Rewilding for biodiversity in Mauritius: Towards Sustainable Development for Small Island Developing States

Mauritius, a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) in the Indian Ocean, faces significant biodiversity loss dues to invasive species, pollution, and climate change (UNEP, 2024). Despite its status as a "Centre of Plant Diversity" by the IUCN, alarming rates of species extinction, including the dodo, persist (UNEP, 2023). Fragile biodiversity further threatens crucial sectors like fishing, tourism, amd agriculture, upon which many SIDS heavily rely. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan commits to protecting endangered species and restoring ecosystems, with NGOs like the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation, Reef Conservation, Forena, playing pivotal roles in rewilding initiatives. Notably, the recovery of the Mauritius Kestrel and projects focusing on coral reef rehabilitation and mangrove restoration highlight successes.

However, existing literature on biodiversity accounting and reporting within the African context, especially in SIDS remains limited. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the role of NGOs in rewilding initiatives in Mauritius. Through interviews with key stakeholders, including NGOs and conservationists, we seek to gain insights into the motivations and rationales behind rewilding projects, including the potential de-extinction of the dodo. This research is timely in the wake of the recent environmental disasters like the 2020 Wakashio oil spill, which underscores the fragility of Mauritius’ ecosystems and the urgent need for enhanced biodiversity conservation efforts. By bridging this gap, our study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of biodiversity conservation strategies in emerging economies and SIDS, offering valuable insights for future rewilding endeavours.