Just added my Connectography Speech of Mauritius!
Check out the video and let’s learn about Mauritius together.
Connectography Speech for World Environment Day 2025 | Kim Nahee (Mauritius) | 095
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Mauritius is the "underwater waterfall," which is believed to have been formed due to volcanic activity. Mauritius is located on a continental shelf that was formed relatively recently. The waters surrounding the island are generally no deeper than 200 meters, but once they go beyond the edge of the shelf, the depth increases dramatically by several kilometers. Here, sand around the island is pushed by ocean currents into the depths through a gap, creating the illusion of a waterfall. In other words, this picturesque landscape is simply the result of a straightforward, one-way erosion process.
When I saw a picture of the underwater waterfall, I was amazed—it looked so majestic and unlike anything I’d ever seen before. Since it’s such a unique and unfamiliar formation, I have a lot of questions about it. Have you ever seen the underwater waterfall in person? Also, I’m curious—if you take a boat near it, do the ocean currents make it difficult to navigate? Also, I noticed that there’s a landform created by erosion called the continental shelf around the island. That made me wonder how do Mauritius decides where their territory and territorial waters end?
As Korea enters the spring season, temperatures are gradually rising, but the daily temperature range remains large and the weather is still quite changeable. In most parts of the country, including Seoul, daytime temperatures are reaching around 20°C, bringing warm weather. However, at night, temperatures drop sharply, making it feel chilly. In some regions, dry weather warnings have been issued, increasing the risk of wildfires. In fact, a massive wildfire recently broke out in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang Province, destroying tens of thousands of hectares of forest.
As the weather has gotten much warmer with spring approaching, many flowers ( like cherry blossoms) are blooming, and various flower festivals are being held across the country. These days, a lot of people are heading out to cherry blossom festival. Compared to a few years ago, I can really feel that the average blooming time has gotten earlier.
The effects of climate change are also becoming increasingly evident. Over the past 100 years, Korea's average annual temperature has risen by about 1.8°C, which is higher than the global average. As a result, summers are becoming longer while winters are getting shorter, and seasonal changes, such as the blooming of cherry blossoms, are occurring earlier than before. Recently, due to abnormal weather conditions, it even snowed at the end of March. What is the weather and climate change situation like in Mauritius these days?
Mauritius is making various efforts to protect the environment and achieve sustainable development. In particular, awareness of environmental issues significantly increased after the oil spill from the Japanese ship Wakashio in 2020. At the time, the government declared an environmental emergency and concentrated all efforts on removing the spilled oil and restoring the marine ecosystem. Long-term restoration efforts are still ongoing to support the recovery of the ecosystem.
Mauritius has also set a goal of transitioning 35–40% of its total energy to renewable sources by 2030, actively investing in solar, wind, and bioenergy. In addition, the country is promoting eco-friendly building technologies to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. The use of single-use plastic products is gradually being restricted, with a growing emphasis on biodegradable alternatives. In the transportation sector, the government is expanding eco-friendly options by increasing the use of electric vehicles and improving public transit infrastructure.
To respond effectively to climate change, Mauritius has established and is implementing a National Adaptation Plan (NAP). This plan focuses not just on short-term responses but also on mitigating the long-term impacts of climate change and enhancing national resilience. Policies are especially focused on sectors vulnerable to climate change, such as agriculture, water resources, and coastal areas.
In terms of water management, the plan includes strategies like efficient use of reservoirs and groundwater, expansion of rainwater harvesting systems, and infrastructure improvements to increase water use efficiency. These efforts are designed to address long-term water scarcity issues caused by climate change.
For coastal areas, where sea level rise and erosion are becoming more severe, both physical protective infrastructure—like seawalls and breakwaters—and nature-based solutions—like mangrove forest restoration—are being pursued. These measures are essential not only for restoring coastal ecosystems but also for protecting the livelihoods of nearby communities.
I heard there was an oil spill from a Japanese ship back in 2020. Since oil spills in the ocean usually take a long time to clean up, I'm wondering if the sea has fully recovered by now. I'm also curious about what the situation was like back then, and what kind of actions were taken by the government and individuals to deal with it.
I'm a Haneul High School who is interested in science and likes to talk with friends. I want to communicate and be a good friend with you guys. I think Mauritius is a country where the sea is really nice. I found out that there is an underwater waterfall. I'd like to visit Mauritius if I have a chance, so if you have any things to introduce to me about Mauritius, please let me know!
Hi ! I am Nicole from Malaysia, one of the GG friend and mentor. It is great to know you, I would love to connect with you.
ReplyDeleteAnd here's my blog: https://saebeomi.blogspot.com/2025/02/gg-friend-nicole-from-chinese-world.html
Hi, This is Alissa From Mauritius
ReplyDeleteFeel free to contact me for any questions and I apologize for not replying sooner, I was extremely busy with exams.
I actually saw the underwater waterfall illusion when I was on my way to Réunion island on the plane. From the plane, it really does look like a huge waterfall dropping into the ocean, it’s breathtaking. But if you go near it by boat, you wouldn’t feel like you’re about to fall off. The effect comes from sand and silt being carried by the currents off the reef, so on the surface it just feels like normal ocean flow, sometimes strong but nothing too dangerous if you stay in safe areas.
About Mauritius’ territory, the island follows international rules. Territorial waters extend 12 nautical miles from the coast, and then there’s an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that can go up to 200 nautical miles. That’s how Mauritius defines its maritime boundary, even though the continental shelf stretches further underwater.
Since you’re used to the mudflats on Korea’s west coast, the clear turquoise lagoons here would feel completely different, like looking through glass straight to the corals and sand.
Yes, you’re right. In 2020, the Japanese bulk carrier MV Wakashio ran aground on a coral reef near Mauritius and spilled more than 1,000 tons of oil into the ocean. It was one of the worst environmental disasters in the country’s history. At the time, the government declared an environmental emergency and focused on stopping the oil spread, cleaning up beaches, and protecting the lagoon and coral reefs.
A lot of ordinary Mauritians also got involved. Volunteers made makeshift oil booms using sugarcane leaves, hair, and fabric to stop the oil from spreading further. This community action became internationally recognized because it showed how much people cared about protecting their island.
Even though most of the oil was removed, recovery takes a long time. Coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds were damaged, and some species were affected. Scientists say full restoration can take decades. Right now, long-term ecosystem restoration projects are still ongoing, focusing on rebuilding marine habitats and monitoring the health of fish, coral, and mangroves.
At the same time, Mauritius has been pushing for a greener future to reduce environmental risks overall. The government is working toward 35–40% renewable energy by 2030 (solar, wind, bioenergy), restricting single-use plastics, encouraging electric vehicles, and improving water and coastal management through the National Adaptation Plan. For coasts especially, they’re combining hard protections like seawalls with nature-based solutions such as restoring mangrove forests.
So while the sea around Mauritius is much cleaner now and safe for people to enjoy, the ecological scars from the Wakashio spill are still healing, and long-term efforts are underway to restore balance.
Hello! My name is Lerato, and I’m from South Africa 🇿🇦. I love that you’re curious about science and exploring new countries — Mauritius sounds amazing, especially the underwater waterfall! In South Africa, we also have incredible natural wonders like Table Mountain, the Drakensberg mountains, and Kruger National Park with its amazing wildlife. If you visit, you should definitely try our local foods too — dishes like bobotie, bunny chow, boerewors, and melktert are must-tries! I’d love to hear from you — what hidden gems, local traditions, or unique foods would you recommend for someone visiting Mauritius? Are there any nature spots or science-related wonders there that most people don’t know about?”
ReplyDeleteMauritian food is basically a giant mix plate of all the cultures that landed on the island. Everyone brought something, and now it’s all part of daily life so very diverse.
DeleteIndian vibes
• Dhal puri – The king of street food. Flatbread stuffed with yellow split peas, rolled up with curry, chutney, and pickle. People literally queue for this.
• Farata/roti – Similar idea but thicker than dhal puri. Perfect with bean curry or chicken curry.
• Briani – Our version of biryani, less heavy than the Indian one but packed with flavor, potatoes, fried onions, and meat.
• Curries – Tomato-based, sometimes with fish, octopus, or veggies.
Creole flavors (Mauritian coming from Africa)
• Rougaille – A tomato-y sauce, usually cooked with sausage, salted fish, or chicken.
• Vindaye – Fish marinated with mustard, vinegar, turmeric—spicy and tangy.
• Gateaux piment – Like falafel but Mauritian style, little fried chili-lentil balls.
• Pickles (achard) – Spicy veggie mix, eaten with bread or rice.
🥡 Chinese twists
• Mine frite – Our version of fried noodles, super simple but addictive.
• Boulette – Dumplings in broth, sold on street corners, eaten with chili paste.
• Fried rice – Basic, but with that local chili sauce, it hits different.
French touches
• Baguettes – Not just with butter sometimes filled with curry, sausages, or gato piment.
• Napolitaines – Famous pink-glazed cookies with jam inside.
• Pastries – Croissants, éclairs, all the French stuff but with a Mauritian spin.
Snacks & drinks
• Alouda – Sweet cold drink with milk, basil seeds, sometimes ice cream. Super refreshing.
• Gato patate – Sweet potato dumpling stuffed with coconut.
• Gato coco – Sweet coconut squares.
• Fruit with chili salt
Pineapple, mango, lychee, you name it always better with a little chili and salt.
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So yeah, Mauritian food is like…you can have roti for breakfast, noodles for lunch, and a proper curry for dinner, all from different cultures, but it still feels “Mauritian.” It’s really the mix that makes it special.
So I would recommend everything
Hello! My name is Lerato, and I’m from South Africa 🇿🇦. It’s fascinating to read about Mauritius’ efforts to fight climate change and protect the environment, especially after the 2020 Wakashio oil spill. I’m curious — has the marine ecosystem fully recovered by now, and what were some of the most effective actions taken by the government and local communities back then? I’d also love to learn more about your renewable energy projects and coastal protection measures.
ReplyDeleteIn South Africa, we face our own environmental challenges like droughts and wildfires, especially in areas like the Western Cape, and we’ve been developing projects like solar and wind farms, as well as mangrove and wetland restoration programs. I wonder — are there any strategies from Mauritius that could be applied in South Africa, or vice versa? Also, how do people in Mauritius participate in these environmental initiatives in their daily lives?”
Mauritius’ marine ecosystem has not fully recovered from the 2020 Wakashio oil spill, with lingering impacts particularly in mangrove areas, though some sites like Blue Bay Marine Park were less affected. Effective responses included rapid community action residents built DIY oil-absorbent booms from hair and sugarcane bagasse, combined with government and international coordination for shoreline cleanup, salvage, and long-term monitoring, including mangrove and coral restoration projects. The country is also pushing renewable energy, aiming for 60% electricity from renewables by 2030, with wind and solar farms paired with battery storage to stabilize the grid, while coastal protection involves mangrove reforestation, coral nurseries, and nature-based shoreline management. Lessons from Mauritius that could help South Africa include community-led spill response networks, blue-carbon initiatives like mangrove and seagrass restoration, and battery-backed renewable integration, while Mauritius could learn from South Africa’s large scale renewable procurement and land/wetland management to improve resilience against sedimentation and extreme weather. Locals participate through beach cleanups, citizen science on reef health, mangrove planting, and adopting rooftop solar, making environmental protection both a community and policy effort.
DeleteI used to work in the travel and tourism industry... Mauritius is quite a popular tourist destination for it's breathtaking views and pristine waters.
ReplyDeleteThe underwater waterfall is truly a spectacle worth experiencing along with the island's culture and cuisine.
Good research! Well Done 💯 💥