Mauritius's meteorological services are set to adopt a new work culture and move beyond traditional forecasting to counter severe climate challenges. On September 23, 2026, officials, experts, and stakeholders gathered at the Ravenala Attitude hotel in Balaclava to examine and validate the broad outlines of the upcoming 2027–2031 strategic plan. The plan was developed over approximately three months, drawing on World Meteorological Organization (WMO) guidelines and analyzing climate challenges facing Mauritius.
The strategic plan addresses various climate challenges, including droughts, global warming, shifting rainfall patterns, flash flood risks, and changing cyclone behavior. Consultant Fareed Jaunboccus emphasized that the strategy looks to the future rather than the past, meeting the growing needs of the government, various economic sectors, the private sector, and the public. The plan has been submitted to the WMO for review, receiving a favorable assessment as a “very good strategic plan.”
A fifth objective focused on capacity building has been added to the plan, following analysis of the organization’s operations and comparisons with countries like Seychelles and Tonga. This addition aims to enhance the meteorological services' capabilities in addressing climate challenges. The WMO consultant, Alice Suares, reportedly praised the plan and asked Jaunboccus if he would be available for similar work in the region.
The true challenge lies in the execution of the strategic plan, which demands collective involvement and active participation from leadership. Jaunboccus stressed that the document cannot remain solely on paper, and its implementation requires a collaborative effort. A major pillar of the plan is strengthening multi-hazard early warning systems, aligning with the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres’s 2022 “Early Warnings for All” initiative.
The future warning system will transition toward “impact-based forecasting,” focusing on potential consequences rather than just a weather phenomenon’s intensity. This approach will enable the public to better understand the risks associated with weather events. Presentations will become more user-friendly through visual elements and color codes, helping the public quickly identify risk levels.
The strategic plan will feature a dedicated implementation roadmap detailing required actions, investments, and resources. Acting Director of the meteorological station Dr. P. Booneeady highlighted that changing climatic conditions in Mauritius and Rodrigues necessitate upgraded capabilities. The plan aims to address local climate realities, including varying rainfall, temperature shifts, rising sea levels, and changing precipitation regimes.
The implementation of the strategic plan is expected to enhance the meteorological services' capabilities in addressing climate challenges. Key aspects of the plan include impact-based forecasting, accessible alerts, and a collaborative framework involving government, the private sector, economic fields, local authorities, experts, and the public. The plan's success will depend on the collective effort of all stakeholders involved.
Key points
- Mauritius's meteorological services to adopt a new work culture and move beyond traditional forecasting
- The strategic plan addresses various climate challenges, including droughts, global warming, and shifting rainfall patterns
- The plan's implementation requires collective involvement and active participation from leadership
