Environmental Protection and Conservation Organisation (EPCO)
Environmental Protection and Conservation Organisation (EPCO) is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) found in the Republic of Mauritius. We were founded in 1988 and have more than 30 years of experience working in the field of environment especially terrestrial, marine and freshwater and coastal biodiversity. We have also worked on climate change and disaster risk management projects in Mauritius. Our motto is to 'Conserve what our children deserve'
Who We Are
We are passionate about the environment and believe that sustainability through education is the key to a brighter future
EPCO was founded in 1988. At that time the Ministry of Environment was not yet set up in the Republic of Mauritius. It was founded by a group of friends who were passionate about the protection and conservation of the environment.
Our Story
EPCO focuses on coastal, marine, terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity projects. We have also worked extensively on climate change and its associated disaster related projects in Mauritius to help local communities to thrive sustainably.
What We Do
Past Projects
We have worked on different projects in a wide variety of focal areas including terrestrial, coastal, marine and freshwater biodiversity including climate change and disaster risk reduction. All our projects have a bottom up approach and we work very closely with all our beneficiaries. We believe that our projects should have a direct impact on the community so as to allow them to live a decent and sustainable life.
International Accreditation
EPCO is in consultative status with the ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council)/United Nations/ DPI (Department of Public Information) and is also accredited with UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) and UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification). EPCO is also a member of the GEF (Global Environment Facility) CSO Network as well a WIOMSA (Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association). In December 2013, EPCO also became a member of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and in 2014 it became a member of GNDR (Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction). From September 2019 EPCO became a member of International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI). Lastly, EPCO is a Regional Advisory Group (RAG) Focal Point for GNDR and also a TEAM for the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Resource Hub (RRH) Mauritius Teams.
Our Ongoing Projects
We are committed to keep investing our time and resources to help local communities and conserve biodiversity. Read more about what we’re currently working on below
Scott Smile Foundation project
The aim of the project is to empower and employ marginalized women from Bois Merchand, and hence consequently help to combat poverty on the Island. The women are trained to create different types of wooden souvenirs, such as magnets and keyrings, which are then later sold in various shops and at the airport.
Resilient ISland Endeavour project (R.I.S.E)
The main objective of the RISE project is to promote the dissemination of innovative and sustainable seaweed farming systems for fisherfolk communities to improve resilience to climate change disasters and erratic weather behaviors in Mauritius. The project is currently being implemented in 10 coastal villages on the East-coast of Mauritius with a target of 250 seaweed farmers and 10 producers, both men and women.
Events & Campaigns
Ride for the Planet
Vivo Energy Campaign
GNDR Coordination Meeting 2021
Get Involved
Internships
At EPCO, we believe in helping our interns design and implement their specific projects. Although we do not have a fixed internship programmes, we offer tailor-made internship programmes depending on what our interns require. We would love for you to join our team!
