Coasts 2.3

Mauritius

Geographic Location of Mauritius

Mauritius is an island nation situated in the southwest Indian Ocean, located approximately 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) off the southeast coast of Africa.

Economic Opportunities of the Mauritian Coastline

The coastline provides vital economic benefits, including a robust tourism industry centered on beaches, commercial fishing activities, and international trade through maritime ports that significantly boost the national GDP.

Primary Coastal Hazards in Mauritius

The coastal regions are susceptible to environmental hazards such as intense tropical cyclones, sudden flooding from storm surges, and coastal erosion which leads to the loss of land and damage to habitats.

Tropical Cyclone Bejisa (January 2016)

Tropical Cyclone Bejisa was a specific meteorological event forecast to affect Mauritius in January 2016, involving dangerous winds and heavy precipitation that threatened coastal infrastructure.

Coastal Building Records in Mauritius

Based on case study data, a total of 323 individual buildings were recorded along the coastal line, highlighting the high density of assets potentially exposed to sea-level rise and storm events.

Common Coastal Infrastructure and Buildings

The Mauritian coast is characterized by a mix of land-use types, including luxury hotels for international tourists, residential bungalows, and essential fishing facilities for local trade.

Socio-Economic Impacts of Tropical Storms

Severe tropical storms in Mauritius can result in extensive property damage, significant economic losses due to the disruption of the tourism sector, and serious risks to human safety.