What You Need to Know
The Green Club initiative was launched in Mauritius to empower women and communities in environmental sustainability and climate action. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, the initiative aims to foster awareness and promote eco-friendly practices through community-based platforms across the island.
Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Green Club initiative, which aims at empowering women and communities to engage actively in environmental sustainability and climate action, was officially launched, this morning, at Camp Laboue Women Empowerment Centre in Terre Rouge by the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mrs Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie.
The Member of Parliament, Mr Louis Ludovic Michel Caserne; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mr Jean Daniel Philippe Labonne; and other personalities were present at the event.
The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, with the support of the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change and the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, in eight Women Empowerment Centres and 13 Community Centres across Mauritius. The Clubs will serve as community-based platforms to promote environmental awareness, climate-smart practices, and women-led greening initiatives and livelihood activities.
During the event, a green space, set up by technical officers of the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries was inaugurated, and an exhibition was staged by the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change and the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI). Some 100 medicinal plants were also distributed to Green Clubs while 300 fruit trees were offered. Members of Camp Laboue Green Club received as well toolkit for gardening.
Additionally, members of 21 Green Clubs, which have been established in the Women Empowerment Centres and Community Centres, made a pledge to protect and preserve the environment in their region by, among others, conducting awareness and sensitisation programmes on climate change, environmental sustainability, and waste reduction practices; and encouraging the adoption of environment-friendly activities such as climate-smart gardening, plant propagation, composting, rainwater harvesting, and water conservation techniques.
In her address, Minister Navarre-Marie recalled the budgetary and trade deficits arising from the high costs of food and product imports, which have been further exacerbated by conflicts in the Middle East. She expressed the view that Green Clubs, by encouraging women and families to cultivate a portion of their own vegetables and culinary herbs, would contribute to a reduction in waste.
Moreover, the Minister underscored the need to adopt daily practices that return to fundamental principles, are environmentally friendly and more cost-effective, as well as promoting the use of ecological alternatives that are less harmful to the environment. In welcoming Green Clubs as safe spaces where communities can come together and collaborate, Mrs Navarre-Marie called upon men to participate, highlighting that environmental protection is a shared responsibility. She also urged parents to educate and raise awareness among their children on this important issue.
Mauritius has faced significant environmental challenges, including waste management and the impacts of climate change. The government has increasingly recognized the importance of community involvement in addressing these issues. Initiatives like the Green Club aim to engage local populations, particularly women, in sustainable practices that can mitigate environmental degradation and promote resilience against climate impacts. By fostering community-led efforts, the initiative seeks to create a culture of environmental stewardship and awareness.
