Utilisateur:Tushum Tookaram/Brouillon

SAND EROSION IN MAURITIUS

There are many places that have been victims of sand erosion namely Mont-Choisy(Mauritius) beach is subject to erosion. The sand has receded ten to fifteen meters in a few decades. Mont-Choisy(Mauritius) beach is subject to erosion. The sand has receded ten to fifteen meters in a few decades.

Climate change and all-out development have happened there. Mauritius is losing coral sand at an alarming rate. If we do nothing, our fine sandy beaches will soon be just fond memories. Finding.

The Minister of the Environment, Sustainable Development, Disasters and Beach Management does not take four paths. For Raj Dayal, the sand on our beaches is rapidly disappearing.

Thus, on beaches like Mont-Choisy or Flic-en-Flac, the sand has receded from ten to fifteen meters in a few decades. More than 7.5 km2 of our sandy beaches have reached the open sea. Or more than eight times the area of ​​Ile-aux-Cerfs, which is 0.87 km2.

Why does the sand disappear?

Coastal erosion has always existed. It's the law of nature. But in Mauritius, factors have pushed towards the disappearance of beaches. The socio-economic development of recent decades has, among other things, caused the passage of channels in our lagoons, breaking the reefs. These allowed boats to enter the lagoon. These openings in the coral reef caused a change in the lagoons. Sea currents have been modified around Mauritius.

To add to this phenomenon, there were sand extractors and the blasting of the lagoons for fishing.

These activities have eaten away the sand that the current, which has changed, has dragged offshore. On the other hand, human activities on the beaches have also contributed to coastal erosion: construction on the coast, free movement of cars on the beach and excessive fishing have caused what experts call "wear and rib tear. Climate change and rising sea levels have only accelerated and exacerbated erosion.

What is the ministry doing?

The Bain-Boeuf model has won over and will be reproduced. This northern beach was restored from 2013 to 2015 after being disfigured by erosion. This method combines techniques to stabilize the beach, prevent sand washing and aesthetics.

The Ministry of the Environment is thus starting work on three beaches this year. According to an internal source, procedures for financing projects are underway.

For the moment, the priority remains Palmar beach. The Bain-Boeuf model will be reproduced on this eastern beach. Next come other measures, such as control over lagoon fishing, banning vehicles from traveling on the beach and controlled development on the coast.