Environment — Deba Klima: Rodrigues, the fascinating example in the face of climate issues

After their victory in Deba Klima, three young students from the College of La-Confiance in an open-air classroom to discover the realities of the island

For four days, three young Mauritians discovered the climate beyond words and research. After debating climate change for nearly two months, the big winners from the College of La-Confiance experienced, on the ground, the realities of an island that learns every day to preserve its resources and build its resilience.

Winners of this fourth edition, Timothée Babajane, Gauthier Charlot and Samuel Dhookit flew to Rodrigues on July 21, accompanied by their teacher, Michat Legrand-Raout, and representatives of the MCB. From the preservation of biodiversity to water management, including sustainable agriculture and the promotion of cultural heritage, this trip allowed them to discover how an island community meets the challenges linked to climate change on a daily basis. More than a reward, this eco-trip offered them the opportunity to put a face, a story and concrete examples on concepts often studied in class or debated on television.

When biodiversity comes back to life

One of the stages of their journey took them to the François Leguat Reserve, where they discovered the famous giant tortoises of Rodrigues as well as the impressive limestone formations of the Grande Caverne. This immersion allowed them to better understand the efforts made over several years to restore formerly degraded ecosystems and reintroduce emblematic species of the island. Throughout the visit, the students realized that when it comes to conservation, results are not achieved in a few months, but through decades of patience, research and commitment.

Water, concrete reality

At the premises of the Central Electricity Board (CEB) in Pointe-Meunier, students discovered seawater desalination installations that meet different water needs. For these young students, this visit highlighted a concrete reality: on an island where periods of drought can have direct consequences on the population, every drop of water counts. They also discovered the technological innovations implemented to guarantee sustainable access to this essential resource.

Bees, symbols of resilience

The stay then took them to Miel Victoria, a local company operating nearly 75 hives. Beyond the production of honey and derived products, the visit allowed them to understand the crucial role of bees in pollination, biodiversity and agricultural crops. They were also able to observe how local economic activities can create value while