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The idyllic Île aux Bénitiers, a crescent-shaped islet off Mauritius' southwestern coast, sits eerily quiet these days. The white-sand beaches that once bustled with tourists now lie empty following a government-mandated shutdown that began on March 20, 2025. The indefinite closure, ordered by the Ministry of Housing and Lands, aims to address years of environmental degradation caused by unregulated commercial activity on this once-pristine island.
The Ministry's decisive action represents a stark choice between environmental preservation and the continuation of a lucrative tourism ecosystem that has operated in a regulatory vacuum for decades. Officials have emphasized that the closure focuses on removing unauthorized structures and rehabilitating native flora and fauna that have suffered from years of unchecked human activity.
"This action aims to preserve the island's environment—its flora, fauna, and marine ecosystems—while ensuring long-term protection," stated the Ministry in a recent announcement. "Public safety and environmental conservation remain non-negotiable priorities."
The island had been a cornerstone of Mauritius' tourism offerings, particularly popular for Catamaran cruises with dolphin-watching near Tamarin Bay, snorkeling excursions with the dolphins, admiring the iconic Crystal Rock and Beachside BBQ lunches featuring freshly grilled seafood and tropical cocktails.
The shutdown has created immediate economic uncertainty for approximately 150-200 workers directly employed by island-based tourism, including boat crews, chefs, snorkeling guides, and souvenir vendors. While larger tour operators have pivoted to Crystal Rock-focused excursions that exclude direct island access, smaller businesses lack the resources to rebrand or absorb revenue losses.
Market data indicates that a typical full-day shared catamaran cruise now costs $66-$86 per person, down from $75-$95 before the closure, reflecting competitive pressures as operators scramble to retain customers despite offering a diminished experience. Some tour providers report bookings have dropped 15-20% since mid-March when the closure was implemented.
A History of Regulatory Oversight
Perhaps the most revealing aspect of the situation is that while Île aux Bénitiers had developed into a thriving tourism hub over decades, the Ministry confirms that no business ever received formal authorization to operate on the island. All commercial activities—from food stalls to guided tours—existed in a legal gray area, lacking permits required under Section 22 of the State Lands Act.
Local operators acknowledge this regulatory oversight, with one vendor who requested anonymity stating, "We've been serving tourists here since the 1990s. No one ever asked for permits until now."
The government's restoration plan includes dismantling all unauthorized structures, replanting native vegetation and implementing a monitoring system to prevent future violations. For now, the island stands as both a casualty of unsustainable tourism practices and a test case for Mauritius' commitment to environmental governance.
