Our Projects
Community-led VMCA in Le Morne
CFLI Seagrass Conservation and Climate Adaptation Initiative
Implementation Period: 2025 – 2026
Coral Garden Conservation (CGC), in partnership with Eco Marine Consultants Ltd (EMCL), jointly implemented a community-based conservation initiative to protect seagrass ecosystems and enhance climate resilience through the establishment of a Voluntary Marine Conservation Area (VMCA) in Le Morne, Mauritius. Under the joint technical and community leadership of CGC and EMCL, the project combined scientific surveys, participatory mapping, and stakeholder engagement to co-design and operationalise a ~5.9 ha VMCA. Community members were trained in seagrass ecology, monitoring, and sustainable lagoon practices. The initiative resulted in strengthened local stewardship, improved protection of seagrass meadows, enhanced biodiversity monitoring, and the establishment of a scalable, community-led model for marine conservation and climate adaptation in Mauritius.
Building Coral Restoration Capacity in the Comoros
VARUNA AMP Coral Restoration Training Initiative - Phase 2
Implementation Period: October 2025 – March 2026
Eco Marine Consultants Ltd (EMCL), in partnership with Coral Garden Conservation (CGC), implemented the second phase of the VARUNA AMP mentorship programme to further strengthen coral restoration capacity in the Mitsamiouli–Ndroudé Marine Park, Comoros. Building on Phase 1, this phase focused on consolidating field-based skills and enabling operational autonomy in coral transplantation, spider-frame installation, and monitoring. Under the guidance of Bacha Gian Suraj, participants successfully applied restoration techniques in real conditions. Prior experience, combined with online preparatory sessions and continuous technical support, allowed for efficient implementation. The initiative enhanced field efficiency, improved coral handling and fixation techniques, strengthened monitoring systems, and reinforced long-term regional collaboration for scalable reef restoration and marine ecosystem resilience.
Funding support: VARUNA AMP Compagnonnage / Tutorat 2025 – NatureXpairs & AFD
AquaVR Ocean Awareness and Education Initiative
AquaVR: Immersive Marine Education Through 360° Virtual Reality
Implementation Period: January 2025 – December 2025
Coral Garden Conservation (CGC), in partnership with Eco Marine Consultants Ltd (EMCL), jointly implemented the AquaVR project to enhance marine environmental awareness through immersive 360° virtual reality experiences in Mauritius. Under this initiative, EMCL developed high-quality 360° underwater VR content showcasing coral reefs, marine biodiversity, and environmental threats, while CGC led the implementation of educational, awareness, and sensitisation activities. The project was piloted at the Southern Handicap School (SHA), where students engaged with the VR content as an innovative learning tool. The initiative resulted in increased understanding of marine ecosystems among participants, improved accessibility to ocean education for differently-abled students, and demonstrated the potential of immersive technology as a scalable tool for environmental education and conservation outreach.
Building Coral Restoration Capacity in the Comoros
VARUNA AMP Coral Restoration Training Initiative - Phase 1
Implementation Period: August 2024 – October 2025
Eco Marine Consultants Ltd (EMCL), in partnership with Coral Garden Conservation (CGC), led a regional training and mentorship programme to strengthen coral restoration capacity in the Mitsamiouli–Ndroudé Marine Park, Comoros. Under the guidance of Bacha Gian Suraj (Director, EMCL / Project Manager, CGC), participants learned advanced coral nursery design, coral culture techniques, spider-frame construction, and transplantation techniques. The initiative resulted in the successful installation of coral nurseries and spider-frame gardens, improved monitoring and maintenance skills, and established long-term collaboration between Mauritian and Comorian marine managers for reef rehabilitation and sustainable coastal management.
Funding support: VARUNA AMP Compagnonnage / Tutorat 2025 – NatureXpairs & AFD
Enhancing Coastal Community Livelihoods Through Sustainable Octopus Fishery Management
Octopus Project
Implementation Period: June 2024 to November 2024
Mauritius' traditional octopus fishing practices, while economically important, cause significant damage to coral reefs, threatening both biodiversity and the sustainability of the fishery itself. EMCL aims to address this with an innovative community-based management solution. EMCL will deploy eco-friendly artificial octopus dens, providing alternative habitats to reduce reef damage. This project will not only test den effectiveness but also include fisher training in den construction and monitoring, alongside a comprehensive community education campaign. The goals are clear: increase fisher livelihoods, promote responsible practices, protect fragile reef ecosystems, and ultimately contribute to a thriving Blue Economy in alignment with SDG 14.
Community-based green-solutions to combat coastal erosion and protect sandy beaches
Liane Batatran Project
Implementation Period: May 2024 to November 2024
Coastal erosion poses a major threat to Mauritius, impacting tourism, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Traditional solutions like gabion walls have proven ineffective or harmful. Coral Garden Conservation (CGC) proposes a pilot project focused on nature-based solutions for five vulnerable beaches in Southern Mauritius. By planting native beach morning glory, CGC will stabilise the coastline while restoring coastal habitat. This project prioritises community engagement and ecosystem-based management, training locals in restoration techniques. CGC's approach protects shorelines, enhances biodiversity, and offers tangible benefits to coastal communities, setting a model for sustainable coastal resilience in Mauritius and other SIDS. EMCL is a partner of CGC for implementation of the " Liane Batatran Project".
