The idyllic Ile aux Benitiers, long beloved by locals and tourists alike for its turquoise lagoons and postcard-perfect views, is set to embark on a bold transformation. Following years of overuse, environmental degradation, and unregulated tourism, the Mauritian government has launched an ambitious and long-awaited Master Plan to preserve the island’s fragile ecosystem—without sacrificing its touristic charm.
With the aim to protect biodiversity, promote eco-tourism, and empower local communities, the new plan could redefine how Mauritius approaches sustainable island tourism. So, what exactly is changing on Ile aux Benitiers? Let’s explore the facts, the future, and the far-reaching impact of this groundbreaking initiative.
Why Ile aux Benitiers Needed a Master Plan
Ile aux Benitiers, located just off the southwest coast of Mauritius near La Gaulette, has seen a steady surge in popularity over the past decade. Famous for its crystal-clear lagoon, views of Le Morne, and the curious “Crystal Rock” rising from the sea, the island attracts thousands of visitors weekly—especially during peak seasons.
But this popularity came at a cost.
In recent years, the island became a textbook case of overtourism. Unregulated kiosks, makeshift structures, illegal food stalls, and mounting piles of rubbish turned parts of Ile aux Benitiers into an environmental hazard. According to government sources, more than 138 tons of waste were removed from the island during a cleanup campaign in early 2025. Rubber tires, plastic debris, and abandoned structures polluted both the island and surrounding marine ecosystem.
The degradation didn’t go unnoticed by environmentalists or the local community. Endemic plants like Phyllanthus vaughanii and Atriplex aellenii, both critically endangered, began to disappear. Migratory birds avoided the once-frequented north side of the island, and native reptile populations like geckos faced increased threats from invasive rats.
The government responded with a temporary closure of Ile aux Benitiers, marking a turning point in how this natural treasure would be managed going forward.
What’s in the Master Plan?
The newly approved Master Plan, announced in October 2025, sets out a detailed roadmap to rehabilitate, protect, and sustainably manage Ile aux Benitiers for years to come. The plan was developed by a task force that included the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Tourism, the Rivière Noire District Council, and various ecological experts.
Here are some of the highlights:
1. Controlled Visitor Access
No more unregulated boat traffic. All visitors to Ile aux Benitiers will now be required to pass through a designated entry point at La Gaulette jetty. A digital ticketing system will monitor and limit the number of visitors per day—though exact caps are still being debated. Previously, as many as 3000–4000 people could visit on a busy day. The new system aims to cut that number significantly, while still supporting sustainable tourism.
2. Eco-Friendly Infrastructure
The island will be equipped with:
- Composting toilets to prevent water and soil contamination
- Solar-powered energy sources
- Rainwater harvesting systems
- Waste separation stations for recycling
- Clearly demarcated walking paths to protect natural habitats
These initiatives aim to reduce the ecological footprint of every tourist who steps foot on Ile aux Benitiers.
3. Environmental Protection Zones
The island will be divided into specific zones:
- A biodiversity sanctuary in the north to protect endangered birds and flora
- A regulated activity zone in the center for day tourism
- A service zone with mobile stalls allowed under strict rules
- A buffer zone surrounding the entire island to protect coral reefs and marine life
Each zone will have its own management guidelines, informed by ecological sensitivity and scientific research.
4. Security and Monitoring
Security cameras will be installed across the island, not to police tourists but to ensure both human safety and environmental protection. Rangers will patrol the island daily, checking for compliance and assisting visitors.
5. Community and Operator Involvement
Fifty-five pre-approved tourism operators have been granted permits to continue running tours to the island under the new framework. They are now required to:
- Use registered boats
- Remove all kiosks and equipment daily
- Abide by ecological codes of conduct
- Join a new cooperative to standardize operations
This system ensures that local entrepreneurs remain part of the island’s future, while encouraging a higher standard of service and sustainability.
Environmental Impacts and Ecological Rebirth
One of the most hopeful outcomes of the temporary closure earlier this year was the natural resurgence of Ile aux Benitiers’ ecosystem. Rare plants have started to regenerate in previously trampled zones. Migratory birds are slowly returning to the northern sanctuary. Perhaps most striking, the island’s soil—once thought sterile in certain areas—has shown signs of renewed fertility.
The Master Plan reinforces this rebirth. With rat eradication campaigns scheduled and flora monitoring programs in place, the island could become a model of island restoration in the Indian Ocean region.
But challenges remain. Invasive species like rats and certain vines still threaten native biodiversity. Enforcement must be consistent. And the cooperation of all stakeholders—from tour guides to tourists—is crucial.
Political Will and National Pride
The approval of the Ile aux Benitiers Master Plan was more than an environmental act—it was a political statement. Cabinet Ministers and senior officials made public declarations affirming the island’s value for future generations. The government even announced the creation of a new regulatory body dedicated solely to the management of small islets.
This is significant in a country where environmental enforcement often lags behind legislation. By prioritizing Ile aux Benitiers, the state signaled a new chapter in sustainable tourism governance.
Furthermore, the island’s rehabilitation is becoming a point of national pride, with growing public awareness and media coverage. Educational campaigns are underway to inform both Mauritians and foreign visitors about their role in protecting this natural gem.
Economic Implications: Growth through Regulation
Restricting tourism might sound like a blow to the economy—but the opposite could prove true. By turning Ile aux Benitiers into a premium eco-tourism destination, Mauritius stands to increase revenue while reducing damage. Visitors may pay more for access, but in return, they receive a richer, safer, and more meaningful experience.
The nearby village of La Gaulette is already experiencing a shift. Local businesses are adapting to the new regulations and preparing to offer more curated, value-driven services. From eco-guides to artisanal food vendors, a new ecosystem of opportunity is emerging.
Public-private partnerships (PPP) are also being explored to help fund the infrastructure investments required. And with Mauritius already ranked as one of the top Indian Ocean destinations, the upgraded Ile aux Benitiers could soon be a flagship site for responsible travel.
A Vision Worth Protecting
Ile aux Benitiers has always been a jewel in the Mauritian crown. But now, it has the opportunity to become something even more precious: a symbol of balance between nature, people, and progress.
If the Master Plan is implemented with integrity—and if tourists, operators, and government alike play their part—it could become a global case study in how to transform overtourism into opportunity.
As we look to the future, one thing is certain: the story of Ile aux Benitiers is far from over. In fact, it’s just beginning.
