Area:  total: 1,860 sq km  land: 1,850 sq km Coastline: 177 km Population: 1,182,212 (July 1999 est.) Source: CIA Worldfact Book (2000)

Mauritius   Basic Data Contacts CSD Data Other Links Other Data Country Contacts Ministry of Fisheries and Cooperatives Ministry of Environment  Ministry of Urban and Rural Development     (Source:  CIA World Factbook 1999)     OCEANS AND COASTAL AREAS Many thanks to the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, the source of the following information. The information was taken from the Mauritius' submission to the 5th Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development (last update: 1 April 1999). For further information on the Mauritius' social and economic factors, natural resources, and institutional structures see the United Nations System-Wide Web Site on National Implementation of the Rio Commitments National Information for Mauritius at:   http://www.un.org/esa/agenda21/natlinfo/countr/mauritiu/index.htm   The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources is primarily responsible for ensuring integrated planning and implementation.  The Fisheries Act (1980) and the Maritime Zones Act (1977) are under review.  Various national agencies and government bodies, including the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, the Central Water Authority, the Ministry of Environment and Quality of Life, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Housing, Lands and Town and Country Planning, among others, have been active in implementing measures for the management of freshwater resources, energy, land use, transportation in tourist resort areas, and construction in coastal areas. Other measures include the prevention of near shore water pollution, waste minimization, and the improvement and expansion of health facilities.  Regarding natural and environmental disaster reduction, Mauritius has also taken steps to improve communication networks, promote exchange and dissemination of information for disaster preparedness, including early warning and pre-disaster planning, and relevant training and access to technology for early warning, risk assessment and disaster management. Mauritius has also established a disaster emergency fund, under the Prime Minister's office, for efficient and quick response and relief.  Mauritius participates in international cooperative scientific programmes, such as the Indo Pacific Tuna Programme (IPTP) of FAO, the regional tuna project of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), and the regional environment programme of the IOC. National institutions responsible for integrated coastal management have access to several data bases, including the regional tuna database, the bank fishery database, and the marine ecosystem and coastal pollution database.  Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) provides finance for activities in this area and Mauritius works with JICA, Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), UNEP, and IPTP. Mauritius is also a member of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and the Western Indian Ocean Tuna Organization (WIOTO).    Other Links Indian Ocean Tuna Commission     Other Data n.a.