The Stimson Center's latest CORVI rapid risk assessment highlights the growing climate vulnerabilities faced by Mauritius, an Indian Ocean island nation. The assessment reveals that Mauritius is increasingly threatened by sea-level rise, loss of coastal ecosystems, flooding, and tropical cyclones. These environmental challenges have significant implications for the nation's economy and public health.

The report underscores the need for local leaders to take decisive actions. Recommendations include safeguarding existing mangroves while involving local communities in restoration efforts. Additionally, it suggests collaborating with the tourism industry to enhance resilience through innovative insurance products and promoting eco-tourism. Strengthening government regulations in fisheries to tackle emerging threats is also advised.

CORVI serves as a decision support tool aimed at helping leaders prioritize investments and actions necessary to improve safety and security in coastal cities and small island developing states. Since its inception in 2018, CORVI assessments have been utilized globally across five continents.

The project concerning Mauritius was carried out in partnership with the Commonwealth Blue Charter Programme and the Mauritius Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries, and Shipping. It received funding from Canada via the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA).

Mauritius boasts a unique ecosystem comprising reefs, estuaries, mangroves, and saltwater wetlands but faces risks from rising sea levels increasing faster than global averages. A significant portion of its coral reefs experienced bleaching by 2020 due to declining mangrove coverage.

To combat these challenges, Mauritius has implemented measures like establishing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center in 2013 for coordinating disaster reduction efforts. The Climate Change Act of 2020 aims at reducing greenhouse gases while strengthening climate resilience.

Sally Yozell from Stimson's Environmental Security Program emphasized that "Mauritius stands at a critical juncture," highlighting the necessity for strategic action against climate threats.

Manoj Fakoo from the Mauritius Ministry stressed their commitment towards sustainable ocean resource management amid economic challenges posed by climate change.

Heidi Prislan of the Commonwealth Secretariat noted that collaborative processes led to recommendations addressing social, economic, and environmental sustainability threats faced by Mauritius.

Stimson Center continues its mission of promoting international security through research engagement policy innovation over three decades since its founding post-Cold War era focusing on stability solutions amidst evolving global challenges today.