Back to Find an NGO

Friends of the Environment

Friends of the Environment (FoE) is an organisation in Mauritius, uniquely focused on restoring severely degraded landscapes and preserving national historical heritage sites. One of the principal activity of Friends of the Environment is the restoration of a native dry forest cover at La Citadelle in Port-Louis, Mauritius. This project aims to create a self-sustaining forest ecosystem in the heart of Port-Louis on the northern flank of Petite Montagne.

 

The project, which adopts an evidence-based scientific approach, involves mostly planting of native, site-specific plant species adapted to the dry climate of Port-Louis. We rely on eco-volunteers to join us in this planting endeavour. The eco-volunteers are also encouraged to sign up for other activities such as helping us with the management of invasive plant species through weeding and implementing various maintenance procedures to ensure the long-term success of the restoration. The Project actively monitors plant growth and survival through scientific methods and tools to ensure that best practices are followed for this reforestation initiative.

 

In addition to our environmental restoration efforts, FoE is committed to the renovation, rehabilitation, preservation, and valorisation of historical heritage sites. Our notable project includes the management and restoration of the Martello Tower Museum at La Preneuse, whereby guided tours and historical accounts of this heritage site are offered. Through these endeavours, we honour and preserve the rich historical legacy of Mauritius, ensuring it remains for future generations.

 

Accreditation Number with the National Social Inclusion Foundation: N/3120

Contact this NGO
Services offered

Citadelle Native Re-vegetation Project 

  • Reforestation Initiative:

Dry tropical forests are among the most endangered types of tropical forests, primarily because they are easier to clear. The dry forest on Petite-Montagne was cleared during the construction of the Fort Adelaide since the 18th century. Since around 2015, FoE has been dedicated to restoring the northern flank of Petite Montagne to create the first native dry forest cover surrounding a declared national heritage site in Mauritius.

 

  • Carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation programme:

Planting trees helps in the sequestration of carbon from the atmosphere. So, whether as a CSR cause or for team-building activities, the re-vegetation efforts offer a way of contributing to build adaptation and resilience to climate change in Mauritius, particularly given the island’s vulnerability, as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), to climate change.

 

 

  • Biodiversity conservation and human well-being:

By reintroducing native plant species, the project enhances biodiversity, creating habitats for various plant and animal species and supporting the survival of the Mauritian biodiversity. Also, by creating this green space in the city of Port-Louis, the project contributes to a "green lung" effect in the capital, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and visitors.

 

  • Environmental education programme:

The project actively engages the community through its awareness sessions. We have tailor-made presentations and activities regarding the importance of biodiversity, environmental conservation, and sustainable development for different ages and groups. FoE believes that educating youngsters and the community is key to protecting biodiversity, as conservation ultimately revolves around people and their well-being.

 

Martello Tower Museum:

  • Guided Tours and Heritage Site Preservation:

FoE has renovated and now manages the Martello Tower Museum at La Preneuse. The interior walls were cleaned, the joints redone, the original cannon was replaced on the roof, and the cannon's carriage and platform were entirely rebuilt. This meticulous restoration work has preserved the historical significance and integrity of the Martello Tower, making it a valuable heritage site and an educational resource for visitors.

 

Beneficiaries: The beneficiaries of our restoration programme are the communities living near the restoration areas, encompassing a broad spectrum of all social classes. This includes groups under the Social Register of Mauritius (SRM) and the listed vulnerable groups as defined by the charter of the National CSR Foundation. We also welcome volunteers from diverse groups, including corporate, spiritual, schools, and clubs, fostering a sense of community involvement and responsibility towards environmental stewardship.

History

Friends of the Environment (FoE) is a non-profit organisation established in 1989. The NGO works in close collaboration with private sectors, governmental bodies, local groups, and academic institutions in various spheres concerning environmental restoration and the preservation of national heritage sites.

 

One of our key initiatives, the Citadelle Native Re-vegetation Project, originated in 2010 as a pilot to address the deforestation legacy of the 1750s, which left the area vulnerable to invasive species, extreme soil erosion, and annual fires. Since starting on the challenging northern flank of Petite Montagne in 2015, the initiative has now expanded to cover 4 hectares of the hill. With a scientific approach, adaptive management, and diverse collaborations, the restoration involves experts and eco-volunteers, targeting community engagement. The project serves as a model for holistic ecological restoration and sustainable practices.

 

Additionally, FoE is dedicated to the renovation and management of national heritage sites, such as the Martello Tower Museum at La Preneuse. This project, initiated in 1992 with the government's approval and financial support from foreign embassies and local private companies, involved meticulous restoration work, preserving the historical significance and integrity of the Martello Tower.

 

Through these initiatives, FoE is committed to creating sustainable environmental solutions and preserving Mauritius' rich historical legacy.

Objectives

Our overarching goal is to restore and protect the natural and historical heritage of Mauritius through innovative and sustainable practices. We aim to rehabilitate degraded landscapes and preserve heritage sites such as the Martello Tower Museum. Our efforts strive to create a harmonious balance between environmental conservation and historical preservation, fostering a deeper appreciation and stewardship of Mauritius' rich cultural and natural legacy.

 

Objectives of the Citadelle Native Re-vegetation Project:

  • To reinstate a unique native dry forest cover on the northern flank of Petite-Montagne.
  • To achieve a survival rate of more than 50% for planted saplings, emphasising the use of pioneer species and effective restoration techniques.
  • To provide a pleasant, stress-free environment for people to recharge from the bustling city life.
  • To demonstrate the feasibility of ecological restoration on mainland Mauritius, serving as a model for rehabilitating other degraded lands.
  • To act as a concrete example of carbon sequestration efforts, helping mitigate the greenhouse effect and climate change.
  • To support the conservation of unique Mauritian wildlife by reconstituting a functional and self-sustaining ecosystem of native and endemic species.
  • To decrease the frequency, intensity, and severity of fires, as restored native vegetation in Mauritius is fire-resistant.
  • To minimise soil erosion and landslide risks in Port-Louis.
  • To lower the risk of life-threatening floods in Port-Louis.
  • To improve ecosystem services such as climate control, disease regulation, and crop pollination, benefiting local fruit growers.
  • To promote pro-environmental behaviours by engaging the community through volunteer activities, educational sessions, and awareness programmes.
  • To ensure optimal results through continuous monitoring, management, and maintenance of the restoration site, contributing to building adaptation and resilience against climate change.
  • To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of various socio-demographic groups regarding biodiversity conservation to influence pro-environmental behaviours.

To increase public awareness about the main environmental challenges and corresponding solutions, highlighting that Mauritius is among the most ecologically devastated countries worldwide.

Main achievements
  • Extensive planting: By the end of 2023, over 10,000 native plants have been planted on the northern flank of Petite Montagne.
  • High survival rate: The Citadel project achieved an 80% survival rate for saplings planted in 2022, a significant improvement from the 15% rate at the project's inception in 2015-2016.
  • Vegetation cover: As of 2023, native vegetation cover has reached 50% of the overall goal of 4 hectares, with at least 30 different native plant species thriving on the site.
  • Volunteer engagement: Since 2015, the project has engaged 2,794 volunteer participants from various organisations across the island, as well as some international visiting groups, with 542 volunteers in 2023 alone.
  • Awareness and education: The project conducts around 20 awareness sessions annually, reaching diverse demographic groups and achieving 91.4% of the target volunteer participation, showcasing a positive impact on public support and environmental education.
  • FoE played a pivotal role in the restoration and valorisation of the Citadelle of Port-Louis, which now serves as a platform for tourism, education, and leisure purposes.
  • One Beat One Tree Project: During the PORLWI by Nature festival, digital trees were grown representing native trees planted on our restoration sites, blending technology with environmental conservation.
  • Martello Tower Museum: FoE renovated and now manages the Martello Tower Museum. Several similar projects are in the pipeline, reflecting our ongoing commitment to heritage preservation and environmental restoration.
Sources of funding

As a charitable and non-profit organisation, Friends of the Environment (FoE) relies primarily on CSR funds and donations to run its projects.

  • Citadelle Native Re-vegetation Project: This project is funded by our long-term partner, The Currimjee Foundation, along with individual and CSR donations, the National Social Inclusion Foundation (NSIF), and international funders and grants such as the European Union Delegation and the American Embassy.
  • Martello Tower Museum: In addition to individual and CSR donations, the Martello Tower Museum generates its own funds through entrance fees, which help cover its running costs.