On 25 July, a Japanese Grounded vessel named ‘The MV Wakashio’ collided with a coral reef off the coast of Mauritius spilling 4,000 tons of diesel into the Indian Ocean. This spillage has disrupted decades of work of Wildlife preservationists who have been working diligently to protect endangered animal lives on the Island.
Experts have called it the worst ecological disaster in the history of Mauritius after the oil reached ecological zones including Ile Aux Aigrette and Blue Bay Marine Park. Organizations, Volunteers, and locals are now scrambling to save Mauritius wildlife, the coral reefs and it’s endangered species. The locals are donating their own hair to make tubes and absorbent barriers made of fabric sacks to contain the damage.
Jean Hugues Gardenne, manager of Mauritius wildlife Foundation warned that the fumes from the wreck have threatened the endangered species like the Olive White Eye, Pink Pigeon, and Mauritius Fody. “All the conservation work we have done over the last 35 years could be cast off like that”, he said.
Many organizations, supported by thousands of volunteers have rushed in to save the pristine beaches, removing rare plants and animal species from the region which are likely to be affected by the oil spillage from the wreck. Experts fear the oil to sweep into the Ramsar wetlands. The government in Mauritius has put on an emergency alert.
However, International co-operation is required for long-term restoration of the damage that has been already done. Mauritius Wildlife Foundation is asking for donations to tackle this situation. Come forward and contribute to preserving Mauritius wildlife and it’s pristine beaches.
Read more:https://www.mauritian-wildlife.org/
Donate here:https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-this-together-mauritius-diaspora-crisis-appeal/donate