This week in Mauritius, significant developments have unfolded across various sectors.
Echo Parakeet release
In a momentous stride for conservation efforts, the iconic Echo Parakeet, affectionately known as the Grosse Cateau Verte, has achieved a pivotal milestone with the release of seventeen individuals at Ebony Forest. Spearheaded by the National Parks and Conservation Service (NPCS) and the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF), this initiative underscores a concerted endeavor to safeguard this endemic species. In the 1990s, the Echo Parakeet faced imminent extinction, dwindling to a mere twenty individuals in the wild. Through dedicated captive breeding and release programs spanning fifteen years, the species has been rescued from the brink of oblivion. Despite the population in Black River Gorges National Park now numbering between 700 and 800 individuals, persistent challenges such as exotic predators, habitat degradation, and diseases like Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) persist. To alleviate pressure on the National Park and enhance subpopulation diversity, MWF has initiated releases in areas like Ferney Valley since 2015 and Ebony Forest since 2018. Ebony Forest, a staunch advocate of forest restoration and Mauritius' endemic wildlife conservation, has successfully facilitated the third Echo Parakeet release this year.
Obesity: A growing concern in Rodrigues
In Rodrigues, obesity has emerged as a burgeoning public health crisis. The latest report (2022) on non-communicable diseases released by the Ministry of Health underscores a notable increase in the obesity rate, soaring from 28.9% in 2016 to a concerning 37.7%. Particularly alarming is the situation among women, with nearly half, 49.6%, affected by this health issue. Men are also significantly impacted, with 34.6% grappling with obesity. Moreover, the report reveals other troubling statistics, including 21.5% of the population experiencing high cholesterol, 19.5% with pre-diabetes, and 15.3% diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. These figures underscore the urgent imperative for preventive measures and heightened awareness campaigns in Rodrigues.
MCB receives "Deal of the Year" award
The MCB Group has received accolades from Project Finance International (PFI), clinching the esteemed title of Deal of the Year 2023 for the Middle East and Africa region. This prestigious distinction celebrates excellence and innovation in the global project finance landscape, recognizing the Group's landmark acquisition of Lekela Power. Playing a pivotal role as the "joint lead arranger" for the financing of the acquisition, MCB provided Infinity Power with an innovative financing solution. Infinity Power, a joint venture between Egypt's Infinity and Masdar of the Emirates, now stands as Africa's premier renewable energy company. With an operational portfolio spanning Egypt, South Africa, and Senegal, totaling 1.3 GW, the company contributes to an annual reduction of approximately 3.5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. Embracing an ambitious vision, Infinity Power aims to achieve 10 GW of operational renewable energy projects by 2030, entailing a substantial $5 billion investment by that time. Mohamed Ismail Mansour, President of Infinity Power, shares his insights on this remarkable feat.
