Mauritius relies on Australian cooperation

The energy transition remains a key national priority. On August 12, 2025, in Port Louis, the Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Rajesh Bhagwan, welcomed the Australian High Commissioner to Mauritius, Kate Chamley, accompanied by Daniel Featherston, Climate Advisor at the Australian High Commission in Nairobi.

During this meeting, the Minister explained that the island aims to produce more energy from renewable sources while ensuring the stability of the electricity grid. The necessary investments remain high, but the country remains committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. “Working jointly with development partners will enable progress,” he stated.

This strategy is part of the preparation of the new national climate plan, called Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0. The island will first present a plan focused on the energy sector before the next Conference of the Parties (COP), and will then supplement this document with a broader, ambitious yet realistic action plan.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss other major environmental issues: solid waste management, combating plastic pollution, developing the circular economy, and protecting coastal areas from erosion. The government is already collaborating with the private sector and civil society on several initiatives aimed at improving the situation.

The Australian delegation expressed a strong interest in strengthening cooperation and sharing expertise and technologies to support climate action.
“A strengthened partnership can help islands better cope with the impacts of climate change, while developing sustainable and economically viable solutions for the entire Indian Ocean region,” added Kate Chamley.