Table 1: Management Action Plan Strategy Action Performance Target Priority Performance Measure Responsible Objective 1: Preserve the Outstanding Universal Value of the LMCL as a site that is a symbol of resistance to slavery The Outstanding Universal Value of the LMCL WHS Update the LMCL Management Plan to incorporate priorities for management of the Lagoon Priorities for management of the Lagoon Buffer zone are reflected in the management plan for the LMCL WHS High Strengthened management of the LMCL including the Core and Buffer LMHTF Raise public and visitor awareness of the significance of the LMCL and the role of the Lagoon in the OUV Public and visitors are more aware of the significance of the LMCL and the role of the Lagoon in the OUV Ongoing Greater awareness of and appreciation for the Lagoon as a unique and valuable place deserving of responsible use LMHTF Objective 2: Maintain and enhance the cultural and natural heritage as a local and global asset Enhanced heritage values Facilitate the identification, researching and recording of all heritage-related aspects of the Lagoon Heritage of the Le Morne Lagoon is researched and recorded Ongoing Greater understanding of and accorded to heritage relating to the Lagoon LMHTF Record presence and location of cultural assets of the Lagoon in a participative manner Cultural assets of the Lagoon recorded and protected High Record of cultural assets established with agreed actions for protection LMHTF Manage heritage resources in accordance with relevant legislation and policies Heritage resources are maintained and preserved High No impact occurring on heritage resources in or near to the LMCL as a result of activities on the Lagoon LMHTF Include of heritage of the Lagoon in existing and proposed Heritage of the Le Morne Lagoon is incorporated into information dissemination Ongoing Greater availability of information on heritage relating to the Lagoon LMHTF
informational and promotional materials of the LMHTF and awareness-raising materials Objective 3: Protect Important sensitive ecosystems and biodiversity Protection of Buffer zone from thereby reducing impacts on the Lagoon Promote development and planning controls that ensure that negative land-based impacts on the Lagoon are prevented or minimized Negative impacts on the natural environment of Le Morne Lagoon from development are prevented or minimized through local development and planning controls Ongoing Approved development in the catchment does not impact on the natural environment of Le Lagoon MoESD LMHTF Conduct a comprehensive audit of existing establishments, including hotels, the lime kiln above Bai du Cap, etc. for effluents and other impacts Increase knowledge on threats on the lagoon High Audit of existing threats MoESD Protection of aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity Ensure that appropriate environmental assessments are undertaken for activities proposed in or alongside the LMCL Buffer zone area of the Lagoon. Activities should only proceed if the negative impact on the natural environment is minimal or avoided and/or appropriate mitigation are implemented Prevent negative impacts on the aquatic habitat, with the exception of natural forces/processes Ongoing Assessment of ecosystem health relating to activities proposed within or alongside the Lagoon MoESD LMHTF In consultation with Ministries of Fisheries and Environment and Sustainable Development, the MOI and UoM and other relevant Reduction in the loss, or preferably an increase of key habitats of the Le Morne Lagoon particularly coral Ongoing Assessment of extent, quality and biodiversity within grass beds and mangroves MoESD MoF MOI UoM
reduce the impact on the Lagoon from the operations of the lime factory Develop a stormwater management sub-plan as part of the broader Le Cultural Landscape Management Plan as appropriate. Decrease rates of sedimentation and pollution Medium Ability to recognize, report on and promote reduced sedimentation and pollution DCoBR LMVC LMHTF Identify specific monitoring sites for water quality at designated recreational use areas in the Lagoon. Obtain appropriate level of knowledge of acceptable water quality for Lagoon use Water quality in the Lagoon appropriate for recreation High Adequacy of knowledge of water quality monitoring for recreation DCoBR MoESD LMVC NWMA Engage with Black River District Council and Ministries of Fisheries and of Environment and Sustainable Development and the National Wastewater Management Authority to lobby for implementation of improved drainage system on Le Morne and La Gaulette as part of the National Sewage Management Plan Increased priority for improved water management High Prioritisation by relevant authorities to improving drainage in villages in proximity to Lagoon Buffer zone DCoBR MoESD LMVC NWMA LMHTF Awareness of the importance of improving water quality Promote improved stakeholder awareness of the and ecosystem health implications of water pollution from the current drainage system and promote Reduced illness from exposure to poor water quality of residents of Le Morne and La Gaulette High Improved health and wellbeing of residents of Le Morne and La Gaulette DCoBR MoESD LMVC LMHTF
identification of options for reducing impacts on residents from pollution levels Objective 5: Promote sustainable, diverse and appropriate use of the area Sustainable public recreation Work with Black River District Council, and La Gaulette and Le Morne Village Councils to facilitate management of recreation on the Lagoon to allow use and enjoyment of the Lagoon while minimising environmental impacts and user conflicts Appropriately managed public recreation on the Lagoon while minimizing environmental impacts and user conflicts High Implementation of the management model by mid 2014 LMHTF to document progress in annual report LMVC LGVC Safety and security for Lagoon users Collaborate with the Black River District Council, local village councils and other relevant stakeholders to develop an appropriate management model for the broader Le Morne Lagoon that includes updated data on recreational and other use of Lagoon Common understanding and agreement on the status of Lagoon use as well as priorities and approach for management or the Lagoon High Implementation of this model by the end of 2014. LMHTF to document progress in annual report DCoBR LMVC LGVC Hotels & private operators Investigate use of watercraft during peak periods and determine appropriate measures for improved recreational management Appropriate use of all watercraft within the Lagoon Medium Appropriate rules established and implemented for management of all watercraft MTA MoT LMHTF Collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism, Coast Guard Authority, Beach Management Authority, Safety and/or environmental issues relating to High Reduction in number of incidents of accidental injury MTA MoT CGA
private investors and village councils to develop a Lagoon safety management sub-plan to demarcate appropriate areas for Lagoon use, specify appropriate activities and user numbers and identify roles and responsibilities for rescue and develop and enforce restrictions on activities for improved safety for Lagoon users recreational activities are avoided or minimized BMA LMVC LGVC LMHTF Appropriate and well maintained facilities to support sustainable use of the Lagoon and maintain and improve safety for users Coordinate the development of a set of guidelines for more sustainable use and management of the Lagoon in collaboration with key stakeholders Well managed and sustainable use of the Lagoon with reduced conflicts among users High Management of Le Morne Lagoon following common vision and guidelines MTA MoT LMHTF Hotels & private operators In collaboration with relevant authorities, provide guidance to developers, operators and Lagoon users to avoid or minimize the negative impact of activities on the Le Morne Lagoon Informed feedback provided on Lagoon use and management activities and development proposals Ongoing Records of proposal assessments and management decisions MTA MoT MoESD LMHTF Hotels & private operators Work with private operators, District and village councils and relevant authorities who are responsible for maintenance and upgrade of facilities such as jettys, boat mooring areas, signage and other amenities, to promote Appropriate and accessible facilities to protect the natural and cultural integrity of the Lagoon and enhance the value of the LMCL Ongoing Documentation of maintenance and/or development of facilities DCoBR MTA MoT MoESD CGA BMA LMHTF
appropriate and efficient management of such Hotels & private operators Objective 6: Identify and develop opportunities for local economic development through improved management of the Lagoon Community involvement/ management Provide guidance and support for meaningful involvement of residents of le Morne and La Gaulette in management of the Lagoon through the Le Morne Lagoon Management Committee Active and meaningful involvement of village residents in the Le Lagoon Management Committee High Management of the Lagoon reflects perspectives, needs and aspirations of the local residents LMVC LGVC LMHTF Support the identification of opportunities for the continuation/revival of traditional cultural uses of the Le Morne Lagoon to promote local economic development Activities promoting traditional cultural uses of the Lagoon identified and initiated Ongoing Local economic development through activities promoting traditional use of the Lagoon LMVC LGVC LMHTF Objective 7: Promote awareness of the importance of improved management and sustainable use of the Lagoon Improved management and sustainable use Development and distribution of appropriate information media and educational materials for different stakeholders on the unique value of the Lagoon and benefits from improved management for the country Specifically, development of short training courses for users and managers of the Lagoon including hotel management, hotel operational staff, fishers, local and private tourism operators, Greater appreciation and understanding of the value of the Lagoon and need for greater protection and more sustainable use by all stakeholders High Improved understanding and appreciation of the environmental, social and recreational values of the Lagoon MoESD
authorities (Coast Guard and Beach Management Authorities), visitors to the areas and any other relevant groups. Objective 8: Manage potential impacts of global change Adaptation to global change Undertake a study to determine the key priorities and likely scenarios as a result of climate viability and change Greater understanding of potential impacts of global change and options for adaption High Greater clarity of needs for addressing global change impacts through improved Lagoon management MoESD LMHTF Identify and implement adaptation needs and measures for reducing vulnerability to global change Management decisions consider implications of global change and actively try to mitigate for them High Lagoon management plan revised to incorporate adaptation measures MoESD MOI MoF LMHTF Objective 9: Promote coordinated and targeted research on the area for better management Research for improved decision-making Collaborate with MOI, UoM, Ministries of Fisheries and Environment and Sustainable Development, National Heritage Trust Fund and other relevant stakeholders to identify and undertake priority research for informed management of the Lagoon Research strategy developed and under implementation by early 2014 Medium Research results analysed and incorporated into management plan for the Lagoon. Where relevant, findings are made accessible to stakeholders MoESD MOI UoM MoF LMHTF Detailed study on the status and dynamics of the fisheries in the Lagoon to inform options for ownership and management of the Lagoon by Fishers Greater understanding of the impacts of fishing on the Lagoon and on opportunities for improved livelihood for local fishers High LMVC UoM LGVC NHTF
Lagoon as educational resource Promote use of Lagoon for educational purposes. Support schools, the UoM, NGOs and other stakeholders to research and learn about the Lagoon environment as part of the LMCL Use of Lagoon by groups for research, education and training Medium Improved understanding and use of the cultural, environmental, economic and recreational values of the Lagoon LMVC UoM LGVC LMHTF Objective 10: Achieve effective administration for implementing strategies Lagoon Management Committee Establish the Lagoon Management Committee to promote effective management improvements of the Lagoon and catchment by all residents, private operators, authorities and other interested groups Establishment and operationalization of Lagoon management committee by December 2013. Key staff in the LMHTF trained in participatory GIS High Management of the Le Morne Lagoon by a multi-sectoral committee that comprises all relevant stakeholders LMHTF All relevant stakeholders Annual reporting Annual report prepared for Le Morne Lagoon and incorporated into annual report for the LMCL and shared with stakeholders. Report publicly available on LMHTF website Prepare an annual LMHTF report for Le Morne Lagoon Ongoing Annual report meets statutory requirements and provides information to stakeholders Integrated management of marine and coastal areas Support the integrated management of the Le Morne Lagoon and surrounding marine and coastal areas. Collaborate with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development to promote local ICZM planning and implement recommendations Optimal management of Le Morne Lagoon and surrounding areas within the Mauritius ICZM Framework Medium Lagoon management plan promotes an integrated approach to management MoESD LMHTF