Absa Mauritius announces the signing of an MOU with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation to support the conservation project of the Olive White Eye Bird, an endangered species in Mauritius.
Absa Mauritius, as a major economic player in Mauritius, intends to contribute to the protection and restoration of endangered species through projects focusing on the environment and local biodiversity. This initiative is an integral part of the bank's overall sustainable development strategy.
On 27 June 2024, Absa Mauritius officially signed an agreement with the MWF, joining their Species Champions programme to support conservation efforts for this rare bird. The Olive White Eye, known scientifically as Zosterops chloronothos, has been in serious decline since the 1970s due to habitat loss caused by massive logging. At present, the bird's population is confined to a small area in the Black River National Park and Ile aux Aigrettes, where there are no predators.
Nathan Carr, Chief of Staff and Head of Legal at Absa Mauritius, expressed his enthusiasm by saying: "Absa Mauritius is proud to partner with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation and to support its key conservation projects. The Foundation has a long and impressive history of making tangible contributions to the conservation of natural flora and fauna in Mauritius, which aligns with Absa Mauritius' sustainability strategy. One of these initiatives is the sponsorship for the conversation of the Olive White Eye, an endemic and critically endangered bird of the Island. Absa Mauritius looks forward to strengthening its relationship with the MWF in the coming years, as we recognise that through collaboration, we can maximise our impact in ensuring a more sustainable and inclusive society for all."
This conservation project aligns with Absa's mission to empower Africa's tomorrow, together, one story at a time. In fact, this initiative requires the collaborative participation of the bank and the MWF and their respective teams. Through this collective effort, Absa Mauritius hopes to bring significant changes and secure a better future for endangered species, while ensuring their continued habitat and place in the island's natural landscape.
Jean Hugues Gardenne, Fund Raising and Communications Manager at the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation expressed his satisfaction with the partnership saying: “The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation is pleased to welcome Absa Mauritius as Gold Species Champion of the Olive White Eye of Mauritius for 2024/2025 and hopes that this will develop into a fruitful and long-term partnership. As Species Champion, Absa Mauritius is not only committed to supporting conservation work, but also to raising awareness of this endemic bird species.”
The MWF, with the support of Absa Mauritius, is working diligently to restore the bird's natural habitat on Ile aux Aigrettes and in the Black River gorges. This involves implementing protective measures such as supplementary feeding, protection from predatory species and habitat restoration. These efforts are essential to improve the species' chances of survival.
Since 2005, the MWF has been actively involved in the conservation of the bird. Their efforts include rescuing eggs and nestlings from failing nests, incubating and hand-rearing the nestlings, and then releasing them on Ile aux Aigrettes. Thanks to these efforts, the population on Ile aux Aigrettes has grown to around 65 birds, providing a ray of hope for the future of this magnificent species.
Over the next decade, the aim is to improve the bird's conservation status from critically endangered to endangered. This initiative not only aims to save a species on the verge of extinction, but also highlights the importance of biodiversity and preserving our natural heritage.
This initiative is also part of Absa's commitment to being an active force for good. By supporting the Mauritius White-eye Conservation Project, Absa Mauritius is demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, societal contribution and respect for governance standards that ensure a better future for all.
Together, we can make a difference.
