Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mr Teeruthraj Hurdoyal, attended a handing over ceremony of organic scanners, this morning, at the Integrated Customs Clearance Centre, in Plaine Magnien.
Aiming at fostering food security, the remittance of three scanners to the customs department of the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) aligns with the Mainstreaming Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Prevention, Control and Management project being undertaken by the Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The UNDP Resident Representative, Ms Amanda Serumaga; Mr. Kevin Ruhomaun, Director National Parks and Conservation Service; the Director-General, Mr Sudhamo Lal; Mr.
Vivekanand Ramburun, Director of Customs; MRA customs personnel; and other personalities were also present at the ceremony. In his keynote address, Minister Hurdoyal dwelt on the threats posed by the IAS to Mauritius’ unique and rich terrestrial and marine biodiversity. These risks, he deplored, are being exacerbated by increased global trade, transport, tourism and climate change.
On this note, he expressed his gratitude to the UNDP Country office for securing USD 3.8 million from the Global Environment Facility for the execution of the IAS Prevention, Control and Management project as well as for investing Rs 6.1 million in the purchase of the organic scanners.
Underscoring that the local agricultural industry is highly susceptible to the introduction and pervasion of non-native species in the island, Mr Hurdoyal stressed on the benefits of optimally deploying the organic scanners.
These sophisticated technologies, he pointed out, assist in the early detection and identification of IAS in a non-invasive and eco-friendly manner, hence, allowing for proactive intervention and effective management strategies.
In this vein, the Minister underscored that the utilisation of organic scanners by the MRA is pivotal in safeguarding the agricultural sector and ensuring a secure and sustainable food supply in Mauritius.
Speaking of compliance to the Convention of Biological Diversity and the International Plant Protection Convention, Mr Hurdoyal indicated that reinforcing the systemic, institutional and operational capacity will be given prime importance.
The Agro-Industry Minister, moreover, informed that the National Invasive Alien Species Strategy and National Invasive Alien Species Action Plan will be revised in a consultative and gender-responsive process.
This, he added, will entail in the creation of a National Invasive Alien Species Apex Coordination Committee that will be equipped with the necessary technical skills and financial resources for effective coordination and to improve biosecurity measures.
Mr Hurdoyal announced that over 600 hectares of high-priority conservation areas will be restored to support the populations of 38 critically threatened species, and that 559 hectares in Rodrigues will be designated as a Nature Reserve.
On her part, Ms Serumaga reiterated the imperativeness of the use of organic scanners to prevent the extensive damage caused by the IAS to the ecosystems of Mauritius and Rodrigues. She also spoke of raising public awareness and education on the IAS prevention, control and management.
As for Mr Lal, he apprised of the commitment and expertise of the MRA in facilitating green practices in trade, corresponding to the international standards stipulated by the World Customs Organisations. The handing over ceremony was followed by a live demonstration of the organic scanners at the Plaisance Transport Services Ltd.
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