listen to the most.
[ ] MBC radio [ ] Radio One [ ] Radio Plus [ ] Top FM [ ] Don't listen to Radio [ ] Other ________________
(14) When you listen to the radio during the week, Monday to Friday, what are the most likely times for you to listen to the radio? Please mark
up to 2 times during the day when you are likely to listen:
143

[ ] 12 midnight - 5 am[ ] 5 am - 6am [ ] 6 am - 7 am [ ] 7 am - 8 am [ ] 8 am - 9 am [ ] 9 am - 4 pm [ ] 4 pm - 6 pm
[ ] 6 pm - 12 am midnight [ ] Don't listen to radio
(15) When you listen to the radio during the weekend, Saturday and Sunday, what are the most likely times for you to listen to the radio? Please
mark up to 2 times during the day when you are likely to listen
[ ] 12 midnight - 5 am[ ] 5 am - 6am [ ] 6 am - 7 am [ ] 7 am - 8 am [ ] 8 am - 9 am [ ] 9 am - 4 pm [ ] 4 pm - 6 pm
[ ] 6 pm - 12 am midnight [ ] Don't listen to radio
(16) When you listen to the radio, what is your favorite type of program that you like to listen to? Please indicate up to two program types that
you like to listen to:(do not read out answers):
[ ] News [ ] Talk shows [ ] Local Music [ ] International Music [ ] Games [ ] Soap opera [ ] Other ________________
(17) If you watch TV, which is your favourite TV channel? please only choose 1 (do not read out answers):
[ ] MBC 1 [ ] MBC 2 [ ] MBC 3 [ ] Does not watch MBC TV
(18) Now, I would like to ask you some questions about the local environment and wildlife that live in the District of Grand-port.
(A) Have you heard of the islets of Mahebourg? If YES continue (B) , if NO mark all question 18 as "Not applicable" and continue with
question 19
[ ] Yes [ ] No
(B) Can you name any of the islets? Can put multipla answers (Do not read answers)
[ ] Ile aux Aigrettes [ ] Ile des Deux Cocos [ ] Ile de la Passe [ ] Ilot Vacoas S [ ] Ile aux Fouquets [ ] Ile aux Singes [ ]
Ilot Chat [ ] Ile aux Fous [ ] Rocher des Oiseaux [ ] Ile aux Mariannes [ ] Petit Rat [ ] Mouchoir Rouge [ ] Not Applicable
[ ] Don't know
144

(C) What comes to mind when you think of the islets?
[ ] Not Applicable [ ] Other ________________
(D) Have you ever been to any of the islets?
[ ] Not Applicable [ ] Other ________________
(E) What recreational activities do you associate with the islets?
[ ] relaxing [ ] picknicking[ ] barbecuing [ ] swimming [ ] fishing [ ] sailing [ ] Not applicable [ ] Other ________________
(F) Do you know the name of any plant or animal that live on the islets?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Don't Know [ ] Not applicable
(G) If you know, can you name 3 plants/ animals
[ ] Not applicable [ ] Other ________________
(19) Do you know what is meant by an endemic plant or animal? If No, go to question 20 and mark all answers in question 19 Not Applicable
[ ] Yes [ ] No
(A) If yes, can you name up to 3 endemic plants or animals found on the islets?
[ ] Not Applicable [ ] Other ________________
(20) According to you, are there any reptiles on the islets? (lizard, tortoise,gecko, skink)
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Don't know
(A) Do you think that there is any endangered reptiles on the islets?
145

[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Don't Know
(21) . Have you ever seen any of these lizards? If No continue with question 22
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Don't Know
(A) If YES which lizard of A, B ,C, D
[ ] A [ ] B [ ] C [ ] D [ ] None
(B) Do you know the name of any of these lizards?
[ ] Yes [ ] No
(C) If yes, which one and name it
________________
(D) How would you best describe these lizards?
[ ] Beautiful [ ] Scary [ ] Neutral [ ] Attractive [ ] Don'y Know [ ] Other ________________
(22) Which one of the 4 reptiles, If any, do you like the best?
[ ] A [ ] B [ ] C [ ] D [ ] None
(23) Do you know what protected areas mean? If NO skip questions on protected areas and continue with question 24
[ ] Yes [ ] No
(A) If YES:
[ ] protection of nature through law and management [ ] Not Applicable [ ] Other ________________
146

(B) Do you think that some of the islets found in the bay of Mahebourg should be protected?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Don't know[ ] Not Applicable
(C) If Yes, Why should they be protected?
________________
(D) Do you know that if some of the islets find in the Bays of Mahebourg are protected area?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Don't Know [ ] Not Applicable
(i) If YES which islets?
[ ] Ile aux Aigrettes [ ] Ile des Deux Cocos [ ] Ile de la Passe [ ] Ilot Vacoas S [ ] Ile aux Fouquets [ ] Ile aux Singes [ ]
Ilot Chat [ ] Ile aux Fous [ ] Rocher des Oiseaux [ ] Ile aux Mariannes [ ] Petit Rat [ ] Mouchoir Rouge [ ] Not Applicable
[ ] Don't know
(E) Are you aware of any special rules that apply to activies on the islets?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Don't know[ ] Not Applicable
(F) If YES, which rule(s)?
________________
(G) Do you think it is legal or illegal for people to visit protected areas?
[ ] Legal [ ] Ilegal [ ] Not sure/Don't know
If they answer "legal" or "Not sure/Don't Know" do not ask the next question, but simply mark it as "Don't know it is illegal". If they answer
"illegal", ask the next question.
(H) Do you think that there is a penalty for those who visits protected areas?
[ ] Yes [ ] No
147

(24) I am going to ask you questions on Ile aux Vacoas/ Ile aux Marianne/Ile aux Aigrettes/Ile de la Passe
(A) In the past 3 months, have you heard about anyone picnicking on any of these islets: Ile aux Vacoas/ Ile aux Marianne/Ile aux Aigrettes/Ile
de la Passe? (On inland and not on the beach)
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] No Answer
(B) In the last 6 months have you heard about any restoration program on reptiles on the islets?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Not Applicable
(25) I am going to read you a series of statements, and I would like you to tell me whether you "strongly agree", "agree", are "neutral" or "have
no opinion", "disagree", or "strongly disagree" with each statement.
(A) Littering and dumping should be illegal
[ ] Strongly agree [ ] Agree [ ] Neutral [ ] No opinion [ ] Disagree [ ] Strongly disagree
(B) You would like to find out more about the rules and regulations that apply to the islets
[ ] Strongly agree [ ] Agree [ ] Neutral [ ] No opinion [ ] Disagree [ ] Strongly disagree
(C) It should be illegal to picknick in islets where you can find endangered animals and plants
[ ] Strongly agree [ ] Agree [ ] Neutral [ ] No opinion [ ] Disagree [ ] Strongly disagree
(D) It should be illegal to make barbecues and light fires islets where you can find endangered animals and plants
[ ] Strongly Agree [ ] Agree [ ] Neutral [ ] Disagree [ ] Strongly Disagree
(E) There is a need for more designated barbecue area on the islets
[ ] Strongly Agree [ ] Agree [ ] Neutral [ ] Disagree [ ] Strongly Disagree
(F) Wildlife officers are trying to protect endangered plants and animals by stopping people to access protected areas:
148

[ ] Strongly Agree [ ] Agree [ ] Neutral [ ] Disagree [ ] Strongly Disagree
(26) I am going to read you a list of statements about activities, and for each activity, I would like you to tell me whether it is important or not
important to you.
(A) Making sure local people can continue picinicking on some of the islets
[ ] Important [ ] Not Important [ ] Not sure/Don't know
(B) Stop people doing barbecues and fires on islets where you can find endangered animals and plants
[ ] Important [ ] Not Important [ ] Not sure/Don't know
(C) Stopping people from cutting trees/bushes/grass on any of the following islets (Ile aux Vacoas/ Ile aux Marianne/Ile aux Aigrettes)
[ ] Important [ ] Not Important [ ] Not sure/Don't know
(D) Making sure endangered plants and animals can continue to survive on the islets
[ ] Important [ ] Not Important [ ] Not sure/Don't know
(27) I am going to read to you a number of activities, and I would like you to tell me whether you would find it easy or difficult for you to do
that activity
(A) Report a person from your village that you know has illegally picknicked on any of the following islets:Ile aux Vacoas/ Ile aux Marianne/Ile
aux Aigrettes/Ile de la Passe?
[ ] Easy [ ] Difficult [ ] Not sure/ Don't Know [ ] No answer
(B) Report a person from your village that you know has illegally camped on any of the following islets:Ile aux Vacoas/ Ile aux Marianne/Ile
aux Aigrettes/Ile de la Passe?
149

[ ] Easy [ ] Difficult [ ] Not sure/ Don't Know [ ] No answer
(C) Stop visiting the inland of following islets: Ile aux Vacoas/ Ile aux Marianne (you can visit the beach)
[ ] Easy [ ] Difficult [ ] Not sure/ Don't Know [ ] No answer
(28) In the past month, have you talked with anyone about the islets of Mahebourg?
This might include talking about access to nature reserve. I will read you a list of people, and please tell me whether you have talked with them
about protected areas in the past month.
(A) Your immediate family, including spouse, children or parents
[ ] Yes [ ] Not sure/Don't Know [ ] No [ ] No Answer
(B) Your extended family, including in laws, cousins, and uncles/aunts
[ ] Yes [ ] Not sure/Don't Know [ ] No [ ] No Answer
(C) Your friends or neighbours
[ ] Yes [ ] Not sure/Don't Know [ ] No [ ] No Answer
(D) A community leader, such as a politician, village chief, or religious leader
[ ] Yes [ ] Not sure/Don't Know [ ] No [ ] No Answer
(E) Other:
[ ] Yes [ ] Not sure/Don't Know [ ] No [ ] No Answer
(29) I am going to ask you about a number of ways in which you may or may not have heard about the islets in the past 6 months. For each
method, I would like you to tell me whether you have heard about the islets from that source.
(A) Seen a billboard about the islets
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Not sure/Don't Know [ ] No Answer
150

(B) Seen poster about the the islets
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Not sure/Don't Know [ ] No Answer
(C) Hear an advertising "spot" about the islets
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Not sure/Don't Know [ ] No Answer
(29) I am going to ask you about a number of ways in which you may or may not have heard about reptiles in the past 6 months. For each
method, I would like you to tell me whether you have heard about reptiles from that source.
(D) Seen a billboard about the reptiles
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Not sure/Don't Know [ ] No Answer
(E) Seen poster about the the reptiles
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Not sure/Don't Know [ ] No Answer
(F) Hear an advertising "spot" about the reptiles
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Not sure/Don't Know [ ] No Answer
151

Appendix 4 Pre-campaign survey’s results
Survey conducted in the District of Grand-Port
A total of 1119 questionnaire surveys were carried out in the district of Grand-Port that amply covers the initial
sample population of 1057, amongst which 5 surveys were incomplete and 1114 complete. 10 villages were
selected as survey sites as a representative of the district.
The pre-campaign survey was conducted face to face and randomly in the target site amongst 16 -65 year old
people during February 2008.
The questionnaires were designed to obtain information on the knowledge, attitude and behavior of people
towards the terrestrial coastal habitat of Southeast Mauritius, including islets found in the bay of Mahebourg.
152

Moreover, media preferences to be used during the campaign, and the questionnaires were also based on the
threat-ranking analysis. The survey was also used to identify the Flagship species that will help carry the message
to the Mauritian people.
153

Name of interviewer:
Name of interviwer
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
Audray 205 18.5%
bar_c0.gif
Imilia 50 4.5%
Joanna 50 4.5%
Dharvish 44 4.0%
Gianie 43 3.9%
Virginie 40 3.6%
Jimmy 38 3.4%
Anastasia 31 2.8%
Aurelie 27 2.4%
154

Sandra 27 2.4%
Danylo 26 2.3%
Desire 24 2.2%
Ornella 22 2.0%
Olivier 21 1.9%
Isabelle 20 1.8%
Other 440 39.7%
bar_c0.gif
Totals 1108 100.0%
--
Superviseur:
Superviseur:
Counts Percents
Percents
155

0 100
Cathleen 666 66.6%
bar_c0.gif
Anissa 158 15.8%
bar_c
Nick 65 6.5%
Kevin 60 6.0%
Dominique 20 2.0%
Suraj 14 1.4%
Dominic 12 1.2%
Zayd 4 0.4%
Poonam 1 0.1%
Totals 1000 100.0%
--
Village name where survey is being done:
156

_
c
0
Village name where survey is being done:
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
Plaine magnien 183 16.4%
bar_c0
Mahebourg 172 15.4%
bar_c
Rose Belle 148 13.3%
b
Bambou Virieux 116 10.4%
Old Grand Port 110 9.9%
Nouvelle France 91 8.2%
Riv des Creoles 85 7.6%
New Grove 83 7.5%
Suburb of Mahebourg 81 7.3%
157

LEscalier 44 3.9%
Ville Noire 1 0.1%
Totals 1114 100.0%
--
Gender of respondent:
Gender of respondent:
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
MASCULIN 596 53.5%
bar_c0.gif
FEMININ 519 46.5%
bar_c0.gif
Totals 1115 100.0%
158

--
Respondent agrees to be interviewed
Respondent agrees to be interviewed
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
Yes 1117 99.8%
bar_c0.gif
No 2 0.2%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
Q1: Do you live in the district of Grand-Port?
159

Do you live in the district of Grand-Port?
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
Location inside District of Grand-Port 1089 97.3%
bar_c0.gif
Location outside District of Grand-Port 30 2.7%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
Q2: In which village do you live?
In which village do you live?
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
160

Plaine Magnien 188 16.8%
bar_c0.
Bambou Virieux 116 10.4%
Mahebourg 116 10.4%
Old Grand Port 103 9.2%
New Grove 99 8.8%
Nouvelle France 89 8.0%
Rose Belle 87 7.8%
Riv des Creoles 82 7.3%
LEscalier 44 3.9%
Ville Noire 38 3.4%
Beau Vallon 34 3.0%
Petit Bel Air 15 1.3%
Curepipe 10 0.9%
Mare DAlbert 8 0.7%
161

.gi
f
Cite La Chaux 7 0.6%
Other 83 7.4%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
Q3: How old were you at your last birthday?
How old were you at your last birthday?
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
16-20 282 25.2%
bar_c0.gif
21-25 195 17.4%
bar_c0.gi
31-40 166 14.8%
bar
41-50 164 14.7%
ba
162

_
c
0
26-30 151 13.5%
b
51-60 113 10.1%
61>and more 48 4.3%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
163

f
Q4: What is your primary profession? (do not read out answers)(CHECK ONE ONLY)
What is your primary profession? (do not read out answers)(CHECK ONE ONLY)
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Student 231 20.6%
bar_c0.gif
Private sector 176 15.7%
bar_c
Self-employed 165 14.7%
ba
Unemployed 144 12.9%
Public sector 101 9.0%
Housewife 68 6.1%
Hostelry 59 5.3%
164

Fisherman 56 5.0%
Retired 46 4.1%
Skipper 16 1.4%
Laborer 7 0.6%
Salesgirl 7 0.6%
Driver 8 0.8%
Masor 4 0.4%
Other 31 2.8%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
165

Q5: What is the highest level of education that you have completed?
What is the highest level of education that you have completed?
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
Form 5 School Certificate 335 29.9%
bar_c0.gif
Form 1 - Form 4 263 23.5%
bar_c0.gif
Primary School 234 20.9%
bar_c0.gif
High School Certificate 166 14.8%
bar
University 61 5.5%
No Formal Education 50 4.5%
IVTB 4 0.4%
166

Advanced Level 1 0.1%
Form 3 1 0.1%
Hotel School of Mauritius 1 0.1%
MSMA 1 0.1%
Salesgirl 1 0.1%
Unknown 1 0.1%
Other 0 0.0%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
167

Q6: If you belong to a religion, please tell me which religion. If you do not belong to a religion, please say "none". (do not read out
answers)
If you belong to a religion, please tell me which religion. If you do not belong to a religion, please say "none". (do not read out answers)
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Hindu 439 39.2%
bar_c0.gif
Roman Catholic 414 37.0%
bar_c0.gif
Muslim 120 10.7%
Christian 105 9.4%
Aucun 28 2.5%
Telegu 5 0.4%
Marathi 3 0.3%
168

La Voix de la Delivrance 2 0.2%
Chinese 1 0.1%
Tamil 2 0.2%
Other 0 0.0%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
Q7a: Person on the radio
Person on the radio
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
169

Somewhat trustworthy 531 47.5%
bar_c0.gif
Very trustworthy 404 36.1%
bar_c0.gif
Not trustworthy 119 10.6%
Pas sir / pas connait 65 5.8%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
Q7b: Person on television
Person on television
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
Somewhat trustworthy 488 43.6%
bar_c0.gif
170

Very trustworthy 431 38.5%
bar_c0.gif
Not trustworthy 144 12.9%
Not sure/Don't know 56 5.0%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
Q7c: Report in newspaper or magazine
Report in newspaper or magazine
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
Somewhat trustworthy 442 39.5%
bar_c0.gif
Very trustworthy 415 37.1%
bar_c0.gif
Not trustworthy 144 12.9%
171

f
Not sure/Don't know 117 10.5%
Totals 1118 100.0%
--
Q7d: Local community leaders
Local community leaders
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
Not trustworthy 523 46.7%
bar_c0.gif
Somewhat trustworthy 258 23.1%
bar_c0.gif
Not sure/Don't know 177 15.8%
bar_c
Very trustworthy 161 14.4%
ba
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
172

c
0
Q7e: Government environment officials
Government environment officials
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
Not trustworthy 466 41.7%
bar_c0.gif
Somewhat trustworthy 320 28.6%
bar_c0.gif
Very trustworthy 186 16.6%
bar_c0.
Not sure/Don't know 146 13.1%
b
Totals 1118 100.0%
--
173

Q7f: Environmental NGO
Environmental NGO
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
Somewhat trustworthy 364 32.6%
bar_c0.gif
Not trustworthy 277 24.8%
bar_c0.gif
Very trustworthy 272 24.3%
bar_c0.gif
Not sure/Don't know 205 18.3%
bar_c0.gif
Totals 1118 100.0%
--
174

Q7g: Religious leaders
Religious leaders
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
Very trustworthy 322 28.8%
bar_c0.gif
Not trustworthy 301 26.9%
bar_c0.gif
Somewhat trustworthy 297 26.5%
bar_c0.gif
Not sure/Don't know 199 17.8%
bar_c0.gif
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
175

Q7h: Friends or family members
Friends or family members
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
Somewhat trustworthy 461 41.2%
bar_c0.gif
Very trustworthy 432 38.6%
bar_c0.gif
Not trustworthy 137 12.3%
Not sure/Don't know 88 7.9%
Totals 1118 100.0%
--
176

Q7i: Teachers
Teachers
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
Very trustworthy 437 39.1%
bar_c0.gif
Somewhat trustworthy 418 37.4%
bar_c0.gif
Not trustworthy 132 11.8%
Not sure/Don't know 132 11.8%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
177

c
0
Q8: Which is your principle source of information about the environment? (CHECK ONE ONLY) DO NOT READ ANSWERS
Which is your principle source of information about the environment? (CHECK ONE ONLY) DO NOT READ ANSWERS
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Radio 463 41.4%
bar_c0.gif
Television 386 34.5%
bar_c0.gif
Newspaper 155 13.9%
b
Don’t know 28 2.5%
Friends/family 23 2.1%
Government environment officials 15 1.3%
Environmental NGO 15 1.3%
Enseignants 14 1.3%
178

Internet 10 0.9%
Local community leaders 3 0.3%
Religious Leader 1 0.1%
Books 1 0.1%
Colleagues 1 0.1%
Group of citizens 1 0.1%
Himself 1 0.1%
Other 2 0.2%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
Q9: In the past month, would you say that you usually watched television:(CHECK ONE ONLY):
In the past month, would you say that you usually watched television:(CHECK ONE ONLY)
179

Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
7 days per week 742 66.3%
bar_c0.gif
Up to 3 days per week 182 16.3%
bar_c0
4 - 6 days per week 109 9.7%
Never 86 7.7%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
Q10: In the past month, would you say that you usually read a newspaper: (CHECK ONE ONLY)
180

In the past month, would you say that you usually read a newspaper: (CHECK ONE ONLY)
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Up to 3 days per week 414 37.0%
bar_c0.gif
7 days per week 322 28.8%
bar_c0.gif
Never 306 27.4%
bar_c0.gif
4 - 6 days per week 76 6.8%
Totals 1118 100.0%
--
Q11: If you read the newspaper, please tell me up to three publications that you read most often?(do not read out answers):
If you read the newspaper, please tell me up to three publications that you read most often?(do not read out answers):
Counts Percents Percents
181

_
c
0
0 100
5-Plus 517 46.2%
bar_c0.gif
L'Express 463 41.4%
bar_c0.gif
Le Défi 389 34.8%
bar_c0.gif
Week-end 287 25.6%
bar_c0.gif
Don’t read newspapers 277 24.8%
bar_c0.gif
Le Mauricien 154 13.8%
b
Le Matinale 115 10.3%
News on Sunday 17 1.5%
Scope 11 1.0%
Le Dimanche 6 0.5%
Defi Sexo 4 0.4%
L Equipe 4 0.4%
Star 4 0.4%
182

Defi jeune 3 0.3%
L Hebdo 2 0.2%
Other 11 1.0%
Totals 1119 n/a
--
Q12: In the past month, would you say that you usually listen to the radio: (CHECK ONE ONLY)
In the past month, would you say that you usually listen to the radio: (CHECK ONE ONLY)
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
7 days per week 711 63.7%
bar_c0.gif
183

f
Up to 3 days per week 187 16.7%
bar_c0.
Never 160 14.3%
ba
4 - 6 days per week 59 5.3%
Totals 1117 100.0%
--
Q13: When you listen to the radio, which radio station is your most preferred station? (do not read out answers) Please check up to 3
stations that you listen to the most.
When you listen to the radio, which radio station is your most preferred station? (do not read out answers) Please check up to 3 stations that
you listen to the most.
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Radio Plus 635 56.7%
bar_c0.gif
Radio One 417 37.3%
bar_c0.gif
184

c
0
MBC radio 332 29.7%
bar_c0.gif
Top FM 289 25.8%
bar_c0.gif
Don't listen to Radio 156 13.9%
b
kool fm 88 7.9%
Taal fm 26 2.3%
Radio Maurice 4 0.4%
No preferences 2 0.2%
No other 1 0.1%
NRJ 1 0.1%
Radio France 1 0.1%
Other 0 0.0%
Totals 1119 n/a
--
185

.gi
f
Q14: When you listen to the radio during the week, Monday to Friday, what are the most likely times for you to listen to the radio? Please
mark up to 2 times during the day when you are likely to listen:
When you listen to the radio during the week, Monday to Friday, what are the most likely times for you to listen to the radio? Please mark up
to 2 times during the day when you are likely to listen:
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
6 am - 7 am 269 24.0%
bar_c0.gif
9 am - 4 pm 253 22.6%
bar_c0.gif
4 pm - 6 pm 240 21.4%
bar_c0.gif
7 am - 8 am 237 21.2%
bar_c0.gif
6 pm Midnight 232 20.7%
bar_c0.gif
8 am - 9 am 168 15.0%
bar
Don’t listen to radio 160 14.3%
ba
186

5 am - 6am 97 8.7%
Midnight - 5 am 23 2.1%
Totals 1119 n/a
--
Q15: When you listen to the radio during the weekend, Saturday and Sunday, what are the most likely times for you to listen to the radio?
Please mark up to 2 times during the day when you are likely to listen
When you listen to the radio during the weekend, Saturday and Sunday, what are the most likely times for you to listen to the radio? Please
mark up to 2 times during the day when you are likely to listen
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
Don’t listen to radio 304 27.2%
bar_c0.gif
9 am - 4 pm 294 26.3%
bar_c0.gif
4 pm - 6 pm 218 19.5%
bar_c0.gif
187

.gi
f
6 pm -Midnight 195 17.4%
bar_c0.gi
8 am - 9 am 183 16.4%
bar_c0
7 am - 8 am 177 15.8%
bar_c
6 am - 7 am 162 14.5%
ba
5 am - 6am 44 3.9%
Midnight - 5 am 18 1.6%
Totals 1119 n/a
--
Q16: When you listen to the radio, what is your favourite type of program that you like to listen to? Please indicate up to two program
types that you like to listen to:(do not read out answers):
When you listen to the radio, what is your favourite type of program that you like to listen to? Please indicate up to two program types that
you like to listen to:(do not read out answers):
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
188

_
c
0
Music local 532 47.5%
bar_c0.gif
Information 496 44.3%
bar_c0.gif
Music international 371 33.2%
bar_c0.gif
Debate 276 24.7%
bar_c0.gif
Don’t listen to radio 154 13.8%
b
Sketch/blague 59 5.3%
Games 49 4.4%
Everything 7 0.6%
Sport 3 0.3%
Sports 2 0.2%
Barreau pas arret la vie 1 0.1%
Documentaries 1 0.1%
Explique ou cas 1 0.1%
Music oriental 1 0.1%
189

c
0
No preferences 1 0.1%
Other 0 0.0%
Totals 1119 n/a
--
Q17: If you watch TV, which is your favourite TV channel? please only choose 1 (do not read out answers):
If you watch TV, which is your favourite TV channel? please only choose 1 (do not read out answers):
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
MBC 1 453 40.5%
bar_c0.gif
MBC 3 256 22.9%
bar_c0.gif
Does not watch MBC TV 154 13.8%
b
190

MBC 2 118 10.5%
Movie Channel 62 5.5%
Sports Channel 57 5.1%
Knowledge channel 19 1.7%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
Q18a: Now, I would like to ask you some questions about the local environment and wildlife that live in the District of Grand-port.
Have you heard of the islets of Mahebourg? If YES continue (B) , if NO mark all question 18 as "Not applicable" and continue with question 19
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Yes 930 83.2%
bar_c0.gif
No 188 16.8%
bar_c0.
Totals 1118 100.0%
191

--
Q18b Can you name any of the islets? Can put multiple answers (Do not read answers)
Can you name any of the islets? Can put multiple answers (Do not read answers)
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Ile aux Aigrettes 814 72.7%
bar_c0.gif
Ile aux Fouquets 524 46.8%
bar_c0.gif
Ile de la Passe 384 34.3%
bar_c0.gif
Mouchoir Rouge 289 25.8%
bar_c0.gif
Ile des Deux Cocos 229 20.5%
bar_c0.gif
192

_
c
0
Not applicable 180 16.1%
bar_c0
Ile aux Mariannes 150 13.4%
b
Ile aux Singes 131 11.7%
Ilot Vacoas S 109 9.7%
Pas connait 62 5.5%
Ilot Chat 40 3.6%
Ile aux Fous 35 3.1%
Petit Rat 14 1.3%
Rocher des Oiseaux 12 1.1%
Ile Flamant 4 0.4%
Other 6 0.5%
Totals 1119 n/a
--
193

Q18c: What comes to mind when you think of the islets?
What comes to mind when you think of the islets?
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
Not Applicable 450 40.2%
bar_c0.gif
Nice spot 127 11.3%
Interesting and Beautiful 71 6.3%
Interesting 58 5.2%
These islets should be protected 37 3.3%
Beautiful 30 2.7%
These islets are protected areas 18 1.6%
More for tourists 17 1.5%
Must be preserved 13 1.2%
People should stop polluting them 10 0.9%
194

There a need to protect them 10 0.9%
These islets are a natural heritage 9 0.8%
These islets contain rare plants and animals 9 0.8%
Clean 8 0.7%
Natural beauty 8 0.7%
Other 248 22.2%
bar_c0.gif
Totals 1119 n/a
--
Q18d: Have you ever been to any of the islets?
Have you ever been to any of the islets?
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
OUI 556 49.8%
bar_c0.gif
195

.gi
f
Not sure 23 2.1%
NON 537 48.1%
bar_c0.gif
Totals 1116 100.0%
2.02
Q18e: What recreational activities do you associate with the islets?
What recreational activities do you associate with the islets?
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
picknicking 384 34.3%
bar_c0.gif
Non applicable 303 27.1%
bar_c0.gif
relaxing 277 24.8%
bar_c0.gif
swimming 160 14.3%
ba
196

fishing 116 10.4%
barbecuing 91 8.1%
Camping 64 5.7%
Visiting 43 3.8%
Visits 27 2.4%
Hiking 19 1.7%
sailing 13 1.2%
Conservation 11 1.0%
Games 9 0.8%
Sports activities 7 0.6%
Tourists activities 6 0.5%
Other 61 5.5%
Totals 1118 n/a
--
197

Q18f: Do you know the name of any plant or animal that live on the islets?
Do you know the name of any plant or animal that live on the islets?
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Yes 388 34.7%
bar_c0.gif
No 357 32.0%
bar_c0.gif
Don't Know 200 17.9%
bar_c0.gif
Not applicable 172 15.4%
bar_c
Totals 1117 100.0%
--
Q18g: If you know, can you name 3 plants/ animals
198

If you know, can you name 3 plants/ animals
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
Non Applicable 788 70.5%
bar_c0.gif
Yes can name 1 138 12.4%
Yes can name 3 112 10.0%
Yes can name 2 79 7.1%
Totals 1117 n/a
--
Q18g: Name of Plants/animals
Name of Plants/animals
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
199

NA 762 69.5%
bar_c0.gif
Lizards 21 1.9%
Tortoise 19 1.7%
Pink pigeon 18 1.6%
Birds 14 1.3%
Kestrel 12 1.1%
Lizards Tortoise 10 0.9%
Lezard 8 0.7%
Paille en queue 7 0.6%
Bois de ronde 6 0.5%
Gecko 6 0.5%
Green gecko 6 0.5%
Kestrels 5 0.5%
Tropic bird 5 0.5%
200

Echo Parakeet 4 0.4%
Other 214 19.5%
bar_c0.gif
Totals 1097 n/a
--
Q19: Do you know what is meant by an endemic plant or animal? If No, go to question 20 and mark all answers in question 19 Not
Applicable
Do you know what is meant by an endemic plant or animal? If No, go to question 20 and mark all answers in question 19 Not Applicable
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
No 799 71.4%
bar_c0.gif
Yes 320 28.6%
bar_c0.gif
Totals 1119 100.0%
201

--
Q19a: If yes, can you name up to 3 endemic plants or animals found on the islets?
If yes, can you name up to 3 endemic plants or animals found on the islets?
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Not Applicable 980 87.7%
bar_c0.gif
Can name 3 55 4.9%
Can name 1 46 4.1%
Can name 2 36 3.2%
Totals 1117 n/a
202

--
Q20: According to you, are there any reptiles on the islets? (lizard, tortoise,gecko, skink)
According to you, are there any reptiles on the islets? (lizard, tortoise,gecko, skink)
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Yes 895 80.0%
bar_c0.gif
Don’t know 143 12.8%
No 81 7.2%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
203

Q20a: Do you think that there is any endangered reptiles on the islets?
Do you think that there is any endangered reptiles on the islets??
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Yes 706 63.1%
bar_c0.gif
Don’t know 245 21.9%
bar_c0.gif
No 167 14.9%
bar
Totals 1118 n/a
--
Q21: Have you ever seen any of these lizards? If No continue with question 22
Have you ever seen any of these lizards? If No continue with question 22
Counts Percents Percents
204

.gi
f
0 100
Yes 926 82.8%
bar_c0.gif
No 145 13.0%
Don’t know 47 4.2%
Totals 1118 100.0%
--
Q21a: If YES which lizard of A, B ,C, D (Multiple answers possible)
If YES which lizard of A, B ,C, D (Multiple answers possible)
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
C 925 82.7%
bar_c0.gif
None 161 14.4%
ba
205

A 86 7.7%
B 72 6.4%
D 30 2.7%
No Answer 2 0.2%
Other 0 0.0%
Totals 1119 n/a
--
Q21b: Do you know the name of any of these lizards?
Do you know the name of any of these lizards?
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
No 715 64.0%
bar_c0.gif
206

Yes 403 36.0%
bar_c0.gif
Totals 1118 n/a
--
Q21c: If yes, which one and name it
Si If yes, which one and name it
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
No Answer 693 63.2%
bar_c0.gif
Lezard vert 353 32.2%
bar_c0.gif
Lezard couleur 12 1.1%
Lezard banane 8 0.7%
Gecko 7 0.6%
207

Gecko vert 7 0.6%
Gecko vert Telfair skink 3 0.3%
Lezard vert Skink 3 0.3%
Skink 3 0.3%
Lezard 2 0.2%
Lezard Aigrettes 2 0.2%
Telfair skink 2 0.2%
Telfair skink and Green gecko 2 0.2%
Cameleon 1 0.1%
Dont know the name 1 0.1%
Other 2 0.2%
Totals 1096 n/a
--
208

Q21d: How would you best describe these lizards? Can put multiple answers (Do not read answers)
How would you best describe these lizards? Can put multiple answers (Do not read answers)
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Beautiful 522 46.6%
bar_c0.gif
Scary 252 22.5%
bar_c0.gif
Don’t know 198 17.7%
bar_c0.gi
Endangered 39 3.5%
Fragile 36 3.2%
Ugly 28 2.5%
Peste 19 1.7%
Disgusting 16 1.4%
209

Interesting 16 1.4%
Nice 7 0.6%
Attractive 6 0.5%
Natural 6 0.5%
Rare 6 0.5%
Rare species 6 0.5%
colourful 5 0.4%
Other 52 4.6%
Totals 1119 n/a
--
Q22: Which one of the 4 reptiles, If any, do you like the best?
Which one of the 4 reptiles, If any, do you like the best?
210

Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
C 787 70.3%
bar_c0.gif
None 238 21.3%
bar_c0.gif
B 41 3.7%
A 40 3.6%
D 14 1.3%
Other 0 0.0%
Totals 1119 n/a
--
Q23: Do you know what protected areas mean? If NO skip questions on protected areas and continue with question 24
Do you know what protected areas mean? If NO skip questions on protected areas and continue with question 24
211

Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
YES 716 64.0%
bar_c0.gif
NO 337 30.1%
bar_c0.gif
Not APPLICABLE 66 5.9%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
Q23a: If YES: (Do not read answers)
If YES: (Do not read answers)
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
protection of nature through law and management 604 54.0%
bar_c0.gif
212

Not Applicable 423 37.8%
bar_c0.gif
Area where endangered plants and animals are being protected 15 1.3%
A place where rare plants and animals live 10 0.9%
Preserve the fauna and flora of the island 5 0.4%
For animals and plants only 4 0.4%
A place where animals are reared and can be visited by the public 3 0.3%
Area where endangered animals are being protected 3 0.3%
Everything is natural there 3 0.3%
A park for animals 2 0.2%
A place where rare animals and plants are found 2 0.2%
A place where rare animals are found 2 0.2%
Area where animals are protected 2 0.2%
Area where rare plants and animals are being protected and visits are allowed 2 0.2%
Area where there are trees 2 0.2%
213

Other 39 3.5%
Totals 1118 n/a
--
Q23b: Do you think that some of the islets found in the bay of Mahebourg should be protected?
Do you think that some of the islets found in the bay of Mahebourg should be protected?
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Yes 750 67.1%
bar_c0.gif
Not Applicable 260 23.3%
bar_c0.gif
Don’t know 56 5.0%
No 52 4.7%
Totals 1118 n/a
214

--
Q23c: If Yes, Why should they be protected?
If Yes, Why should they be protected?
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
Not applicable 432 38.6%
bar_c0.gif
Endangered species 49 4.4%
To protect its environment 39 3.5%
These islets are a natural heritage 31 2.8%
People are destroying these islets 28 2.5%
For the next generation 26 2.3%
These islets are protected areas 25 2.2%
215

To protect rare plants and animals 23 2.1%
Interesting and beautiful 21 1.9%
So as not to lose them 19 1.7%
To protect the rare animals and plants 19 1.7%
These islets contain rare plants and animals 18 1.6%
These isletscontain endangered plants and animals 17 1.5%
For conservation 16 1.4%
To protect nature 15 1.3%
Other 341 30.5%
bar_c0.gif
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
Q23d: Do you know that if some of the islets find in the Bays of Mahebourg are protected area?
216

Do you know that if some of the islets find in the Bays of Mahebourg are protected area?
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Yes 534 47.7%
bar_c0.gif
Not Applicable 263 23.5%
bar_c0.gif
No 216 19.3%
bar_c0.gif
Don’t know 106 9.5%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
Q23d(i): If YES which islets?
If YES which islets?
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
217

Not applicable 558 49.9%
bar_c0.gif
Ile aux Aigrettes 497 44.5%
bar_c0.gif
Ile aux Fouquets 36 3.2%
Don’t know 33 3.0%
Ile de la Passe 28 2.5%
Ile des Deux Cocos 14 1.3%
Mouchoir Rouge 14 1.3%
Ile aux Mariannes 11 1.0%
Ile aux Singes 8 0.7%
Ilot Vacoas S 6 0.5%
No Answer 5 0.4%
Ilot Chat 2 0.2%
Ile aux Fous 2 0.2%
Rocher des Oiseaux 1 0.1%
218

Petit Rat 1 0.1%
Other 1 0.1%
Totals 1118 n/a
--
Q23e Are you aware of any special rules that apply to activities on the islets? (If
answer No, do not ask next question)
Are you aware of any special rules that apply to activities on the islets?
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Yes 361 32.3%
bar_c0.gif
No 340 30.4%
bar_c0.gif
Not Applicable 279 24.9%
bar_c0.gif
Don’t know 139 12.4%
219

Totals 1119 100.0%
--
Q 23f If YES, which rule(s)?
If YES, which rule(s)?
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
Not applicable 863 77.3%
bar_c0.gif
Fire prohibited 39 3.5%
Dumping prohibited 14 1.3%
Dumping is prohibited;Fire Prohibited 13 1.2%
220

Camping prohibited 8 0.7%
Dumping is prohibited 8 0.7%
Polution prohibited 7 0.6%
Visits prohibited 7 0.6%
Campfire and wastes prohibited 6 0.5%
Environmental laws 6 0.5%
Killing of animals prohibited 6 0.5%
Required permission 6 0.5%
Should have a permit to visit islets 6 0.5%
Smoking prohibited 6 0.5%
Fishing prohibited 5 0.4%
Other 117 10.5%
Totals 1117 100.0%
--
221

Q23g: Do you think it is legal or illegal for people to visit protected areas?
Do you think it is legal or illegal for people to visit protected areas?
(If answer no or don’t know do not ask next question)
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Legal 582 52.0%
bar_c0.gif
Not Applicable 242 21.6%
bar_c0.gif
Ilegal 175 15.6%
bar_c
Not sure/Don’t know 120 10.7%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
222

Q23h: Do you think that there is a penalty for those who visits protected areas (nature reserve)?
Do you think that there is a penalty for those who visits protected areas (nature reserve)?
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
No 404 36.1%
bar_c0.gif
Not Applicable 281 25.1%
bar_c0.gif
Yes 248 22.2%
bar_c0.gif
Not sure 186 16.6%
bar_c0.
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
Q24a: In the past 3 months, have you heard about anyone picnicking on any of these islets: Ile aux Vacoas/ Ile aux Marianne/Ile aux
Aigrettes/Ile de la Passe? (On inland and not on the beach)
223

In the past 3 months, have you heard about anyone picnicking on any of these islets: Ile aux Vacoas/ Ile aux Marianne/Ile aux Aigrettes/Ile de
la Passe? (On inland and not on the beach)
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
No 849 75.9%
bar_c0.gif
Yes 205 18.3%
bar_c0.gif
No Answer 65 5.8%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
Q24b: In the last 6 months have you heard about any restoration program on reptiles on the islets?
In the last 6 months have you heard about any restoration program on reptiles on the islets?
Counts Percents Percents
224

0 100
No 870 77.7%
bar_c0.gif
Yes 200 17.9%
bar_c0.gif
Not Applicable 49 4.4%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
Q25I am going to read you a series of statements, and I would like you to tell me whether you
"strongly agree", "agree", are "neutral" or "have no opinion", "disagree", or "strongly disagree" with
each statement.
Q25a: Littering and dumping should be illegal
Littering and dumping should be illegal
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
225

Strongly Agree 712 63.6%
bar_c0.gif
Agree 375 33.5%
bar_c0.gif
Disagree 22 2.0%
Neutral 6 0.5%
No opinion 4 0.4%
Totals 1119 100.0%
Q25b: You would like to find out more about the rules and regulations that apply to the islets
You would like to find out more about the rules and regulations that apply to the islets
226

Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Agree 538 48.1%
bar_c0.gif
Strongly Agree 514 45.9%
bar_c0.gif
No opinion 34 3.0%
Disagree 23 2.1%
Neutral 10 0.9%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
Q25c: It should be illegal to picknick in islets where you can find endangered animals and plants
It should be illegal to picknick in islets where you can find endangered animals and plants
Counts Percents Percents
227

0 100
Agree 439 39.2%
bar_c0.gif
Strongly Agree 373 33.3%
bar_c0.gif
Disagree 200 17.9%
bar_c0.gif
Neutral 64 5.7%
No opinion 43 3.8%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
Q25d: It should be illegal to make barbecues and light fires islets where you can find endangered animals and plants
It should be illegal to make barbecues and light fires islets where you can find endangered animals and plants
Counts Percents Percents
228

0 100
Agree 468 41.8%
bar_c0.gif
Strongly Agree 448 40.0%
bar_c0.gif
Disagree 129 11.5%
Neutral 37 3.3%
No opinion 37 3.3%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
Q25e: There is a need for more designated barbecue area on the islets
There is a need for more designated barbecue area on the islets
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
229

Agree 499 44.6%
bar_c0.gif
Strongly Agree 445 39.8%
bar_c0.gif
Disagree 96 8.6%
Sans Opinion 45 4.0%
Neutral 34 3.0%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
Q25f: Wildlife officers are trying to protect endangered plants and animals by stopping people to access protected areas:
Wildlife officers are trying to protect endangered plants and animals by stopping people to access protected areas:
Counts Percents Percents
230

0 100
Agree 398 35.6%
bar_c0.gif
Disagree 305 27.3%
bar_c0.gif
Strongly Agree 254 22.7%
bar_c0.gif
Neutral 82 7.3%
No opinion 80 7.1%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
Q26 I am going to read you a list of statements about activities, and for each activity, I would like you to tell me whether it is important or
not important to you.
Q26a: Making sure local people can continue picinicking on some of the islets
Making sure local people can continue picinicking on some of the islets
231

Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Important 642 57.4%
bar_c0.gif
Not Important 342 30.6%
bar_c0.gif
Not sure/Don't know 135 12.1%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
Q26b: Stop people doing barbecues and fires on islets where you can find endangered animals and plants
Stop people doing barbecues and fires on islets where you can find endangered animals and plants
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Important 854 76.3%
bar_c0.gif
232

Not Important 203 18.1%
bar_c0.gif
Not sure/Don't know 62 5.5%
Totals 1119 100.0%
--
Q26c: Stopping people from cutting trees/bushes/grass on any of the following islets (Ile aux Vacoas/ Ile aux Marianne/Ile aux Aigrettes)
Stopping people from cutting trees/bushes/grass on any of the following islets (Ile aux Vacoas/ Ile aux Marianne/Ile aux Aigrettes)
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Important 1006 89.9%
bar_c0.gif
Not Important 69 6.2%
Not sure/Don't know 44 3.9%
Totals 1119 100.0%
233

--
Q26d: Making sure endangered plants and animals can continue to survive on the islets
Making sure endangered plants and animals can continue to survive on the islets
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Important 1023 91.4%
bar_c0.gif
Not sure/Don't know 52 4.6%
Not Important 44 3.9%
Totals 1119 100.0%
Mean --
Q27 I am going to read to you a number of activities, and I would like you to tell me whether you would find it easy or difficult for you to do
234

that activity
Q27a: Report a person from your village that you know has illegally picknicked on any of the following islets:Ile aux Vacoas/ Ile aux
Marianne/Ile aux Aigrettes/Ile de la Passe?
Report a person from your village that you know has illegally picknicked on any of the following islets:Ile aux Vacoas/ Ile aux Marianne/Ile aux
Aigrettes/Ile de la Passe?
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Difficult 741 66.3%
bar_c0.gif
Easy 245 21.9%
bar_c0.gif
Not sure/ Don't Know 82 7.3%
No answer 50 4.5%
Totals 1118 100.0%
235

--
Q27b: If you going on an islet to barbecue, would you be able to barbecue on a designated area specific for barbecuing?
If you going on an islet to barbecue, would you be able to barbecue on a designated area specific for barbecuing?
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Easy 790 70.7%
bar_c0.gif
Difficult 227 20.3%
bar_c0.gif
Not sure/ Don't Know 68 6.1%
No answer 33 3.0%
Totals 1118 100.0%
236

--
Q27c: Stop visiting the inland of following islets: Ile aux Vacoas/ Ile aux Marianne (you can visit the beach)
Stop visiting the inland of following islets: Ile aux Vacoas/ Ile aux Marianne (you can visit the beach)
237

Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
Difficult 805 72.0%
bar_c0.gif
Easy 201 18.0%
bar_c0.gif
Not sure/ Don't Know 78 7.0%
No answer 34 3.0%
Totals 1118 100.0%
--
Q28 In the past month, have you talked with anyone about the islets of Mahebourg?
This might include talking about access to nature reserve. I will read you a list of people, and please tell me whether you have talked with
them about protected areas in the past month.
a: Your immediate family, including spouse, children or parents
238

Your immediate family, including spouse, children or parents
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
No 870 77.8%
bar_c0.gif
Yes 215 19.2%
bar_c0.gif
Not sure/Don't Know 33 3.0%
Totals 1118 100.0%
--
Q28b: Your extended family, including in laws, cousins, and uncles/aunts
Your extended family, including in laws, cousins, and uncles/aunts
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
239

No 905 80.9%
bar_c0.gif
Yes 182 16.3%
bar_c0
Not sure/Don't Know 31 2.8%
Totals 1118 100.0%
--
Q28c: Your friends or neighbours
Your friends or neighbours
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
No 840 75.1%
bar_c0.gif
Yes 252 22.5%
bar_c0.gif
Not sure/Don't Know 26 2.3%
Totals 1118 100.0%
240

--
Q28d: A community leader, such as a politician, village chief, or religious leader
A community leader, such as a politician, village chief, or religious leader
Counts
Percents
Percents
0 100
No 1019 91.1%
bar_c0.gif
Yes 65 5.8%
Not sure/Don't Know 34 3.0%
Totals 1118 100.0%
--
Q28e: Other:
241

Other:
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
No other 1056 97.1%
bar_c0.gif
President of a club 22 2.0%
Teachers 6 0.6%
Tourists 3 0.3%
Tourist 1 0.1%
Totals 1088 100.0%
--
Q29 I am going to ask you about a number of ways in which you may or may not have heard about the islets in the past 6 months. For each
242

c
0
method, I would like you to tell me whether you have heard about the islets from that source.
a: Seen a billboard about the islets
Seen a billboard about the islets
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
No 923 82.6%
bar_c0.gif
Yes 157 14.0%
b
Not sure/Don't Know 27 2.4%
No answer 11 1.0%
Totals 1118 100.0%
Mean --
Q29b: Seen poster about the the islets
243

Seen poster about the the islets
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
No 930 83.2%
bar_c0.gif
Yes 167 14.9%
bar
Not sure/Don't Know 14 1.3%
No answer 7 0.6%
Totals 1118 100.0%
Mean --
Q29c: Hear an advertising "spot" about the islets
Hear an advertising "spot" about the islets
Counts Percents
Percents
244

0 100
No 953 85.3%
bar_c0.gif
Yes 142 12.7%
Not sure/Don't Know 15 1.3%
No answer 7 0.6%
Totals 1117 100.0%
--
Q30 I am going to ask you about a number of ways in which you may or may not have heard about reptiles in the past 6 months. For each
a: Seen a billboard about the reptiles
method, I would like you to tell me whether you have heard about reptiles from that source.
Seen a billboard about the reptiles
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
245

No 996 89.2%
bar_c0.gif
Yes 101 9.0%
Not sure/Don't Know 16 1.4%
No answer 4 0.4%
Totals 1117 100.0%
--
Q30b: Seen poster about the reptiles
Seen poster about the reptiles
Counts Percents
Percents
0 100
No 984 88.1%
bar_c0.gif
Yes 116 10.4%
Not sure/Don't Know 13 1.2%
246

No answer 4 0.4%
Totals 1117 100.0%
--
Q30c: Hear an advertising "spot" about the reptiles
Hear an advertising "spot" about the reptiles
Counts Percents
Percents
247

0 100
No 991 88.7%
bar_c0.gif
Yes 105 9.4%
Not sure/Don't Know 15 1.3%
No answer 6 0.5%
Totals 1117 100.0%
--
248

10. References
Atkinson, R. and Sevathian, J.C. (2007) A guide to the plants in Mauritius. Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, 2 nd edn., MSM ltd, Mauritius.
Atkinson, R. and Sevathian, J.C. (2007) A guide to the plants in Mauritius. Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, 2 nd edn., MSM ltd, Mauritius, (iv), illus.
Bell, B.D, Dulloo, E. and Bell, M. (1994) Mauritius Offshore Islands Survey Report and Management Plan, Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust,
New Zealand.
Bell, B. D. and Bell, E. (1996) Mauritius offshore islands project phase II. Implementation of management recommendations. Unpublished
report from Wildlife Management International Ltd., New Zealand.
Cole, N.C (2005) The ecological impact of the invasive house gecko Hemidactylus frenatus upon endemic Mauritian geckos. Ph.D. dissertation,
University of Bristol.
Cole, N., Jones, C., Buckland, S., Mootoocurpen, R., Tatayah, V., Bachraz, V., Nundloll, V. and Seewajee, P. (2007) Restoring island biodiversity:
the reintroduction of endemic Mauritian reptile communities. A Darwin Initiative Project, 2006/07 Progress Report, pp. 10-51.
Cole, N. (2008) A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Mauritius. Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, Vacoas.
249

Dulloo, M. E., Verburg, J., Paul, S. S., Green, S. E., de Boucherville Baissac, P. and Jones, C. G. (1997) Ile aux Aigrettes Management Plan, 1997-
2000. Technical Series No. 1/97, Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, Mauritius.
Hansen, D.M., Beerand K., Muller, C. (2006) Mauritian coloured nectar no longer a mystery: a visual signal for lizard pollinators, Biology letters,
(2) March, pp.165-168.
Institut de recherche pour le developpement, Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute, Royal Botanic Gardens (Kew), (2005) Flore des
Mascareignes, La Reunion, Maurice, Rodrigues. Paris, pp.19.
Lacerna-Widmann, I.D. (2004) Project plan: Dumaran, Palawan, Philippines. RARE.
Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. (2005) The Native Plants & Animals of Mauritius. Mauritius, M.S.M. Ltd., pp. 1-16.
Ministry of Agriculture, Food Technology & Natural Resources (2004) The Islets National Park Strategic Plan, Development of a Management
Plan for the Conservation and Management of Offshore Islets for the Republic of Mauritius. Agrer, Mauritius.
National Parks & Conservation Services Agro-Industry & Fisheries (2006) National biodiversity strategy & action plan for the Republic of
Mauritius 2006-2016.
250

Vinson, J. (1976) The distribution of Phelsuma species in Mauritius. The Mauritius Institute Bulletin, 8(2), pp.177-195.
The government of Mauritius, http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2833.htm (Accessed on 15th December 2008)
Wikipedia, The Districts and dependencies of Mauritius, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Districts_and_dependencies_of_Mauritius (Acessed on 7th March 2008)
Wikipedia, The District of Mauritius, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savanne (Acessed on 7th March 2008)
The government of Mauritius, http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2833.htm (Acessed on 1st June 2008)
Cultural Heritage Structures and Sites in Mauritius, Ile de la Passe, Natural Heritage fund,
http://www.gov.mu/portal/site/nheritage/menuitem.1baffaaeb20cb91a43732f0248a521ca/?content_id=001c4db4ca2c8010VgnVCM100000ca6a12acRCRD
(Acessed on 2 nd February 2008)
The Government of Mauritius http://www.gov.mu/portal/site/fisheries/menuitem.40a3cb904590624e7f7a98ada0208a0c/ (Acessed on 7th June 2008)
251