Guava wood figurines to keep an eye on Mauritius’ environmental health

By Niki Jackson

It’s no secret that many parts of the beautiful Indian Ocean are bulging under the threat of becoming garbage sites. The urgent reality is that vast spaces of these crystal coloured oceans with their abundant reefs, wildlife, ecosystems and food security offerings, are being burdened by expanding populations and increased industry.

And while the island of Mauritius continues to thrive as one of the most picturesque tourist destinations and economic hubs in Africa, Pam Golding Properties, who have been active on the island since the early 2000’s, are determined to contribute to its sustainability by partnering with EPCO (Environmental Protection & Conservation Organisation) to tackle the issue of environmental pollution to the island’s residents, in particular around the area of Grand Baie.

Pam Golding Properties’ Regional Manager, Richard Haller believes that together with EPCO, who have more than 30 years’ experience, they have come up with an innovative plan.

“We want to convey a strong environmental message on the topic of pollution to our locals. Using discarded guava, and other alien wood species, which the government is currently removing on a large scale, we have commissioned the artwork of beautiful wood figurines.

“Sadly, the idea of only putting bins in place would have minimum impact as traditionally these are largely underutilised. However we believe that the guava wood figurines next to litter bins (also made from guava wood) will attract attention and create awareness,” says Haller.

Planned sign posted messages are simple, yet powerful: We don’t have a Planet. Please save Planet A.

The Pam Golding Properties and EPCO team are hosting an exhibition of the figurines at Grand Bay Coeur de Ville, a popular shopping mall in Grand Baie, to showcase the works of art.

The exhibit, inspired by the saying, ‘Our land has been granted to us by our children’ has been aptly named ‘Let us save our environment for our children’ in Creole.

If you are looking to sell or buy a property on Mauritius, Pam Golding Properties has two offices in Black River on the West Coast and two offices in Grand Baie in the North. The team of skilled, English and French speaking agents service the local rental and sales market, as well as the international property market via the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS) and Real Estate Scheme (RES) developments.

Posted by Niki Jackson