The Cabinet approved the Maurice Ile Durable (MID) project

April 15, the Cabinet approved the Maurice Ile Durable (MID) project, which was prepared by Professor François Odendhaal, who was appointed by the United Nations Development Programme.

The white paper represents a preliminary step towards the publication that includes strategy as well as the setting up of various projects of the MID.

According to the calendar implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, the action plan should be ready by year-end so that the project can be executed in the first semester of 2012.

The approval of the white paper is the result of around 70 meetings Odendhaal had with various representatives in the field of socio-economic development.

They are the representatives from ministries and government departments, University of Mauritius (UoM), businesses and various Non Governmental Organisations(NGOs).

Taking into consideration the common interest of civil society, two versions have been proposed in the white paper for its implementation.

A French expert, Ghislain Gomart who helped in the preparation of the environment policy under former minister Jean Louis Borloo, is working at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to help the Maurice Ile Durable committee.

The white paper is proposing setting up five committees responsible for the political strategy in fields known as 5 E, namely, energy, environment, education, equity and employment.

The chairpersons of these committees will be soon nominated to facilitate the setting up of the MID projects.

The Environment ministry is strengthening its capacity following the decision of the government to give them the responsibility of managing the MID fund.

Similarly, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) is financing the services of six foreign consultants who will bring their knowledge to the table.

They will also enable the island to have a long term vision for sustainable development.