MAURITIUS TREE AND PARK RESTORATION
PROJECT INAUGURATION
A UK Tour Operator Mauritius Holidays Direct And Mauritius DMC Coquille Bonheur Sustainability Scheme Aims To Plant 5000 Plus Trees And Restore Park Within 12 Months
Mauritius Holidays Direct and Coquille Bonheur inauguration ceremony of its sustainable tree planting scheme in Mauritius took place on Wednesday 12th June at Pelican Avenue, Camp Creoles Mauritius.
This is the first time a UK tour operator in collaboration with a Mauritian DMC have made a major investment in a Mauritius tree planting programme and marks the firm’s genuine commitment to customers wanting to sustainably offset their carbon footprint. Holiday makers can choose to visit the park and help plant their trees or just opt for local botanists employed on the project to plant trees on their behalf.
The opening ceremony was attended by local government authorities from the Black River District who kindly allotted the lands for tree plantation, the Minister of Tourism the Honourable Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, the Honourable Jean Nel Alain Aliphon, MP Parliamentary Private Secretary, Mr Andre Gilbert Steeve Magdeleine Chairperson of the District Council of Black River, Mr Jamal Shahid Director of Mauritius Holidays Direct, Mr Christian Lefèvre Managing Director of Coquille Bonheur in the presence of Mrs Geeta Nobin – Chairperson of the Village Council of Albion along with in-resort customers.
This scheme has taken two years to reach this exciting stage and it is to be delivered in partnership with local tour operator partners, Coquille Bonheur who will oversee the maintenance of the trees and the park. Based in Pelican Avenue, Camp Creoles Mauritius, the restoration of Albion Leisure Park is already under-way and some trees have been planted so that visitors can see what a difference their tree planting support will make. Holiday makers can choose to visit the park and help plant their trees or just opt for local botanists employed on the project to plant trees on their behalf. Endemic trees from sustainably managed local nurseries in the Black River District will be sourced to supply the plantation.
Jamal Shahid said, “We want to offset the travel of all our Mauritius customers both the 50,000 who have already visited Mauritius through us as well as our customers of the future. We are committed to this project for the long-haul and will be updating our twitter feed with regular images of the plantation so that our customers can see what a difference they are making. We are very grateful for the support we have received from our partners Coquille Bonheur as well as local government and NGO contacts to bring this exciting project to reality.”
Christian Lefevre said, ‘The project in itself consists of the embellishment of this space and the planting of endemic plants by MHD clients for the Welfare of Albion inhabitants in particular and Mauritius, as a tourist destination, in general, creating environmental protection awareness thus adapt to the negative impacts of climate change by increasing carbon sinks.’
With rare wildlife and plant species, Mauritius has much to protect and holiday makers are becoming more aware of their impact on the environment. With tourist numbers exceeding Mauritius’ dense population, sustainability and maintaining the natural balance of the Country is becoming increasingly important. Furthermore, with the aftermath of natural weather devastation of the hurricane season, tree plantation is vital to the ongoing stability of Mauritius’ natural environment as once full grown, trees provide a protective canopy from the onslaught of severe weather.
About Mauritius Holidays Direct
Mauritius Holidays is a London-based, award winning Mauritius holiday specialist. The company helps more than 5000 customers enjoy holidays in Mauritius every year by working with local partners to find the best holiday options for them.