Had we had a time machine, could we assist indifferent to the last days of the Dodo ? Yet many endemic species in Mauritius fared the same fate as our national emblem and the present is not so rejoicing. Mauritius has the second most endangered biodiversity in the world. Save the action of non-governmental organizations (NGO) such as Mauritius Wildlife Foundation (MWF), the environmental cause would not have really improved with time.

Yesterday as he officially donated a 4 x 4 vehicle to MWF at Pointe-Jérôme, the British high commissioner, his Excellency Anthony Godson, paid tribute to the ?enormous professionalism? of that NGO, whose members have nevertheless adopted a low key profile during decades of sound work.

In fact, as Jacques Julienne, chief executive officer of the NGO, puts it, 20 years have elapsed since Ile-aux-Aigrettes began to be managed by MWF: ?The land was left to itself and was covered with harmful exotic plants, as acacias. Intensive weeding and other drastic actions had to be undergone.?

Now that dozens of field workers and searchers have successively dedicated themselves to the flora and fauna of this island, it has become almost a showcase, the most favorable site to carry conservation programmes. Among the last examples of these invaluable chains of our original environment, was the critically endangered Mauritius Fody or Cardinal de Maurice, quite different from our familiar Cardinal, notably by their robin-like feature. The same fate threatened the Mauritius Olive White-eye.

As recalls Ruth Cole, one of the young voluntary researchers, five years ago, only 93 pairs of Mauritius Fody were left on the mainland, and were threatened of extinction by pests like rats. Meanwhile, an endangered species like the Bengali tiger, though highlighted by the media, ?enjoys? a population of 12 000?

So, it is even more moving to learn that 53 pairs of Fody were released on Ile-aux-Aigrettes, which by that time had become a predator-free island. ?The delimited territory of the island provided an ideal place to our programme?, explains Lone Raffray, fund raising Coordinator of the NGO. The action of voluntary workers had been determining : now the stage of 100 pairs of Fody, reached by December 2006 and celebrated yesterday, has been even surpassed.

The case of the Olive white-eye or Oiseau à lunettes was as hopeful. An intensive management plan was initiated in 2005 where the remaining wild population was closely monitored to find nesting attempts and take behavioural observations. ?Where possible, nests that were at risk from predation were rescued and the eggs and chicks taken to our hand-rearing facility at the Gerald Durrrell Endemic Wildlife Scantuary, Black River?, notes the fund raising Coordinator.

Whatever goodwill and effort all this rescue programmes represented, the workers never lost sight of the real issue : the ?survival of the unique and highly endangered Mauritian fauna and flora?. Which means not only researchers from abroad and some mad nature lovers were being concerned, but also everyone. And the greatest response came from sponsors and partners who chose to involve themselves actively in this fight for life, from the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) to Gamma Civic, without forgetting Sun Resorts and the help of the National Parks and Conservation Service.

?The importance of those events is both local and international. MWF?s current corporate supporters and partners back our mission because they are convinced that the citizens of Mauritius and those of the world - their customers, shareholders, employees, and suppliers - are united in their concern about protecting the environment. They know that economic development is only sustainable and durable when the preservation of nature is taken into account and protected from damage and destruction?, underlines Lone Raffray.

This is not mere waffle. When one hears Moorghen Veeramootoo, public relations officer from Gamma Civic, one cannot doubt that he totally adheres to conservation and has a real concern for the future of our natural patrimony. He makes a real point when he raises the problem of a lack of fund management in Mauritius. Not only the company provided funds for the Olive White-eye project (Rs 100 000), but also energy (logistics) and passion (sensibilisation of the staff and families through guided visits). The environmental concern does also show on the Gamma Civic office site where measures have been taken to prevent pollution and favour green spots.

It is not Christian Dalais, chairman, Sun Resorts, who would disapprove. As member of the Mauritian hotels, and a senior of MWF, he understands the true wealth that nature represents for our economy. The support to the Fody project was only one of the numerous actions that helped the Ile-aux-Aigrettes to become a real place of interest for tourists.

Mauritius has the second most endangered biodiversity in the world. Save the action of NGO such as MWF, the environmental cause would not have really improved with time.

One cannot doubt also the concern of HSBC CEO Sandeep Uppal, when he shows his eagerness to watch live these rare birds that most Mauritians still ignore. The donation of Rs 200 000 to the MWF by the HSBC was another highlight of the day.

However, one of the greatest contributions is to be celebrated today, with the introduction of Telfair?s skink lizards on the island, the first official lizard translocations within the Indian ocean. This has been made possible with the support of the Darwin initiative, a United Kingdom conservation funding association. Repopulation of the site with Telfair?s skinks will be benefic both to the conservation status of this species and to the chain of life on Ile?aux-Aigrettes. Dr Nick Cole, a reputed herpetologist and project manager, will be onsite for the release of ten skinks within the ebony forest.