The Liane Batatran (Morning Glory) Project:

A Community-Based Coastal Restoration Initiative in Mauritius

Project Overview

Mauritius, like many Small Island Developing States (SIDS), faces increasing pressure from coastal erosion driven by climate change, rising sea levels, and unsustainable human activities. Traditional engineering solutions such as gabions and rock revetments have often proven ineffective and environmentally damaging. In response, this project—jointly implemented by Coral Garden Conservation (CGC) and EMCL developed and applied a nature-based, ecosystem-driven approach, focusing on restoring beaches using Ipomoea pes-caprae (Liane Batatran), a native coastal plant known for its ability to stabilise sand and enhance coastal resilience

Objectives

The project aimed to deliver a scalable and sustainable coastal restoration model through:

• Restoration of 0.2–0.3 hectares of degraded beaches across southern Mauritius

• Training and engagement of 25 local community beneficiaries

• Reduction of coastal erosion using nature-based solutions

• Enhancement of biodiversity and coastal ecosystem health

• Development of a replicable coastal restoration model for SIDS

Key Activities Implemented

• Community sensitisation campaigns across coastal villages

• Stakeholder engagement and beneficiary selection

• Beach profiling and environmental surveys

• Nursery development and plant propagation

• Sourcing of cuttings from donor sites

• Deployment of ~19,000 plants across five sites

• Application of organic biofertilizers (seaweed-based)

• Establishment of monitoring protocols

Environmental & Socio-Economic Impact

• Stabilisation of sandy beaches and reduction in erosion

• Improved coastal resilience against storms and wave action

• Enhanced biodiversity and habitat recovery

• Contribution to carbon sequestration through vegetation

• Alternative livelihood opportunities created

• Increased environmental awareness among communities

• Strengthened resilience of coastal-dependent households

Sustainability & Scalability

The project was designed for long-term sustainability and replication:

• Strong community ownership ensures continuity

• Low-cost and locally available materials

• Integration with national coastal management strategies

• Potential for scaling across Mauritius and other SIDS

Conclusion

The Liane Batatran Project demonstrated that nature-based solutions, when combined with strong community engagement and scientific oversight, can effectively address coastal erosion challenges. Through the joint implementation by CGC and EMCL, the project has successfully delivered a scalable, resilient, and sustainable model for coastal restoration, one that not only protects ecosystems but also strengthens livelihoods and community resilience in Mauritius.