|
The Mauritius Post Ltd. is issuing a set of four postage stamps on Ecology to mark the Environment Day. The set comprises stamps of Rs2, Rs8, Rs10 and Rs25 denominations.
Mauritius has always found itself on the front line regarding ecology and environment protection. Successive governments have been taking steps for the conservation of the environment as well as the protection of agricultural products.
Rs2 ? Biological Control
Locust Predation ? 1763
Red locusts (Nomadacris septemfasciata), were periodically destroying food crops on the island. The French authorities in the colony decided to introduce one of its pests, the Indian mynah, (Acridotheres tristis L). A first attempt in 1759 was unsuccessful. In 1761, at the request of the naturalist, Cossigny de Palma, a second flock of mynahs was transported from Pondichery on board the vessel, La Gracieuse, under the command of Captain Martin. After a quarantine of two years, the birds which came to be locally known as ?Martins?, after the Captain, were released from Mr. Modave?s premises in the Plaine Wilhems. They were so successful in controlling the locusts that the French Intendant on the island, Pierre Poivre enacted laws in 1768 and 1770 to protect them. The mynah?s introduction in Mauritius is one of the first example of biological control in the world.
Rs8 ? Fish Repopulation
Artificial Reefs ? 1980
Artificial reefs have been created for centuries by fishermen intent on increasing their catch. Virtually, any inert floating or fixed structure in a water-body, serves to attract aquatic life, which uses the structure for shelter, attachment, navigation orientation, spawning site or feeding area. The Mauritius Marine Conservation Society, the Mauritian Scuba Diving Association and the National Coast Guard with the help of the Mauritius Marine Authority have created such artificial reefs by sinking 14 vessels around Mauritius since 1980, in depth of 12 to 73 meters of water. Many local fishermen know the location of the artificial reefs and fish on these sites. However, regular use of the wrecks as sport dive sites has to a large extent switched the use from fishing to diving through the social and economic interchange of dive monitors, boatmen/fishermen and divers with fishermen. In 1994, Mauritius was awarded the second prize of the ?Grand Prix International de l?Environment Marin? for the creation of artificial reefs.
Rs10 ? Erosion Control
Terraces in Rodrigues -1958
During the mid 20th century, in Rodrigues, the Agricultural Department developed the concept of terraced areas, to fight erosion and to make arable land available to a maximum number of families. They were plots of land which were tie-ridged to allow for contour planting of foodcrops and fodder. 4,000 Ha of state land was thus leased to about 5,000 families. This method helped to increase the foodcrop (maize, onions, garlic) as well as livestock productions. Furthermore, it also helped simultaneous soil and water conservation.
Rs25 ? First Captive Breeding of Giant Tortoises ? 1881
The giant tortoises were once present all over the world. However, with intense competition with other species their number dwindled and at the beginning of the Christian period, they were only found on the islands of the South West Indian Ocean and in the Galapagos. In the mid 19th century, due to inconsiderate killing, only two species remained alive, namely the Geochelone gigantea in Aldabra atoll and the other in the Galapagos. When British scientists (Darwin, Hooke et al) learned that the atoll was to be commercially exploited, they wrote to the Governor of Mauritius eagerly pressing him to acclimate the tortoises in Mauritius and the Seychelles, as they feared for their future. The Governor replied favourably and in 1881 the first tortoises were successfully transferred to Pamplemousses Garden and in the Seychelles. It was the first instance of a successful breeding programme to save an endangered species. Today the Aldabra tortoise is no longer in danger (150,000 spread throughout the world) and its native island is part of the world heritage.
FDC illustration
The First Day Cover illustrates the Environment Protection Act ? 2002 and the envelope is of recycled paper.
Technical details
Designer: Nurveen Ratty
Printer: BDT International Security Printing
Stamp size: 27.94 x 44.45 mm
Perforation: 14
Gum: PVA
Paper: CA Watermarked
Sheet Format: 50 stamps set in two panes of 25
Release Date: 5 June 2006
Denominations: Rs2, Rs8, Rs10, Rs25
|
|
|
