As Mauritius reaffirms its ambitious commitments towards transitioning to a sustainable and net-zero economy, the Economic Development Board is taking part in the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28), which is being held in Dubai at Expo City from November 30, 2023, to December 12, 2023.
The Mauritius delegation to the COP 28 conference was led by Hon. K. Ramano, Minister for Environment, Solid Waste Management, and Climate Change, who participated in a panel discussion, December 5, 2023, titled “Small Island Developing States: A Just and Equitable Energy Transition Towards A Climate-Resilient Future.” The panel was co-hosted by IRENA and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), in association with COP28 UAE through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative.
The Hon. Minister highlighted the urgency for SIDS’ transition towards a climate-resilient future due to their inherent vulnerabilities. He outlined the progress made in the fields of climate adaptation and the just transition in Mauritius focussing on the need for SIDS to access renewable energy technologies without additional pressure arising from their debt burden. He also stressed on the importance on the on the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage for SIDS.
Additionally, at their COP 28 pavilion, the Institut de la Francophonie pour le Development Durable (IFDD) held a session on “La Transition Energétique: les énergies renouvelables.” MR. NICOLAS RICHARD, Managing Partner, Juristconsult Chambers, facilitated the session. The panelists included MR. DEUJEN MUNGUR, Senior Manager at the Economic Development Board; MR. PIERRE EGOT, General Manager, IBL Energie; and MR. JEROME JAEN, President, Mauritius Chamber of Agriculture; all representing Business Mauritius.
The session highlighted the progress in the Mauritian renewable energy sphere, outlined the pathway towards Government’s target of 60% renewable energy in the electricity mix, focusing on upcoming opportunities and addressing challenges in the sector. Panellist also intervened on the upcoming opportunities arising from the biomass framework.
Furthermore, several side events will also be hosted by the Mauritius delegation. Presenters on “ESG Reporting, Green Certifications and Public-Private Partnership in the Tourism Sector in Mauritius” took place on Friday, December 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Pavillon de la Francophonie. The speakers include representatives from the Tourism Authority, Rogers Hospitality, Business Mauritius, the Association of Mauritian Manufacturers, and Made in Moris.
