From mangroves to compost: WFF Mauritius Youth Chapter turns local action into solutions for sustainable agrifood systems

Across Mauritius, young people are taking action to build more sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. Through two initiatives held in July and August 2026, the World Food Forum (WFF) Mauritius Youth Chapter, in collaboration with the Grand River South East Youth Circle (GRSEYC) and the Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Mauritius Hub, brought young people together to learn, share ideas and take practical action around the connections between food, nature, climate and livelihoods.

From protecting mangrove forests to turning organic materials into compost, the initiatives highlighted practical, locally relevant responses to environmental and agricultural challenges.

Learning from Mauritius’ mangroves

On 26 July 2026, the Chapter organized “Mangrove Matters: Science, shores  and solutions” at the Camp de Pêcheurs mangrove forest, bringing together participants from seven communities across the country. The activity explored the importance of mangroves for food security, livelihoods and climate resilience. Participants learned how mangroves provide shelter for marine species, support fisheries and protect coastal areas from the impacts of storms and rising sea levels.

The programme combined discussions with practical field experience. During a guided visit through the mangrove forest, participants discovered local plants and animals, learned about different stages of mangrove growth and observed mangrove propagules planted during an earlier restoration activity. The visit also highlighted the link between environmental protection and livelihoods. Participants discussed how activities such as responsible ecotourism can create economic opportunities while protecting natural areas.

The day ended with a hands-on mangrove clean-up. Together, participants collected 487 plastic bottles and 21 kg of plastic waste from the forest. The activity illustrated the effects of waste on biodiversity, fisheries and the communities that depend on coastal ecosystems. It also strengthened collaboration between youth organizations working on agriculture, environmental protection, ocean conservation and climate action and received national media coverage.

Turning waste into something useful

On 16 August 2026, the partnership organized Compost’Île Connect, a community knowledge-sharing session focused on sustainable agriculture and reducing waste. The session brought together members of the Compost’Île initiative and other young people to share experiences, discuss progress and explore opportunities to further develop the initiative further.

Compost’Île looks at how materials that are readily available in the country including seaweed, seagrass, coconut husks, eggshells and dry leaves can be transformed into compost for agriculture. Participants learned about the initiative's journey and the lessons emerging from its community composting activities. The discussions showed how materials often considered waste can instead be reused to support agriculture, improve soil and reduce the amount of organic waste sent for disposal.

The session also created space for young people working on agriculture, environmental issues and agrifood systems to exchange ideas and build new connections. It further strengthened collaboration between the Chapter, GRSEYC and the SOA Mauritius Hub.

Together, Mangrove Matters and Compost’Île Connect show how youth-led action can contribute to sustainable agrifood systems through locally driven solutions. Whether through protecting mangroves, removing plastic waste or finding new uses for locally available materials, these initiatives connect environmental action with agrifood systems, livelihoods and community resilience.  By bringing together youth organizations and connecting local initiatives with wider networks and opportunities, the Chapter is creating opportunities for young people to turn knowledge and ideas into practical action.