Coral Garden Conservation (CGC) is a non-governmental organization with over a decade of experience in both terrestrial and marine conservation initiatives, including lagoon clean ups, mangrove planting, endemic tree reforestation, seagrass and coral conservation, and nature-based solutions against coastal erosion.
Aligned with SDG 14, CGC established a Community-Based Voluntary Marine Conservation Area (VMCA) in 2020 at St. Felix, in southern Mauritius. Spanning approximately 40,000 m2, the VMCA was created with the support of local fishers and community members and primarily comprises healthy coral reefs interspersed with sparse seagrass patches.
A recent biodiversity inventory recorded 80 coral species, 3 seagrass species, and over 90 fish species thriving within the VMCA. To foster community stewardship and management, CGC runs regular awareness campaigns aimed at encouraging local engagement and broader public support for marine conservation. CGC works in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy & Fisheries to ensure proper management and conservation of the site.
By Dr. Chitra Ramphul & Douvesh Kallychurn – Coral Garden Conservation