For any country, economic development entails a negative impact on the environment and Mauritius is not an exception. Economic development means: rise in standard of living and construction of more houses, factories and hotels. Unfortunately, these have an adverse effect on the air we breathe, the water in our rivers and lagoon, and on our land and marine resources. So, we cannot sacrifice our environment for economic progress; nor can we refrain from economic advance as this will lead to our doom. Therefore, a right balance should imperatively be found.

First, we shall determine the consequences of each economic activity on our environment and what measures have been taken. We shall finally suggest some possible solutions.

■ Environmental impacts of economic development

Agriculture: this includes mainly sugarcane and vegetable cultivation. The high level of fertilizers (700kg/ha) and pesticides used causes two major problems:

? Contamination of ground and surface water

? Soil fertility is reduced.

Industry: dye and phosphorous compounds from textile dye-houses cause water contamination.

Sugar factories cause organic pollution of rivers. Since our sugar and textile sectors are dying out, tourism will definitely become our main economic pillar meaning that more tourists will come to our island. The following environmental pressures are already being felt: - Discharge of wastewater and sewerage into sea by unlicensed bungalows and small hotels.

• Corals damaged by anchors from tourist boats

• Coastal structures result in beach erosion

• Lagoon pollution by herbicides from golf courses.

Power production: emission of toxic gases and particulates from power stations and noise.

Transport: the number of vehicles has shot up dramatically during the last ten years, resulting in an increase in air pollution as well as in growing congestion.

■ Other problems

The daily amount of solid waste produced (1200 tons) is increasing. Mare Chicose is being inevitably overfilled, resulting in underground water pollution through leaching. This is also true for improper disposal of sewerage.

Loss of biodiversity: our natural resources have been severely depleted since human colonization. Our native forests cover only 2% of the island! Our coastal and marine ecosystems have degraded e.g. at Flic en Flac, algae grow on corals, causing their death. Consequently, many species have become extinct and are on the brink of extinction.

■ Actions taken

Agriculture: integrated pest control to minimize insecticides use.

Industry: sewage treatment plants in textile factories

Tourism: an environment charter in each hotel, environment protection fee of 7.5% on profits and water treatment plants in big hotels.

Power production: incineration of waste oil and construction of walls around Fort Victoria to reduce noise.

Transport: unleaded petrol

Waste and sewerage disposal: distribution of dustbins and connection of 21% of population to sewerage networks (this number will reach 50% in 2012)

Loss of biodiversity: biodiversity restoration project (1.2m US$) and Publication of White paper for National Conservation Strategy.

Others

? Environmental Impact Assessment license was introduced

? Set up of Environment Police.

■ Solutions

Agriculture : the introduction of biodegradable agrochemicals and genetic engineering will decrease the effects of pesticides.

Industry:

? Use of biodegradable dyes

? Use of genetically engineered algae for dye absorption

? Composting organic wastes

Reduce use phosphorous-containing chemicals.

Tourism:

? All bungalows and hotels should be connected to sewerage networks

? Installing buoys for anchoring

? The government must encourage rural people to construct inns, where tourists can stay and taste our typical dishes. This will contribute to the economic development of our underdeveloped regions.

? Diversify into ecotourism with the sensitive uses of Rodrigues and outer islands.

Energy production: to air pollution, it is important to:

? Reduce sulfur content in heavy fuel oil

? Rebuild of power stations along the west coast to evacuate smoke towards the ocean

? Use renewable energy e.g. wind, solar, wave, ethanol

Transport: the implementation of Light Rail Transport project, use of catalytic converters and sensitizing people to use public transports and make short journeys on bicycle or on foot are possible solutions.

Solid Waste Management:

• Activate Mare d? Australia (Capacity: can take 2/3 of our total wastes)

• Build a waste treatment complex

• Encourage investment in the recycling sector.

• Reduction of Packaging Waste

• Pilot home composting to produce cooking gas

Biodiversity Management:

• Reforestation

• Establishing more national land and marine parks

■ Raising awareness...

Education and public awareness are efficient long-term solutions. Hence, there should be more sensitisation campaigns.

Sciences MUST be compulsory until O level. There should be special mentions in leaving certificates of students having contributed in environmental protection. More competitions like the Mon Trésor Award and environment clubs in schools would also be beneficial. Environment as a subject should be COMPULSORY in all schools.

The government should enforce legislation while the Police should ensure that ALL the laws are respected and the laissez-faire mentality should cease. The Singaporean method should be adopted (severe fines for lawbreakers). Other implementations should be considered:

• Watchdog in the government

• Product Stewardship Concept i.e. incentives are given to manufacturers who help in environmental preservation NGO?s should be empowered.

The government should aim at tertiary industry (e.g. banking, knowledge hub, High- tech medicine) because its environmental impacts are minimal.

Mauritius is one of the most overpopulated countries worldwide. This puts a tremendous pressure on our resources. Birth control and family planning should thus be encouraged.

■ Conclusion

We have thus seen that environment sustainability and economic development can be reconciled by taking the measures proposed. However progress in both fields will not happen automatically. Left to themselves the forces of global market will bring uneven economic growth and a degraded environment.

Therefore, the intervention of a committed government, an environment conscious private sector, NGO?s and an educated population is critical for maintaining the balance. Only then will Mauritius evolve into model societies like Singapore and Sweden. If these countries have succeeded, there is no reason why we cannot do the same!