Report on World Environment Day 2015

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT, DISASTER & BEACH MANAGEMENT
Report on World Environment Day 2015
INFORMATION AND EDUCATION DIVISION
EXHIBITION
Rivière du Rempart Youth Centre, Rivière du Rempart
5 June 2015
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INTRODUCTION
Every year, the World Environment Day is celebrated on 5th of June.
World Environment Day (WED) is an annual event that is aimed at being the biggest
and most widely celebrated global day for positive environmental action. World
Environment Day activities take place all year round and climax on 5 June every
year.WED celebration began in 1972 and has grown to become one of the main
vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the
environment and encourages concrete actions.
The WED theme 2015 is “Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care."
Many of the Earth’s ecosystems are nearing critical tipping points of depletion or
irreversible change, pushed by high population growth and economic development.
By 2050, if current consumption and production patterns remain the same and with a
rising population expected to reach 9.6 billion, we will need three planets to sustain
our ways of living and consumption.
In the local context of the WED celebration for 2015, activities will be organized with
the aim of promoting environmental responsibility, sustainable consumption and
production, and sustainable lifestyle for the school community, the youth and the
general public.
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ACTIVITIES
1. Exhibition at Rivière du Rempart Youth Centre from Friday 5 June to
Wednesday 10 June 2015 (9.30 – 15.30 hours) on themes:
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Environmental Protection
International Cooperation for Projects
Disaster Risk Management
Sustainable Agriculture Practices & Food Security
Solid Wastes and Recycling
Concept of Sustainable Development & SCP
NGOs & Youth
Other Environmental Issues
Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprise
2. Best dreams
The Best dream competition was initiated in connection with the WED 2015
theme (namely 7 billion dreams) and had as main objective to reward the best
environmental dream. This initiative was sponsored by the following firms:
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AEL DDS LTD
Air Mauritius LTD
Beryl Rose
Best Construct Co LTD
Ecology bags
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Homefit LTD
Mauritius Telecom Foundation
Omnicane
SignFix
3. Launching of Embellir Maurice Project
In view of inculcating a sense of belonging and environmental stewardship,
the Ministry of Environment, Sustainable Development, Disaster and Beach
Management launched an island-wide embellishment programme “Embellir
Maurice”. The ultimate goal is to make citizens feel proud in contributing to
foster a cleaner, greener and safer Mauritius “ouil fait bon vivre”.
Themotivation factor for the programme is based on participation, recognition
and reward.The programme will span over 3-6 months and comprise of 4
categories namely: primary school, secondary school, District Council /
Municipal Council and Public sector &NGO.
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ACTIVITIES
4. Launching of Ministry’s Logo
5.
The Ministry of Environment , Sustainable Development, Disaster and Beach
Management launched its logo with the following description:
Shaped as our island’s contours and coloured in vibrant shades, the
logo depicts our sky, sea, beaches, land, flora and fauna. The four
hands portray the synergy among the institutions under the Ministry of
Environment, Sustainable Development, Disaster and Beach
Management to provide for a ‘Cleaner, Greener and Safer Mauritius’.
The logo also conveys that sustainable development and
environmental protection require commitment and participation from
one and all.
6. Environmental Award - Recognition of Individuals and Organizations for
their contributions in Environmental Protection
In view of recognizing the continuous support and contribution towards
environmental protection, the Ministry had prepared a list of nominees (annex
5) under 6 categories and a jury panel was set up to designate awardees.
The awardees are as follows:
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 Private Sector
Mauritius
Telecom
Foundation
Ecology Bags Ltd
Omnicane Ltd
 NGOs
Mauritius
Marine
Conservation Society
Indian Ocean Centre for
Education in Human Values
 Socio Cultural Group
Cassiya Group
Claudio Sega Group
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 Institutions
Mauritius Fire & Rescue Service
Mauritius Police Force
Mauritius Prison Service
Special Mobile Force
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 Schools
La Gaulette SSS
Universal College
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 Individuals
Mr. Philippe La Hausse de la
Louvière
Mr. Raj Makoond
ACTIVITIES
7. Sensitization through media and distribution of Resource Materials:
- Display of Posters on 15 billboards of TMRSU on WED 2015 Theme (1-15
June 2015)
- Radio Spot on WED Theme
- PressAdvert in Newspapers
- Distribution of Resources Materials (Flyer on Eco-driving, Booklet on Plant
for Clean air, and Pamphlets)
- Cloth bags and Eco bags (Telecom),T-Shirts were distributed to visitors.
8. Distribution of Plants and eco-friendly bags:
- Medicinal plants were distributed to revive the indigenous knowledge to
our population for producing and using of medicinal plants by
highlighting its naturalness.
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Along with the exhibition, eco-friendly bags (Mauritius Telecom bags)
were distributed to the public to encourage the use of environment
friendly alternatives to plastic bags.
List of exhibitors
1. Ministry of Environment, Sustainable 18. Food and Agricultural Research and
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Development, Disaster and Beach
Management
Japan International Cooperation Agency
GEF Small Grants Programme-UNDP
Indian Ocean Commission (IOC)
Mauritius Meteorological Services
Ecology Bag Co. Ltd
Omnicane Ltd
Slow Food TipaTipa
Fisheries Mangement Division
Central Electricity Board
Mauritius Fire & Rescue Service
Eco Logic Ltd
National Women Council
Leal Energie
Medine Ltd
Central Water Authority
Early Childhood Care and Education
Extension Institute
19. Indian Ocean Centre for Education in
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
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Human Values
Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre
Adaptation Fund Board (AFB)
Brahma Kumari
Forestry Services
Save Our Planet Earth (SOPE)
Falcon Citizen League
Mauritius Telecom Foundation
Vivo Energy Mauritius Ltd
AEL DDS Ltd
RajcoomarGujadhur G.S
SMEDA
Garden Makers
Police de L’Environnement
Ministry of Youth and Sports
Main WED 2015 Celebration – Exhibition
Date:Friday 5 to Wednesday 10 June 2015
(9.30 – 15.30 Hours)
Venue: Rivière du Rempart Youth Centre, Rivière du Rempart
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The official opening ceremony of WED 2015 was marked by the esteemed
presence of :
 Lady Sarojni JUGNAUTH, Chief Guest;
 The Hon. Jayeshwur Raj DAYAL
 , CSK, QPM, PDSM, FBIM psc (UK), MAIMS, Minister of Environment,
Sustainable Development, Disaster and Beach Management;
 Mr Simon SPRINGETT, UN Resident Representative and UNDP
Resident Coordinator.
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The programme is at Annex 1.
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Some 15,000people were present for the event including students, women
associations, senior citizens and youth.
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The official opening ceremony of WED 2015 on 5 June 2015 comprised:(i)
Opening of the exhibition with the participation of 35 public and private
sector organizations and NGOs’.
(ii)
Launching of Embellir Maurice Project
(iii)
Launching of Ministry’s Logo;
(iv)
Environment Award - Recognition of Individuals and Organizations for
their contributions in Environmental Protection.
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A. OPENING CEREMONY: Friday 5 June 2015
Guest
Guest
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Guest
Guest
7
Guest
Guest
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National Anthem
Welcome Address by Supervising Officer, Ministry of Environment, Sustainable Development,
Disaster and Beach Management
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Address by Mr. Simon SPRINGETTE, UN Resident Representative and UNDP Resident
Coordinator
Address by The Hon. Jayeshwur Raj DAYAL, CSK, QPM, PDSM, FBIM psc (UK), MAIMS,
Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development, Disaster and Beach Management
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Address by Lady Sarojni JUGNAUTH
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B. AWARD CEREMONY: Launching of Embellir Maurice
Launching of Embellir Project by the Hon. Jayeshwur Raj DAYAL, CSK, QPM, PDSM, FBIM psc
(UK), MAIMS, Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development, Disaster and Beach
Management
Government of Mauritius
Ministry of Environment, Sustainable Development
Disaster and Beach Management
Date: 5 June 2015
EMBELLIR MAURITIUS PROJECT
(Schools,Towns,Villages,Public Sector & NGO)
RUPEES
SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND / Rs 600,000 ……………………………………….
Signature
ll 01520834
: ll : 08: 2536687: ll 1358945::ll 001:0000111
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C. AWARD CEREMONY: Launching of Ministry’s Logo
Launching of Ministry’s Logo
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D. ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD CEREMONY: Private Sector, NGO’s,
Institutions, Schools, Individuals and Socio-Cultural group
PRIVATE SECTOR WINNERS
1. Ecology Bags Ltd
2. Mauritius Telecom Foundation
3. Omnicane Ltd
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NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS WINNERS
1. Indian Ocean Centre for Education in Human Values
2. Mauritius Marine Conservation Society (MMCS)
INSTITUTIONS WINNERS
1. Mauritius Fire & Rescue Service
3. Mauritius Prison Service
2. Mauritius Police Force
4. Special Mobile Force
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SCHOOLS WINNERS
1. La Gaulette SSS
2. Universal College
INDIVIDUALS WINNERS
1.Mr. Philippe La Hausse de la Louvière
2.Mr. Raj Makoond
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SOCIO CULTURAL GROUP
1.Cassiya Group
2.Claudio Sega Group
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E. PLEDGE: by Children
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F. SYMBOLIC TREE PLANTING
Tree planting by:
- Lady Sarojni JUGNAUTH; and
- The Hon. Jayeshwur Raj DAYAL, CSK, QPM, PDSM, FBIM psc (UK), MAIMS, Minister of
Environment, Sustainable Development, Disaster and Beach Management
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G. OPENING OF EXHIBITION: Friday 5 June 2015
Opening of Exhibition by:
- Lady Sarojni JUGNAUTH; and
- The Hon. Jayeshwur Raj DAYAL, CSK, QPM, PDSM, FBIM psc (UK), MAIMS, Minister of
Environment, Sustainable Development, Disaster and Beach Management
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Opening of Exhibition by:
- Lady Sarojni JUGNAUTH; and
- The Hon. Jayeshwur Raj DAYAL, CSK, QPM, PDSM, FBIM psc (UK), MAIMS, Minister of
Environment, Sustainable Development, Disaster and Beach Management
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Visiting of Exhibition by:
- Lady Sarojni JUGNAUTH; and
- The Hon. Jayeshwur Raj DAYAL, CSK, QPM, PDSM, FBIM psc (UK), MAIMS, Minister of
Environment, Sustainable Development, Disaster and Beach Management
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Visiting of Exhibition by:
- Lady Sarojni JUGNAUTH; and
- The Hon. Jayeshwur Raj DAYAL, CSK, QPM, PDSM, FBIM psc (UK), MAIMS, Minister of
Environment, Sustainable Development, Disaster and Beach Management
23
Visiting of Exhibition by:
- Lady Sarojni JUGNAUTH; and
- The Hon. Jayeshwur Raj DAYAL, CSK, QPM, PDSM, FBIM psc (UK), MAIMS, Minister of
Environment, Sustainable Development, Disaster and Beach Management
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Visiting of Exhibition by:
- Lady Sarojni JUGNAUTH; and
- The Hon. Jayeshwur Raj DAYAL, CSK, QPM, PDSM, FBIM psc (UK), MAIMS, Minister of
Environment, Sustainable Development, Disaster and Beach Management
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Visiting of Exhibition by:
- Lady Sarojni JUGNAUTH; and
- The Hon. Jayeshwur Raj DAYAL, CSK, QPM, PDSM, FBIM psc (UK), MAIMS, Minister of
Environment, Sustainable Development, Disaster and Beach Management
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Visiting of Exhibition by:
- Lady Sarojni JUGNAUTH; and
- The Hon. Jayeshwur Raj DAYAL, CSK, QPM, PDSM, FBIM psc (UK), MAIMS, Minister of
Environment, Sustainable Development, Disaster and Beach Management
27
Visiting of Exhibition by:
- Lady Sarojni JUGNAUTH; and
- The Hon. Jayeshwur Raj DAYAL, CSK, QPM, PDSM, FBIM psc (UK), MAIMS, Minister of
Environment, Sustainable Development, Disaster and Beach Management
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Visiting of Exhibition by:
- Lady Sarojni JUGNAUTH; and
- The Hon. Jayeshwur Raj DAYAL, CSK, QPM, PDSM, FBIM psc (UK), MAIMS, Minister of
Environment, Sustainable Development, Disaster and Beach Management
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EXHIBITION: VISITED BY STUDENTS
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VISITORS OF THE EXHIBITION
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OTHER FEATURES OF THE EXHIBITION
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OTHER FEATURES OF THE EXHIBITION
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EXHIBITION ON ZERO PLASTIC
Ecology Bags Ltd
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Eco-Logic Ltd
EXHIBITION: Waste Segregation Project
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EXHIBITION: Rainwater Harvesting
EXHIBITION: Plants Distribution
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EXHIBITION: Garden Makers
EXHIBITION: RajcoomarGujadhur G.S
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MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT, DISASTER & BEACH MANAGEMENT
Report on Inauguration of a Community
Endemic Garden
In collaboration with Universal College, Rivière du Rempart
INFORMATION AND EDUCATION DIVISION
UniversalCollege, Rivière du Rempart
5 June 2015
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- Lady Sarojni JUGNAUTH, Chief Guest;
- The Hon. Jayeshwur Raj DAYAL, CSK, QPM, PDSM, FBIM psc (UK), MAIMS,
Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development, Disaster and Beach Management;
Guest
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Address by Lady Sarojni JUGNAUTH
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Inauguration of community endemic garden and tree planting
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Environment march accopmanied
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ANNEX 1 – Programme
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ANNEX 2 – Pledge
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ANNEX 3 – Speech by Lady SarojiniJugnauth
Message de Lady SarojiniJugnauth
A l’occasion de la Journée Mondiale de l’Environnement
Centre de Jeunesse de Rivière du Rempart
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− Honorable SeetanahLutchmeenaraidoo, Ministre des Finances et du Développement
Economique
− Honorable YogidaSawmynaden, Ministre de la Jeunesse et des Sports
− Honorable LeelaDeviDookun-Luchoomun, Ministre de l'Education, des Ressources
Humaines, de l'Enseignement Supérieur et la Recherche Scientifique
− Honorable Dayal, Ministre de l’Environnement, du Développement Durable, de la
Gestion des Catastrophes et des Plages,
− Honorable Ravi Yerrigadoo, Procureur Général
− Les membres de l'Assemblée Nationale
− Mons. GoorooduthChuckun, Président du Conseil de District de Rivière du Rempart
− Mons. Simon Springett, Représentant des Nations Unies et du PNUD
− Mes chers enfants,
− Mesdames et Messieurs,
Bon après-midi,
Je suis particulièrement heureuse d’être parmi vous aujourd’hui à l’occasion de la Journée
Mondiale de l’Environnement. Comme nombre d’entre vous le savent déjà, cette journée est
célébrée le 5 Juin de chaque année afin d’attirer l’attention sur l’importance de
l’environnement et la nécessité de le préserver.
Cette année le thème ‘Sept milliards de rêves. Une seule planète. Consommons avec
modération’ a pour but de sensibiliser les sept milliards d’habitants de la planète sur leurs
habitudes de consommation quotidiennes. Les principaux éléments visés sont la nécessité
de réduire le gaspillage alimentaire et une utilisation judicieuse de l’eau et de l’énergie.
De nos jours, nous ne prêtons que très peu d’attention à notre mode de vie car tout est à
notre portée. Il est si simple d’acheter la nourriture que ce soit en boite ou précuite,
d’actionner un bouton pour avoir de l’électricité, et ouvrir le robinet pour avoir l’eau. Ce ne
sont là que quelques exemples.
Est-ce-que la planète pourra subvenir à tous nos besoins ? Avons-nous réfléchi aux
conséquences de notre train de vie ? Pouvons-nous continuer à agir ainsi ?
Mesdames et Messieurs,
La prospérité humaine ne doit pas appauvrir la planète. Nous ne pouvons continuer à
gaspiller à tort et à travers ou tout prendre pour argent comptant. Pour être juste envers
les générations à venir, il nous incombe d’être plus conscients de nos gestes quotidiens.
Nous devons apprendre à mesurer nos impacts sur l’environnement. Car c’est en ajoutant
tous les coûts relatifs tels ceux de la pollution, au prix des ressources que nous utilisons, à
ceux exigés pour la régénération de ces mêmes ressources, que nous pourrons faire des
comparaisons. Je suis certaine que ces comparaisons nous inciteront à mieux comprendre
ce qui se passe autour de nous et nous permettront de réduire l’impact de notre mode de
vie sur l’environnement.
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Mesdames et Messieurs,
Aujourd’hui, nous avons tous écouté le message des enfants destiné principalement au
Premier Ministre et aux décideurs politiques. Ce message m’a profondément touchée et je
ne peux y rester insensible. C’est un cri de cœur de la nouvelle génération et des
générations futures pour que nous leurs cédions une société plus juste ou chaque enfant
peut s’épanouir librement,
sans frayeur ou obstacle. Chaque enfant a le droit de jouer, de grandir et de vivre dans une
atmosphère propice.
Il est de notre devoir de léguer un environnement sain et des ressources naturelles
adéquates à nos enfants. La santé, le bien-être et l’avenir de nos enfants et petits-enfants en
dépendent. Tout comme nous aujourd’hui, la génération future ne pourra se dissocier de
son environnement, lequel sera toujours la source d’air pur, de nourriture et d'eau potable,
et constituera le fondement du développement économique.
Mesdames et Messieurs,
Il y a à peine 40 ans, nous étions environ 3 milliards sur Terre. Aujourd’hui, ce chiffre a
atteint les 7 milliards. Cette forte croissance démographique a accentué d’innombrables
activités économiques tout en entrainant une consommation sans précédent des
ressources naturelles.
Au niveau mondial et aussi national, une population grandissante, une économie en
expansion et la surexploitation des ressources naturelles sont d’importants moteurs de
changements qui menacent gravement l’environnement et les écosystèmes. En
conséquence, l’empreinte écologique
montre déjà que nous utilisons les ressources d’une planète et demie pour préserver nos
niveaux de vie actuels.
Nous ne pouvons plus continuer ainsi, car nous ne ferons qu’aggraver cette situation. Nous
devons agir avec urgence afin d’éviter le gaspillage. Une consommation bien cadrée dans
les limites de notre planète est une nécessité pour un avenir meilleur.
Mesdames et Messieurs,
Il n’existe aucun remède miracle pour réaliser un développement économique soutenu,
pour avoir une société plus juste ou un environnement salubre. Tout cela dépend sur la
mise en œuvre de politiques audacieuses et de stratégies intégrées.
Le Premier Ministre a toujours eu une approche directe et rationnelle. Dès ses premiers
mandats, Sir AneroodJugnauth a su que le développement économique ne pourra
s’accomplir sans la participation et la collaboration de chaque citoyen. Quand il a pris les
rênes du pays en 1982, l'économie était en ruine, le pays en quasi-faillite avec des niveaux
de chômage record. C’est avec beaucoup de courage et de rigueur que Sir Anerood a dirigé
le pays vers une
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période de prospérité sans précédent. Son gouvernement a travaillé sans relâche pour
diversifier l’économie. Il a développé la Zone Franche de manière remarquable et fait
épanouir d’autres secteurs tels le tourisme, le port franc et les services financiers. Ce fut
ainsi que la qualité et le mode de vie des citoyens n’ont fait que s’améliorer.
Sir AneroodJugnauth a toujours eu à cœur l’intérêt national et c’est dans un tel contexte
qu’il a œuvré pour la protection et la préservation de l’environnement. Il a créé le Ministère
de l’Environnement. Il a piloté l’implémentation des deux stratégies nationales de
l’environnement avec comme grands chantiers :
.
.
.
.
.
L’extension du réseau de tout-à-l’égout,
L’amélioration du système de collecte et de gestion des déchets,
La protection de la biodiversité en créant le parc national des Gorges
de la Rivière Noire et en érigeant un sanctuaire d’oiseaux migrateurs à
l’Estuaire de Terre Rouge près de Port Louis, et
L’ébauche du premier plan sur la gestion des sols, entre autres.
Mesdames et Messieurs,
Depuis les élections générales de décembre 2014, le gouvernement travaille d’arrachepied
pour relancer le développement économique, promouvoir l’intégration sociale, renforcer la
démocratie, assurer le fonctionnement indépendant des institutions et instaurer une
gestion plus appropriée des ressources naturelles. Le but ultime est de façonner un
deuxième miracle socio-économique tout en améliorant la qualité de vie des citoyens et en
protégeant l’environnement.
En ce qu’il s’agit de la protection de l’environnement et de la promotion du développement
durable, le Gouvernement a ciblé différent secteurs:
- La mise en place de ‘Smart Cities’ est une idée novatrice qui apportera une révolution
totale dans la façon dont nous vivons.Ces villes écologiques seront autonomes en énergie.
La réduction des déchets, le recyclage, le compostage et la collecte des eaux pluviales
seront des composantes intégrées dans ces villes modèles.
- Ce gouvernement a eu le courage de bannir les sacs en plastique dès Janvier 2016. Si nous
voulons tous d’un pays propre, il est du devoir de tout un chacun de participer dans cette
démarche. Le gouvernement compte sur vous.
- Afin d'améliorer la sécurité des citoyens contre des catastrophes naturelles, le système
national d'alerte précoce sera renforcé et le public sensibilisé.
- Le changement climatique et ses impacts sont au centre des préoccupations
gouvernementales. Des stratégies visant à faire face et à s’adapter aux impacts du
changement climatique sont en cours d’implémentation. Maurice sera le premier état
insulaire à promulguer un ‘Climate Change Bill’. Ce dernier contribuera à diriger notre pays
vers une économie verte où un développement à faible émission de carbone sera favorisé.
- Jusqu’à présent, la gestion des déchets a été limitée à la collecte, le transport et
l’enfouissement. Dans un avenir proche, le Gouvernement établira le tri sélectif et le
recyclage tout en encourageant une consommation responsable.
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- L'ambition de ce gouvernement est de maintenir un environnement sain. Les campagnes
de nettoyage, le reboisement, la création des jardins endémiques et des 'Parcours de Santé'
sont au centre des priorités. A travers ces initiatives, nous voulons que les Mauriciens
profitent et vivent en harmonie avec la nature.
- La zone côtière est une ressource clé pour le développement de notre île. Cependant des
pressions intenses dues aux activités terrestres et marines dégradent l'environnement
côtier et menacent son potentiel économique. La réhabilitation des plages est une des
priorités environnementales.
Mesdames et Messieurs,
Le Premier Ministre a constamment prôné les valeurs tels que la paix, la solidarité, la
justice, la liberté, la tolérance, la dignité, le respect et l’harmonie familiale. Ces valeurs sont
essentielles pour le bon fonctionnement de la nation mauricienne. Tout comme chaque
pierre dans un édifice a sa raison d’être, il en est de même en ce qu’il s’agit de la
construction et de l’épanouissement d’une nation.
Si nous inculquons ces valeurs à nos enfants dès leur plus jeune âge, ils seront assurés d’un
avenir meilleur. Toutefois, je reconnais que cela demande à la fois fermeté et
compréhension, mais nos enfants doivent impérativement apprendre à construire leur
propre système de valeurs. Il est donc important que chaque parent assume son rôle
pleinement afin de transmettre ces valeurs à leurs enfants.
Mesdames et Messieurs,
La protection de l’environnement est définitivement une valeur à inculquer à nos enfants.
La protection et la préservation de l’environnement n’est pas uniquement l’affaire du
gouvernement. Il concerne les secteurs publics et privés, les ONG, la société civile et tout un
chacun. Pour un impact positif dans
le long terme, la protection de l’environnement requiert que nous nous engagions dès
maintenant.
En conclusion, je fais le vœu que la Journée Mondiale de l’Environnement soit pour tout le
monde une source d’inspiration et de motivation continues. Nos gestes quotidiens, aussi
minimes soient-ils, ont un impact positif sur l’ensemble de la planète. Nous devons donc
agir dès aujourd’hui, car nous avons le devoir moral, le devoir sacré de léguer un
environnement meilleur et prospère à nos enfants.
Je vous remercie de votre attention.
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ANNEX 4 – Speech by The Hon. Jayeshwur Raj DAYAL, CSK, QPM,
PDSM, FBIM psc (UK), MAIMS, Minister of Environment,
Sustainable Development, Disaster and Beach Management
Address by
Hon. Jayeshwur Raj Dayal, CSK, QPM, PDSM, FBIM psc (UK), MAIMS
Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development, Disaster and Beach
Management
on the occasion of the
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2015
at
Rivière du Rempart Youth Centre
Friday 5June 2015
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Your Excellency Lady Sarojini JUGNAUTH
Hon. Ravi YERRIGADOO, Attorney General
Hon. Alain WONG, Minister of Civil Service and Administrative Reforms
Honourable members of the National Assembly
MrGoorooduth CHUCKUN, President of Rivière du Rempart District Council
Mr Simon SPRINGETT, UN Resident Representative and UNDP Resident Coordinator
MrPremhans JHUGROO, Supervising Officer, Ministry of Environment, Sustainable
Development, Disaster and Beach Management
Mrs Ng, Director of Environment
Distinguished guests
My dear children
Ladies and gentlemen
Good morning.
Let me, first and foremost, welcome your Excellency Lady SarojiniJugnauth in our midst
today. We are indeed honoured and privileged to celebrate the World Environment Day
2015 in your esteemed presence and I wish to personally thank you for accepting our
invitation and choosing to be with us today.
Your very presence reiterates the commitment of the Government under the leadership of
the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Sir AneroodJugnauth to put the environment on
the front burner. Moreso that you have supported all the environmental initiatives of the
Prime Minister throughout his legendary career as politician and statesman.
Through you, we convey our highest respect to the great statesman for embracing the
onerous challenge to put the country back on track. I would like all of you to please give a
big round of applause to the Prime Minister and to Lady SarojiniJugnauth.
Ladies and gentlemen
Let me now come to this year’s theme on the World Environment Day- ‘Seven Billion
Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care’. Today is an important day for us to take a
moment to question our dreams, our attitudes to life and our ways of living, our day-to-day
habits and how they impact on the planet.
We all have two options today –
Either we dream of building a truly sustainable better world where life is simple,
meaningful, bountiful and beautiful.
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Or
We dream of living a life where we run after so many things, yet, forsaking the essence
of life.
The choice is evident. We all have the same dream. We all want a simple and meaningful
life and for this we need a cleaner, greener and safer planet.
Ladies and gentlemen
The planet Earth is what we all have in common. It is our home, our mother, the home of
our family and friends. It sustains the lives of 7 billion people who live on it. It is also the
home of magnificent forests, mountains, oceans, lakes, rivers as well as all living species
and everything that surrounds us. It provides us with all that we need to live and thrive –
food, shelter, clothes, clean air, clean water and all natural resources, divinely gifted.
However, for decades, we have been taking much more from nature than what we really
need. We have become selfish and over-greedy consumers, depleting the planet’s natural
resources and not thinking of tomorrow. Allow me here to quote Mahatma Gandhi ‘The
world has enough for everyone's need, but not enough for everyone's greed’.Unquote.
More and more people are caught in a vicious and endless cycle of buying, wasting and
throwing away. The question that we all need to ask ourselves is whether better quality of
life is synonymous with excessive consumption of resources and extravagance.
To be happy in life, do we really need to buy unnecessary things recklessly, should we run
after superfluous comfort just to compete with the next door neighbour, should we waste
energy, water, food and produce excess wastes.
Should we dump wastes, litter, pollute the environment and deplete resources. The
answer is NO.Such behaviour is only putting immense pressure on our natural resources,
biodiversity and the ecological balance of the planet.
According to UNEP, we are using resources 50% faster than what our planet can cope with.
The earth’s resources cannot keep pace. If we carry on with this rate, by 2050, with a rising
population expected to reach 9.6 billion, we will need three planets to sustain our way of
life. The problem is,we don’t have three planets. We have only one planet, which is a very
fragile one indeed.
Consequently, Planet Earth is facing severe global crisis: climate change, extreme weather
events, ozone depletion, energy crisis, exhausted natural resources, pollution, loss of
biodiversity, threat to food security, shrinking fish stocks, just to mention a few.
Climate change is happening and creating unpredictability. Human activities constitute the
principal cause. Its impacts in terms of flooding, droughts, torrential rains, cyclones and
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wild fires have shaken the world with tragic human toll. It is inevitable that we will have to
face the daunting challenges of the severe impacts of climate change.
However, we can save the planet. Not only for our own benefit but, above all, for
generations to come. I here quote Albert Einstein who said, “The problems that we have
created cannot be solved at the level of thinking that created them.” Unquote
The solutions therefore, lie in a different way of thinking. We need to review the way we
are living. In order to be happy, we certainly need to enjoy a good quality of life. However,
we need to understand that quality of life is not about the quantity of goods we possess.
My message is clear today. If we do not respect nature, we are not going to succeed in
anything else. The more we degrade the environment, the more we put ourselves and
future generations at risk.
I here quote NarendraModi , the Prime Minister of India who said ‘We are trying to think
of ways of reducing carbon emissions, but we are not thinking of changing our
lifestyle. Unless we bring a change in our lifestyle, we will not be able to save the
environment’. Unquote
Ladies and gentlemen
We are all, in Mauritius, at a historic cross-road. Together with the economic challenges
that the country faces, we also have a number of environmental challenges.
I commend here the Minister of Finance and Economic Development,
HonourableSeetanahLutchmeenaraidoo, GCSK, with the blessing of the Prime Minister, for
steering the economy towards long term sustainable development. The budget 2015/2016
focuses on sustainable development. It is therefore obvious that both environment and
development have to go hand in hand with a proper equilibrium.
The budget has embraced a plethora of bold measures towards a more sustainable future
and you can be sure that the Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Development is not
going to tolerate complacence. In fact, the wind of change is already gathering momentum.
We are witnessing new possibilities, new opportunities and new ways.
Investment in smart cities, renewable energy, biofarming, resource efficiency, eco-friendly
infrastructure, disaster risk reduction and preparedness, climate resilience, poverty
reduction, solid waste management are all down-payment measures crafting on a
sustainable future. Smart investors are opening new markets, facilitating new sustainable
business models and supporting entrepreneurs.
The task is challenging; it won’t be completed overnight. But for sure, we are already
moving firmly and clearly to reinstate a Mauritius ouilfera bon vivre. I here salute the
dream of the Prime Minister which is to make Mauritius shine again as the Star and Key of
the Indian Ocean.
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Ladies and gentlemen,
Allow me here to mention some of the very simple but bold and laudable initiatives that we
have embarked upon at my ministry under the visionary leadership of the Honourable
Prime Minister.
Those of us who are old enough would remember a time BEFORE the plastic bag – when
people were carrying their own bags, their tentevacoas everywhere. Today, about 300
million plastic bags are being used every year in Mauritius. We know that plastic bags take
more than 400 years to degrade. Their improper disposal causes numerous environmental
hazards and the worst is that they finally end up clogging drains and canals, causing
flooding. It is now high time to put a stop to this.
I am thankful to the Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Development for his bold
measure to ban plastic bags as from 1st January 2016. We are in the process of streamlining
our efforts with relevant stakeholders to realize this paradigm shift and curtail this ‘throwaway’ mentality.
Other new initiatives include
(I)the plantation of some 200,000 coconut trees along the beaches of Mauritius to control
beach erosion and for beautification of the beaches;
(ii) rehabilitation of the caves. In the first instance, we are starting with caves at
RochesNoires , Pont Bon Dieu, Plaines des Roches and Vacoas.
I am also pleased to announce that we are envisaging a pilot project on the cultivation of
Arundodonax, commonly known as ‘fatak’, on abandoned sugar cane fields, waste lands as
well as marginal lands, for energy production, thus enhancing our green carpet.
We know that for years, Mauritius has been heavily dependent on fossil fuels for its energy
production. In fact, more than 80% of our total energy requirements are met from
imported fossil fuels, which are very polluting.
Arundodonaxis one of the most promising crops for energy production around the world,
notably in the United States, Greece, Italy and Spain. We are indeed lucky that it thrives
very well in our tropical climate. It offers a number of advantages in terms of fast growth
rate, high yields, resistance to fire and droughts, it offers protection to soil erosion and has
an impressive potential as a renewable biofuel source.
The extensive cultivation of Arundodonax will not only restore the green cover that was
offered by the sugarcane fields but will also help to cut our dependence and imports on
fossil fuels.
I wish here to specially mention how we are heartened by and grateful for the many
individuals and organisations that have come forward to join us in these initiatives towards
charting our sustainability journey for a better future.
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Ladies and gentlemen
We should all be prepared to think differently for a shared sustainable destiny. We need to
act now and we need to act together. The future generations should be proud of us and the
legacy that we will leave for them.
Today, I am especially pleased to see so many students and young people here. My ministry
has the special target to rally our youth as champions of the environment. We rely on their
dynamism to unleash imagination, creativity and innovation in the pursuit of sustainable
growth.
I also wish to express my thanks and appreciation to our key stakeholders and partners
including the media, NGOs, women communities, socio-cultural organizations, teaching
institutions, forces vives, local authorities and private sector for their unflinching support
in protecting the environment. Allow me to also specially thank the Mauritius Prison
Service, the Mauritius Police Force and the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service for their
interest in supporting the cause of the environment. Unfortunately, we have not been able
to reward all of you but I wish to reiterate my deep appreciation for all your efforts.
Before ending, I would like you to reflect on a quote from Jean Paul Richter, a German
writer, who rightly said, ‘Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good
action; try to use ordinary situations.’ Unquote.
The spiral of change begins with small acts and small acts can begin a journey towards big
shifts in consciousness. Cumulative small, simple actions can save the planet and ultimately
save humanity.
Therefore, let’s rethink our lifestyles - the way we buy and consume and the choices we
make in our everyday life. Let us all choose to adopt green attitudes- let’s compost our
wastes; collect and use rainwater; plant trees ; grow organic crops in our backyard; clean
nearby rivers; green and embellish our surroundings; reduce, reuse and recycle our wastes
; use eco-friendly bags… the list is not exhaustive. We all have power to bring concrete
positive changes!
Each action counts to make a difference. A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single
step!
This is how the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Sir AneroodJugnauth, has envisioned
the future “Towards a meaningful change”. As we forge ahead with this noble agenda, let us
emulate and draw inspiration from our legendary leader.
With this thought, I thank you all for your kind attention.
ANNEX 5 – List of nominees
Private sector
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J.R.D
1. AEL DDS
2. Air Mauritius Ltd
3. Beryl Rose
4. Currimjee Foundation
5. Ecology Bags Ltd
6. Emtel
7. Fast Ixina
8. Group Mon Loisir
9. Hypertek Hotel
10. Innodis
11. Mauritius Telecom Foundation
12. Super U
13. Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry
14. Omnicane Ltd
15. RT Knits
16. Vivo Energy Mauritius Ltd
NGO
1. Blood Donors Association
2. Brahma Kumari
3. Environmental Protection & Conservation Organisation
4. Indian Ocean Centre for Education in Human Values
5. Mauritius Scouts Association
6. Mauritius Council of Social Service
7. Mauritius Wildlife Foundation
8. Mauritius Marine Conservation Society
9. Reef Conservation
10. Rotary Club
Institutions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Central Electricity Board
Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation
Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service
Mauritius Police Force
Mauritius Prison Service
Special Mobile Force
Schools
1. DAV College
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2. DroopnathRamphul SSS
3. France Boyer De La Giroday
4. Islamic College
5. La Gaulette SSS
6. Trinity MEDCO
7. Universal College
8. Visitation RCA School
Individuals
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Mr Pierre Baissac
MrsChandranee K. Bhuckory
Mr Denis Felicité (Ton Simon from Radio Plus)
Mr Philippe La Hausse de la Louviere
Raj Makoond
Socio Cultural Group
1.
2.
3.
4.
ABAIM Group
Bhojpuri Boys Group
CassiyaGroup
Claudio Sega Group
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