On 31 July, an awareness video and conveyor belt poster on whale, dolphin, and turtle watching in Mauritius were launched at plaine Magnien. Diverse stakeholders, including representatives from tourism sector institutions, UNDP and GEF Small Grant Programme, Air Mauritius and Airport Terminal Operations, marine conservationists, private sector, visitors, and the media, attended the event. This initiative, funded by the UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme, is part of the "Conservation of Threatened Marine Megafauna Species in Mauritius" project and marks a significant step in protecting endangered marine species and fostering partnerships towards sustainable tourism.

Mauritius, known as a biodiversity hotspot, boasts a rich yet delicate marine ecosystem. In recent years, activities such as whale, dolphin, and turtle watching have gained popularity among both tourists and locals. While contributing to the tourism sector's economy, these also impose considerable stress on vulnerable marine species, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced protective measures. To address this, the newly launched video and poster, endorsed by a wide range of stakeholders, will be prominently displayed on Air Mauritius flights and at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport starting 1 August 2024. The campaign aims to educate sea users on best practices for observing these animals and on legal protections in place to protect them.

The present campaign is an illustration of the efforts of the Republic of Mauritius to setting a benchmark in sustainable marine resource management. In addition to a combination of policy enhancement, scientific research, community education, and strong stakeholder support, national policies on marine wildlife protection have been substantially shaped by the collaborative efforts of the National Marine Spatial Planning Working Group of the Continental Shelf Department of the Government of Mauritius. Contributions from various stakeholders, including the Marine Megafauna Conservation Organisation (MMCO), have also significantly advanced this field, as reflected in the New Fisheries Act 2023, the integration of marine megafauna into Marine Spatial Planning, and the forthcoming amendments to the "Dolphins and Whale Amendment Regulations" by the Tourism Authority.

The GEF Small Grants Programme has supported this project "Conservation of Threatened Marine Megafauna Species in Mauritius" due to its focus on ecosystems and habitats harboring exceptional concentrations of five marine species listed on the IUCN Red List. Additionally, the project actively engages with local communities and influences policy-making.