EIA and PER permitting for coastal projects
Nothing gets built on the Mauritian coast without the right environmental permit in place. We manage the EIA or PER process end to end — from scoping which pathway applies through to submission and authority liaison — so permitting becomes a managed step in your project, not a blocker.
What we deliver
We deliver baseline environmental studies, impact assessment, mitigation design, application drafting, and liaison with the relevant authorities throughout the review process — the full scope of work behind a coastal permit application.
EIA vs PER — which applies
Which pathway applies depends on the scale, location and nature of the works — smaller-scale projects may qualify for a Preliminary Environment Report (PER), while larger or more sensitive coastal developments typically require a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Confirming which applies to your site is the first step we take. Read more inHow EIA works in Mauritius andWhat is a PER?
The process & timeline
The process runs from initial scoping, through baseline environmental studies and impact assessment, to application drafting and submission, authority review, and a final decision. Each stage's duration depends on project scale, site sensitivity and how complete the supporting data is — we scope an indicative timeline as part of the initial site assessment rather than quoting a fixed duration upfront.
Our methodology
Investigate
Baseline environmental studies and site data collection to establish existing conditions.
Model
Impact assessment — evaluating the project's likely environmental effects.
Design
Mitigation measures designed into the project to address identified impacts.
Permit
Application drafting, submission and liaison with the relevant authorities through to decision.
Build
Permit conditions carried through into construction and delivery.
Monitor
Environmental monitoring to demonstrate ongoing compliance with permit conditions.
Delivered work
5-Star Hotel & Conference Centre EIA, Les Salines
Delivered the Environmental Impact Assessment for a proposed 5-star hotel and conference centre development, securing a successful approval outcome.
Channel Dredging EIA + EMP, Île aux Cerfs
Delivered both the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan for channel dredging works, securing successful approval on both submissions.
Seabased Coral Farm PER, Rivière Noire
Delivered the Preliminary Environment Report for the Seabased Coral Farm development, securing a successful approval that enabled the in-house restoration programme to proceed.
Every EIA/PER submission below reached a successful outcome — a 100% approval record across nine applications spanning private, hospitality and government-partnered developments in Mauritius and the UK. Applications from 2013–2015 were led by OceanVolts' Managing Director, Nissar Sumodhee, with JICA and the Ministry of Environment, Mauritius, prior to founding the firm; the 2009 UK applications were delivered as part of the Solent Coast Partnership, also prior to founding the firm.
| Application | Location | Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| PER — Seabased Coral Farm | Rivière Noire | 2023 | Successful |
| EIA — 5-Star Hotel & Conference Centre | Les Salines, Rivière Noire | 2019 | Successful |
| EIA — Channel Dredging | Île aux Cerfs | 2017 | Successful |
| EMP — Channel Dredging | Île aux Cerfs | 2017 | Successful |
| EIA — Beach Nourishment & Stabilisation (with JICA) | Grand Sable | 2015 | Successful |
| EIA — Coastal Protection Works (with JICA) | Trou aux Biches | 2014 | Successful |
| EIA — Beach Nourishment & Stabilisation (with JICA) | Bois des Amourettes | 2013 | Successful |
| EIA — Dibden Bay Marina Extension | Southampton, UK | 2009 | Successful |
| EIA — Beach Nourishment | Jersey, UK | 2009 | Successful |
See how this service was applied in a live project:Grand Sable Beach Nourishment & Stabilisation — EIA.
Outcomes
A well-prepared application, backed by real baseline data from acoastal and marine survey, gives an authority what it needs to make a timely decision. We manage the process end to end, and pair it with ourEnvironmental Monitoring service to evidence ongoing compliance once works begin.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an EIA or a PER in Mauritius?
Most works that modify Mauritius's shoreline or foreshore require either an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or a Preliminary Environmental Report (PER), depending on the scale, location and nature of the project.
Smaller-scale works may qualify for a PER, while larger or more sensitive coastal developments typically require a full EIA. Confirming which applies to your site is the first step in this process.
How long does the EIA process take in Mauritius?
Timelines vary by project scale, site sensitivity, and how complete the supporting survey and baseline data is when the application is submitted. Rather than quote a fixed duration, we scope an indicative timeline as part of the initial site assessment.
What is a Preliminary Environment Report?
A Preliminary Environment Report (PER) is the lighter-weight environmental permitting pathway for smaller-scale or lower-impact coastal projects, as distinct from a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) required for larger or more sensitive developments. It still requires baseline studies and an assessment of the project's environmental impact and mitigation measures, scoped to the project's scale.
Who issues coastal permits in Mauritius?
Coastal permits in Mauritius are issued under the Environment Protection Act by the relevant national environmental authority. Confirming the correct issuing authority and process for your specific project type is one of the first things we establish during scoping.
Starting a coastal project?
We'll scope which permit applies before you're committed to a design.
Request a Coastal Survey →