Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Study for the Port of Port Louis

This Technology Transfer Advances Mauritius'

• Nationally Determined Contribution to strengthen management of related governance through investments in climate resiliency, and thus further the work of  the vulnerability assessment and monitoring system put in place by the Government's Climate Change Division (CCD). 

Context

Mauritius, as a small island developing state, is highly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. Port Louis harbour is exposed to a number of combined risks from sea level rise including storm surge, flooding and more powerful and frequent winds, thereby challenging the resilience of port infrastructure whilst at the same time disrupting the supply chain.

Assistance Requested

Conduct climate change vulnerability and adaptation study for the Port of Port Louis and assist with the implementation of adaptation options and their monitoring. The scope and nature of the technical assistance include:

• Review existing national plans and strategies related to the port sector in the context of climate change to identify opportunities and options to address gaps and needs
• Undertake climate risk assessment for the Port of Port Louis, both land based and sea-based, that will identify current vulnerabilities and future risks, evaluate the risks, identify and prioritise adaptation options using a multi-criteria analysis and set a monitoring baseline.
• Formulate an action plan for the implementation of adaptation options in relation to climate change for the port sector with specific action targets and time frames
• Identify capacity building needs of engineers, marine personnel and other cadres of the port sector, on climate change, vulnerability assessment monitoring and evaluation and adaptation technologies.
• Recommend appropriate construction standards, codes, specifications and climate­ resilient legislations for the port infrastructure and develop adaptation guidelines to assist the port authorities

Relevant Technologies and Approaches

• Climate change vulnerability assessment

Expected Benefits

• Enhancing the resilience of port infrastructure to support future economic development
• Ensuring that climate changes are incorporated in future design specifications such as sea level rise and storm surges
• Mitigating the impact of climate change through proper climate resilient spatial planning of the port
• Enabling more targeted investment in technology and equipment such as gantry loaders, shore cranes, etc. that will adapt to future climate changes
• Identifying areas where upgrading of infrastructure including port facilities, storage areas and navigation systems are required.