Abstract

Keywords

Smart city; environmental sustainability; regulation; standards; energy efficiency; efficient water use; waste management; optimisation of environmental resources.

……………………………………………………….

1 Introduction

The concept of a "smart city" can be traced back to the early 1990s, when cities embraced information and communication technology (ICT) systems, electronic governance and incentives for high-tech industries. 1

 Odile Juliette Lim Tung. Licence en droit, Maîtrise en droit, DEA en droit, Doctorat en droit (Montpellier France). Extraordinary Research Fellow, Faculty of Law, North-West University, South Africa. E-mail: ojltmru@gmail.com. ORCiD: https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-4249-964X.

1 DCG South African Smart Cities Framework 6.

While smart cities have been mainly set up in developed and developing countries, sustainable urban development is also important for small island developing states (SIDS) since they have limited land. 6

6 UN Date Unknown https://www.un.org/ohrlls/content/about-small-island-developing-states#:~:text=The%20aggregate%20population%20of%20all, %2C%20economic%2C%20and%20environmental%20challenges. Singapore as the leading smart city nation recognised as a world leader in its smart mobility policies and technology can be inspiring for SIDS. SmartCitiesWorld Date Unknown https://www.smartcitiesworld.net/smart-cities?topics=Singapore.

initiatives started in the main island of the Republic of Mauritius 8

8 The term "mainland Mauritius" is used for the main island of the Republic of Mauritius (RoM) in this article to avoid confusion with the other dependencies of the republic. The republic includes mainland Mauritius and its dependencies. Mainland Mauritius has an area of 1,865 km2. Until 1965 the most important dependencies of Mauritius were Rodrigues, the Chagos Archipelago, Agaléga and the Cargados Carajos (Saint Brandon). Tromelin has been claimed as a dependency of Mauritius by France. Lim Tung Environmental Law in Mauritius 30-35; Nations Online Date Unknown https://www.nationsonline.org/ oneworld/mauritius.htm.

While smart cities can be assessed according to different dimensions of sustainability, namely environmental, economic or social dimensions, 14

14 Toli and Murtagh 2020 Frontiers in Built Environment 2.

the health of the ecosystems that provide them". 15

15 Khan et al "Ecodesigning for Ecological Sustainability" 590. According to the United Nations (UN) Brundtland Commission in 1987, "sustainability" means "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". UN Date Unknown https://www.un.org/en/academic-impact/sustainability.

No scholarly article has been published on smart cities in Mauritius apart from a publication dating back to 2013, which targets sustainable cities in the country, making a critical assessment of the existing planning framework in order to promote effective sustainable cities. 20

20 Baguant-Moonshiram, Samy and Thomas 2013 The Sustainable City 247.

smart cities in the context of land use planning in Mauritius as well as the concept of environmental sustainability in Mauritius. Then it analyses the current domestic legal and policy framework regulating smart cities in Mauritius and its smart city initiatives in the context of land use planning to examine how far they can be considered as environmentally sustainable. It also makes recommendations for improving their environmental sustainability.

While predominantly oriented towards cities, the paper also broadly reflects on the issue of land use and planning law, and how these intersect with sustainability at the local level. This focus aligns with and speaks to the pioneering body of scholarship that Willemien du Plessis has thoughtfully developed over the course of many years. Her scholarship, especially insofar as it relates to the African context, has managed to substantially shape the discourse in these fields. This is a tribute to her scientific accomplishments and the mentoring role she has played to empower the next generation of African environmental law scholars.

2 Background on land use planning and smart cities in Mauritius

This section provides an overview on smart cities in Mauritius taking into consideration land use planning and the sugar reform in order to have a better picture of the context in which smart cities have been set up. When Mauritius was under the French and British colonial powers there was no land use planning as such, and these powers set up towns and villages in mainland Mauritius to suit their priorities and activities. That was the position until Mauritius became independent in 1968. 21

21 Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain was the Head of State until 1992, when Mauritius adopted a republican status. Lim Tung Environmental Law in Mauritius 29-30; See the Mauritius Independence Order in GN 54 of 1968.

Mauritius. Urban planning can be considered a relatively recent form of land use management in Mauritius, its effectiveness depending on the priorities of the governmental team in power from time to time.

When Mauritius became independent sugar cane farming was the main economic activity. Over the past few decades mainland Mauritius used 45% of its available land for agricultural purposes. 24

24 Lim Tung Environmental Law in Mauritius 30.

The conversion of some agricultural lands belonging to large sugar companies to the purposes of the development of hotels and leisure facilities was part of the Mauritian government's strategy to diversify the sugar industry after the EU sugar reform, and to boost the tourism industry. 29

29 Lim Tung Environmental Law in Mauritius 286.

land. 32

32 Freehold land does not include beachfront property, which is normally on lease by the state.

By 2021 there were twelve smart cities 35

35 EDB SCS Guidelines.

Plan 40

40 Terragri Ltd's smart city project extends over 540 arpents at Beau Plan with residential units, mixed use development, a creative park and a university campus development over 4.9 ha. Existing infrastructure such as L'Aventure du Sucre and Beau Plan Business Park has been included in the smart city. Lexpressproperty 2017 https://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/news-advices/invest/our-files/the-smart-city-scheme/projects-under-the-smart-city-scheme.html.

The following section presents the concept of environmental sustainability in Mauritian laws and policies before analysing the environmental sustainability of smart cities in the country.

3 The concept of environmental sustainability in Mauritius

The concept of "sustainability" can be said to be in its infancy in Mauritian policies, particularly in land and environmental planning. 45

45 Baguant-Moonshiram, Samy and Thomas 2013 The Sustainable City 247.

sustainable island with the "Maurice Ile Durable" (MID) concept to make Mauritius a model SIDS for sustainable development. 46

46 MESD Mauritius Environment Outlook Report 15; MESD Maurice Ile Durable Policy Strategy and Action Plan.

The Masterplan on the Environment for Mauritius (2020-2030) is the first national environmental policy focussing on sustainability and its transition (transition écologique) in Mauritius. 52

52 MESWMCC Environment Masterplan vii.

strategy acknowledges that the transition towards environmentally sustainable, low emissions and climate-resilient development pathways is necessary to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 55

55 MESWMCC Environment Masterplan vii.

Mauritian laws do not provide a legal definition of "environmental sustainability". The Environment Protection Act (EPA) of 2002 does not define the term "sustainable" although the introductory part of the EPA states that it provides for the protection and management of the environmental assets of Mauritius and fosters harmony between sustainable development and environmental protection. According to the Mauritian SCS Regulations, a smart city is required to be an ecologically sustainable 61

61 Regulation 4(b)(iv) in GN 129 of 2015.

sustainable communities and guidance on practical local implementation based on international standards but only summaries of such standards are publicly available. 64

64 MSB MS ISO 37106:2018; MSB MS ISO 37104:2019.

In the light of the lack of precision of the term "environmentally sustainable" in national policies and laws in Mauritius, a legal definition of the terms "environmentally sustainable" or "ecologically sustainable" and national guidelines in the country are necessary for better implementation. For the purposes of this article, environmental sustainability in Mauritius will include resource efficiency, climate change adaptation and mitigation measures and resilience to disaster to meet the needs of current generations of Mauritians without compromising the right of future generations to meet their SDGs. As a SIDS with limited land and natural resources, it is important for Mauritius to engage in environmentally sustainable land use projects and development pathways. 65

65 Khan et al "Ecodesigning for Ecological Sustainability" 590-592. According to the UN Brundtland Commission in 1987, "sustainability" means "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". UN Date Unknown https://www.un.org/en/academic-impact/sustainability.

After having looked into the concept of environmental sustainability in Mauritius, the following section of this paper analyses the environmental sustainability of smart cities against the backdrop of land use planning in the country.

4 Environmental sustainability of smart cities in the context of land use planning in Mauritius

The following sub-section provides an overview of the legal framework for smart cities and national policies which may apply to smart cities in Mauritius before analysing the environmental sustainability of such cities and making the recommendations necessary to improving their environmental sustainability.

4.1 Smart city regulation and policy in Mauritius

A smart city is regulated mainly in terms of size, design, purposes and sale, with different legal requirements for the certificates and permits to be obtained before starting its development. There are obligations for the smart city company regarding the sale of land and residential properties, permanent residency for non-citizens, as well as fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.

4.1.1 Regulation of smart cities in Mauritius

Although a specific or stand-alone law (e.g. Smart City Act) or subsidiary regulations under the Building Act or the Planning and Development Act (PDA) could have regulated smart cities, the SCS Regulations were set up under the IPA (hereafter the "SCS Regulations"). 66

66 SCS Regulations.

4.1.1.1 The Mauritian smart city concept

The Mauritian SCS Regulations do not provide the definition of a smart city. They enunciate that the object of the SCS is to promote the creation of smart cities across Mauritius with specific requirements in terms of size, project design and the use of land within a coherent Master Plan focussing on innovation, sustainability, efficiency and quality of life. 68

68 See reg 4(a) of the SCS Regulations.

development with business facilities (with a mandatory innovation cluster), affordable residential properties, civic centres and leisure amenities. 72

72 Regulation 5(1) of the SCS Regulations.

The SCS Regulations specify that a smart city is required to provide an environment-friendly working, living and leisure space with its own energy and water resources, state-of-the-art connectivity, smart modern transportation and reduced traffic congestion. 73

73 Regulation 4(b)(i) in GN 129 of 2015.

4.1.1.2 Main procedural requirements for a smart city project

A smart city needs to respect specific conditions regarding its size, its design, its purposes and its sale, and has to respect land planning laws. 79

79 Land use planning and management is mainly regulated by the TCPA, the Planning and Development Act 32 of 2004 (PDA) as well as other laws impacting on the planning process such as the Local Government Act 36 of 2011, the Sugar Industry Efficiency Act 20 of 2001 (SIEA), the Cadastral Survey Act 22 of 2011 and the National Heritage Fund Act 40 of 2003.

The SCS Guidelines 80

80 The first SCS Guidelines came into being in 2015 (BOI SCS Guidelines) but they were amended in 2020 (see EDB SCS Guidelines).

A smart city promoter may submit an application for a SCS certificate without submitting a development proposal and letter of comfort for the smart city project. However, going through the development proposal stage may allow the EDB, in consultation with the parties concerned, to review, modify and adjust the development proposal or smart city project in view of the application for a SCS certificate.

A smart city promoter may submit a development proposal for the proposed smart city project with the project brief, the site location plan, and a document providing the existing land use and constraints, and proof of ownership of the land to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the EDB. 82

82 Proof of ownership of land by way of an extract of deed certified by notary. Reg 7(2) of the SCS Regulations; EDB SCS Guidelines 13.

The smart city promoter has to be registered as a company to be able to apply for the SCS certificate to develop the smart city. 86

86 Regulations 7(1) and 9(1) of the SCS Regulations.

social obligations for the smart city company, which are indicated in the SCS Guidelines. 88

88 Regulation 5(2)(c) of the SCS Regulations. The smart city developer must submit a social impact assessment report evaluating the impacts of the proposed smart city on the quality of life of the communities who may be affected by the project. Another social obligation of the promoters of smart city projects is the contribution of Mauritian Rupees (MUR) 25,000 for the sale of every residential unit or serviced plot to a social fund to be set up as a SCS social fund under the Finance and Audit Act 38 of 1973. See EDB SCS Guidelines 16 and 31.

The smart city company must apply for the required permits (BLUP, Land Conversion Permit) and licences through the EBD One Stop-Shop. 92

92 EDB SCS Guidelines 19. See Part B of the First Schedule of the Environment Protection Act 19 of 2002 (the EPA) for the list of undertakings requiring an environment impact assessment (EIA) licence.

When a company gets a SCS certificate it is responsible for implementing all the components of the smart city project in a timely manner as approved by the EDB. 95

95 EDB SCS Guidelines 29.

and the general implementation of the project to the SCS Technical Committee. 97

97 EDB SCS Guidelines 29.

4.1.1.3 Obligations regarding the sale of bare land/serviced land/residential properties in a smart city

The smart city company has specific conditions to respect regarding the sale of bare land, serviced land for business purposes and residential properties in the smart city.

A smart city company issued with a SCS certificate may sell bare land or serviced land to a smart city developer. 98

98 Serviced land refers to land where all infrastructural works including roads, walls, landscaping and utility services have been completed. EDB SCS Guidelines 32-33.

At least 25% of the residential properties of the smart city are required to be sold to citizens of Mauritius or members of the Mauritian Diaspora registered with the EDB under the Mauritian Diaspora Scheme (MDS). 102

102 This scheme targets incentives for the return of the dispersed Mauritian Diaspora community. EDB SCS Guidelines 35. See MDS 2023 http://www.diaspora.mu/. Persons eligible to acquire residential property or units or any other part of a hotel are a non-citizen; a citizen of Mauritius; a company registered as a foreign company under the Companies Act 15 of 2001; a societé, where its deed of formation is deposited with the Registrar of Companies; and a trust, where the trusteeship services are provided by a qualified trustee. See reg 19 of the SCS Regulations.

The deed of sale must contain standards for construction works verified by an independent quality assurance contractor, who must provide a clearance certificate to the buyer when the immovable property is

delivered. 103

103 EDB SCS Guidelines 42.

4.1.1.4 Permanent residency incentives for non-citizens

A residence permit in accordance with the Immigration Act 106

106 Immigration Act 13 of 1970; reg 21 of the SCS Regulations.

However, a non-citizen who acquires a plot of serviced land shall not be eligible to apply for a residence permit unless the construction of a residential property has been completed on that plot. 111

111 EDB SCS Guidelines 44-45.

4.1.1.5 Fiscal and non-fiscal incentives

A smart city company which has a SCS certificate is exempted from income tax for eight years from the time the SCS certificate has been granted if the income comes from an activity concerning the development, sale, rental or management of immovable property. 114

114 EDB SCS Guidelines 51.

Taxes from which a developer may be exempted include the land transfer tax and registration duty on the transfer of land into the smart city company for the development of the smart city project if the transferor has shares in the smart city company equivalent to the value of the land transferred. 115

115 EDB SCS Guidelines 51.

Exemption also includes the land conversion tax for the land earmarked for the development of non-residential components (office and business premises, tourist, leisure and entertainment facilities, renewable energy and green initiatives). 118

118 EDB SCS Guidelines 51.

Other incentives include the exemption of customs duty on the import or purchase of any dutiable goods other than furniture to be used for infrastructural works and the construction of buildings in the smart city. 119

119 EDB SCS Guidelines 52.

Non-fiscal incentives for a smart city company with a SCS certificate are an annual allowance of 50% of the costs of expenses on renewable energy, energy-efficient equipment or noise control devices, water-efficient equipment and rainwater harvesting equipment. 122

122 EDB SCS Guidelines 52.

applies to pollution control equipment, wastewater recycling equipment, chemical control devices, desalination plants and composting equipment, as well as equipment for sorting and recycling plastic. 123

123 EDB SCS Guidelines 52.

The regulatory framework for smart cities also includes national policies, particularly land use policies, which a smart city in Mauritius is required to respect.

4.2 Smart city planning and land use policies

Smart cities must not only respect other planning and building legislation 124

124 The PDA, the Local Government Act 36 of 2011, and the Building Control Act 9 of 2012.

Smart city planning also needs to be in line with the Multi Annual Adaptation Strategy 128

128 The Multi Annual Adaptation Strategy (MAAS) 2006-2015 was devised in the context of the phasing out of the preferential treatment on sugar prices guaranteed by the European Community. Lim Tung Environmental Law in Mauritius 193-194.

prices. 129

129 The Strategic Environment Impact Assessment (SEIA) of the Multi Annual Adaptation Strategy for the reform of the sugar sector (SEA-MAAS) highlights the environmental impacts of land use change and proposes mitigation measures to minimise the effects of the sugar sector reform. RoM MSINA Report 60.

After having looked into the regulatory framework of smart cities, the following section examines the environmental sustainability of smart cities in Mauritius.

4.3 Smart cities and environmental sustainability in Mauritius

According to the 2015 SCS Guidelines, one of the strengths of a smart city is its ability to increase sustainability and better manage natural resources through the use of smart policies and smart applications, 131

131 BOI SCS Guidelines 45.

measures, and resilience to disaster to meet the needs of current generations of Mauritians without compromising the right of future generations to meet their SDG. 137

137 SDG 11 "Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable" of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (UNDP Transforming our World) targets sustainable cities and communities to achieve long-term benefits.

4.3.1 Improvements and recommendations regarding energy efficiency

The SCS Regulations specify the voluntary use of "high-performance energy efficiency measures" such as technology products or practices to save operational costs through reduced energy consumption and utility costs. 138

138 Regulation 5(5) in of the SCS Regulations.

It is commendable that smart cities in Mauritius are expected to use a maximum of renewable sources of energy (solar panels on public buildings, wind turbines) and energy management systems or eco-friendly mechanisms, but no standard is specified for energy efficiency. 139

139 Smartcity 2022 https://smartcity.press/environmental-benefits-sc/.

the use of energy efficiency standards, while other smart cities need to improve on their energy efficiency efforts to better contribute to climate change mitigation. In view of the imperative of climate change mitigation, energy-efficient buildings, particularly the optimisation of buildings with energy-efficient cooling systems, are also necessary for Mauritius. A list of standards for energy efficiency 143

143 See the Mauritian Standard for energy efficient household dishwashers (MSB 2022 http://mauritianstandards.com/ms-2052022-energy-efficiency-energy-labelling-of-household-dishwashers-requirements/).

In order to reduce traffic congestion and the emission of greenhouse gases, the majority of the residential population of a smart city in Mauritius is meant to live and work in the same location. Smart cities are expected to use land with commercial, leisure and residential properties in the same pedestrian-oriented urban environment where transport is limited to the pedestrian and bike paths or smart-ride sharing. Among the smart cities already approved in mainland Mauritius, however, it is mainly the Savannah Connected Countryside, Uniciti and Montebello that will have pedestrian pathways, while the Savannah Connected Countryside and Uniciti will have cycling paths. 145

145 Medine Date Unknown https://www.medineproperty.com/master-planning-communities/; Savannah Connected Countryside Date Unknown https://savannah.mu/en/smart-initiatives/.

4.3.2 Improvements and recommendations regarding autonomous water systems

Although smart cities are expected to cater for their own water needs to the extent possible, none of the smart cities provide information on their provision of autonomous or sustainable water systems. 146

146 Regulation 5(5)(b) of the SCS Regulations; BOI SCS Guidelines 8; Lexpressproperty 2017 https://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/news-advices/ invest/our-files/the-smart-city-scheme/projects-under-the-smart-city-scheme.html; Savannah Connected Countryside Date Unknown https://savannah.mu/en/smart-initiatives/.

and other factors, flash floods and droughts have become more frequent and need to be managed through the identification of flash flood-prone and vulnerable areas and storm-resilient infrastructure. 147

147 NDRRMC 2020 https://ndrrmc.govmu.org/Pages/NDRRMStrategicFramework.aspx 20, 32.

In the light of the scarcity of freshwater resources, it is recommended that urban planning for smart cities in Mauritius provides for sustainable or autonomous water usage systems, wastewater recycling and rainwater harvesting equipment. Rain-harvesting systems for buildings and residential properties are not compulsory in Mauritius, but encouraging smart cities to be equipped with such systems would contribute to adapting to climate change. However, none of the smart city projects include the requirement of the provision of rain-harvesting equipment for buildings and residential properties. 149

149 Lexpressproperty 2017 https://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/news-advices/ invest/our-files/the-smart-city-scheme/projects-under-the-smart-city-scheme.html; Savannah Connected Countryside Date Unknown https://savannah.mu/en/smart-initiatives/; Medine Date Unknown https://www.medineproperty.com/master-planning-communities/.

4.3.3 Improvements and recommendations regarding autonomous waste management systems for smart cities

According to the SCS Regulations and the SCS Guidelines, smart cities are expected to the extent possible to have autonomous waste management systems and report on such systems. 153

153 Regulation 5(5)(b) of the SCS Regulations; EDB SCS Guidelines 10.

4.3.4 Improvements and recommendations regarding the preservation of the environment and the optimisation of natural resources

Smart cities need to respect the long-term preservation of the environment and natural resources and to respect intergenerational equity, allowing for future generations to maintain access to resources. 158

158 ITU 2016 https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/focusgroups/ssc/Pages/default.aspx; Toli and Murtagh 2020 Frontiers in Built Environment 5.

SCS Regulations the development of a smart city project requires "proper management, development and conservation of natural and man-made resources for the purposes of promoting a better environment". 159

159 Regulation 4(b)(iii) of the SCS Regulations.

generally accepted good practice pertaining to disaster risk reduction and management. 168

168 NDRRMC 2020 https://ndrrmc.govmu.org/Pages/NDRRMStrategic Framework.aspx.

In terms of the preservation of the environment, all the approved smart cities respect the provision that construction of residential properties may take place on not more than 50% of the total land area to respect the natural resources within their boundaries. 169

169 Lexpressproperty 2017 https://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/news-advices/invest/our-files/the-smart-city-scheme/projects-under-the-smart-city-scheme.html; Savannah Connected Countryside Date Unknown https://savannah.mu/en/smart-initiatives/; Medine Date Unknown https://www.medineproperty.com/master-planning-communities/.

Although an EIA is required for a smart city project, given the fast-track procedure to obtain the necessary licences and permits (through the EDB Business Facilitation One-Stop Shop), a full evaluation of the possible environmental and socio-economic impacts may arguably not be possible. 170

170 Regulation 6(8)(a) of the SCS Regulations and s 21(4)(a) of the EDBA.

In order to better optimise the use of land resources, the smart cities could promote urban agriculture and food production where possible, since many of them are being established on what was prime agricultural lands. The release of prime agricultural land must be carefully planned, taking into consideration food security after the Covid 19 pandemic and the consequences of the armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Food security is a key concern for Mauritius, and it is recommended that different aspects of urban farming be incorporated in smart cities to grow food for personal consumption and through communal gardening.

After having made recommendations for the improvement of the development of smart cities in Mauritius in view of better environmental sustainability in the context of land use planning, other general recommendations are as follows. A legal definition of "sustainability" and "ecologically sustainable" is necessary for the better realisation of these goals. Since the SCS Guidelines indicate that the smart city concept could apply to existing sites 174

174 Provided they meet the set criteria and requirements of the Scheme. BOI SCS Guidelines 8.

5 Concluding remarks

While sustainable and coordinated urban development is important for Mauritius, most weight seems to be placed on investment promotion with the application of permits and licences to be facilitated and fast tracked through the Investment Projects Fast-Track Committee/EDB One-Stop Shop. 176

176 EDB SCS Guidelines 52; Lim Tung Environmental Law in Mauritius 299.

Environmental sustainability is mentioned in the SCS Regulations, but the lack of a definition does not help to implement environmental sustainability in smart city projects. Legal definitions of "sustainability" and "ecologically sustainable" would help towards the better implementation of these terms. If the conversion of agricultural land is essential to diversify the sugar industry after the dismantling of the Sugar Protocol, the optimisation of land resources is necessary. The release of prime agricultural land requires better planning to the extent that land resources are limited in the country. A SEIA could help to better evaluate the environmental impacts of a smart city project and prepare mitigation measures accordingly. Smart city projects must be carefully planned and limited in number. Yet, while there are twelve main cities in mainland Mauritius, twelve smart cities in different phases of completion have been approved in mainland Mauritius from 2015 to 2021, and other such projects are seeking regulatory approval.

Most smart cities in Mauritius are newly established towns. Smart city elements are not being integrated in existing cities. The SCS Guidelines indicates that the smart city concept could apply to existing cities as well, but it remains to be seen which cities could be chosen to be converted into smart cities.

Energy efficiency, water use management and efficiency, sustainable waste management and environmental resource preservation and optimisation are the proposed main environmental benefits of smart cities in mainland Mauritius. Indeed, smart cities could contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions with the use of renewable sources of energy, energy efficiency and better transport, but monitoring is important for effective implementation and adequate enforcement. Enforcement mechanisms and strict adherence to planning guidelines and legislation should be strengthened for smart city projects. 177

177 MESD Maurice Ile Durable Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 14.

Sustainable urban development is important for Mauritius but twelve smart cities have already been approved and other smart cities are in the process of being approved, which are more than enough for a SIDS. Given the consequences of the Covid 19 pandemic and of the armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Mauritius has other priorities than rapid urban development to take into consideration. The need for national decision-makers to carry out an appropriate balance of interests in

development projects in view of sustainable development cannot be overstated.

Bibliography

Literature

Baguant-Moonshiram, Samy and Thomas 2013 The Sustainable City

Baguant-Moonshiram Y, Samy M and Thomas K "The Challenges of Building Sustainable Cities: A Case Study of Mauritius" 2013 The Sustainable City 247-253

Bosselmann, Engel and Taylor Governance for Sustainability

Bosselmann K, Engel R and Taylor P Governance for Sustainability: Issues, Challenges, Successes (International Union of Conservation for Nature Commission on Environmental Law and Environmental Law Centre Gland 2008)

CSO Digest of Environmental Statistics

Central Statistics Office (Mauritius) Digest of Environmental Statistics (CSO Port Louis 2011)

DCG South African Smart Cities Framework

Department of Cooperative Governance (South Africa) A South African Smart Cities Framework (DCG Pretoria 2021)

GoM National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Policy

Government of Mauritius National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Policy 2020-2030 (GoM Port Louis 2020)

GoM Outline on Energy Policy

Government of Mauritius Outline on Energy Policy 2007-2025 (GoM Port Louis 2007)

Khan et al "Ecodesigning for Ecological Sustainability"

Khan NH et al "Ecodesigning for Ecological Sustainability" in Aftab T and Hakeem KR (eds) Frontiers in Plant-Soil Interaction: Molecular Insights into Plant Adaptation (Academic Press, Elsevier 2021) 589-616

Lim Tung Environmental Law in Mauritius

Lim Tung OJ Environmental Law in Mauritius (Kluwer Law International Alphen aan den Rijn 2015)

MAIFPS National Strategy and Action Plan for Invasive Species

Ministry of Agro Industry, Food Production and Security (Mauritius) National Strategy and Action Plan for Invasive Species (2010-2019) (MAIFPS Port Louis 2009)

MAIFPS STUDY 3

Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security (Mauritius) STUDY 3: Ecosystem-Based Adaptation Strategies for a Resilient Mauritian Protected Area Network Republic of Mauritius (MAIFPS Port Louis 2017)

Maxwell Stamp PLC Renewable Energy Management Master Plan

Maxwell Stamp PLC Renewable Energy Management Master Plan and Action Plan (Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities and Agence Française de Développement Place Unknown 2016)

MEPU Renewable Energy Roadmap

Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities (Mauritius) Renewable Energy Roadmap 2030 for the Electricity Sector (MEPU Port Louis 2019)

MESD Environmentally Sensitive Areas Classification Report

Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (Mauritius) Environmentally Sensitive Areas Classification Report (MESD Port Louis 2010)

MESD Development of an Integrated Coastal Zone Management Framework

Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (Mauritius) Development of an Integrated Coastal Zone Management Framework for the Republic of Mauritius (MESD Port Louis 2010)

MESD Guideline on the Content of an Environment Impact Assessment Report

Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (Mauritius) Guideline on the Content of an Environment Impact Assessment Report for Construction of Marinas Sectoral Guideline 1 (MESD Port Louis 2013)

MESD Maurice Ile Durable Policy, Strategy and Action Plan

Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (Mauritius) Maurice Ile Durable Policy, Strategy and Action Plan (MESD Port Louis 2013)

MESD Mauritius Environment Outlook Report

Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (Mauritius) Mauritius Environment Outlook Report (MESD Port Louis 2011)

MESD Policy Guidance for Environmentally Sensitive Areas in Mauritius

Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (Mauritius) Policy Guidance for Environmentally Sensitive Areas in Mauritius (MESD Port Louis 2010)

MESWMCC Annual Report

Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change (Mauritius) Annual Report Financial Year 2020-2021 (MESWCC Port Louis 2022)

MESWMCC Environment Masterplan

Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change (Mauritius) Environment Masterplan 2020-30 for the Republic of Mauritius (MESWMCC Port Louis 2022)

NDRRMC National Disasters Scheme

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre (Mauritius) National Disasters Scheme (NDRRMC Port Louis 2015)

RoM Energy Strategy Action Plan

Republic of Mauritius Energy Strategy Action Plan 2011-2025 (RoM Port Louis 2011)

RoM Fourth National Report

Republic of Mauritius Fourth National Report on the Convention on Biological Diversity (RoM Port Louis 2010)

RoM Long-Term Energy Strategy

Republic of Mauritius Long-Term Energy Strategy 2009-2025 (RoM Port Louis 2009)

RoM MSINA Report

Republic of Mauritius Mauritius Strategy for Implementation National Assessment (MSINA) Report (RoM Port Louis 2010)

RoM National Report on the Implementation of the Ramsar Convention

Republic of Mauritius National Report on the Implementation of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (RoM Port Louis 2015)

RoM Third National Communication

Republic of Mauritius Third National Communication: Report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (RoM Port Louis 2016)

Toli and Murtagh 2020 Frontiers in Built Environment

Toli AN and Murtagh N "The Concept of Sustainability in Smart City Definitions" 2020 Frontiers in Built Environment https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2020.00077

UN "Towards Sustainable Cities"

United Nations "Towards Sustainable Cities" in World Economic and Social Survey 2013: Sustainable Development Challenges (UN New York 2013) 54-84

UNDP Transforming our World

United Nations Development Programme Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (UN New York 2015)

Zygiaris 2013 Journal of the Knowledge Economy

Zygiaris S "Smart City Reference Model: Assisting Planners to Conceptualize the Building of Smart City Innovation Ecosystems" 2013 Journal of the Knowledge Economy 217-231

Legislation

Building Control Act 9 of 2012

Cadastral Survey Act 22 of 2011

Climate Change Act 11 of 2020

Companies Act 15 of 2001

Economic Development Board Act 11 of 2017

Environment Protection Act 19 of 2002

Finance and Audit Act 38 of 1973

Forests and Reserves Act 41 of 1983

Immigration Act 13 of 1970

Investment Promotion Act 42 of 2000

Local Government Act 36 of 2011

Morcellement Act 28 of 1990

National Heritage Fund Act 40 of 2003

Non-Citizens (Property Restriction) Act 22 of 1975

Planning and Development Act 32 of 2004

Sugar Industry Efficiency Act 20 of 2001

Town and Country Planning Act 6 of 1954

Waste Management and Resource Recovery Act 3 of 2023

Government publications

GN 54 of 1968 (Mauritius Independence Order)

GN 116 of 2002

GN 128 of 2015 (SCS Regulations)

GN 129 of 2015

GN 217 of 2007 (Investment Promotion (REDS) Regulations)

International instruments

Sugar Protocol to the ACP-EC Cotonou Partnership Agreement (1975)

Internet sources

BOI 2015 https://www.academia.edu/19538132/Smart_city_scheme_

guidelines

Board of Investment 2015 Smart City Scheme Guidelines Mauritius https://www.academia.edu/19538132/Smart_city_scheme_guidelines accessed 6 April 2021

CEU 2007 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/press data/en/misc/96172.pdf

Council of the European Union 2007 Council Decision to Denounce the ACP Sugar Protocol (Brussels, 28 September 2007 13345/07 (Presse 213)) https://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/misc/96172.pdf accessed 21 February 2023

EDB 2020 https://www.edbmauritius.org/sites/default/files/2020-11/Smart%20City%20Guidelines%20October%202020.pdf

Economic Development Board 2020 Smart City Scheme Guidelines Mauritius https://www.edbmauritius.org/sites/default/files/2020-11/Smart% 20City%20Guidelines%20October%202020.pdf accessed 3 March 2023

Foreign Affairs 2017 https://d1bf23g64f8xve.cloudfront.net/sites/default/ files/downloads/policy-database//MAURITIUS%29%20VIsion%202030.pdf

Foreign Affairs 2017 Mauritius Vision 2030 https://d1bf23g 64f8xve.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/downloads/policy-database// MAURITIUS%29%20VIsion%202030.pdf accessed 24 February 2023

ISO 2019 https://www.iso.org/standard/69050.html

International Standard Organisation 2019 ISO 37122:2019(en) Sustainable Cities and Communities — Indicators for Smart Cities https://www.iso.org/standard/69050.html accessed 30 August 2023

ITU 2016 https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/focusgroups/ssc/Pages/default.aspx

International Telecommunication Union 2016 Smart Sustainable Cities: An Analysis of Definitions https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/focusgroups/ssc/ Pages/default.aspx accessed 3 February 2023

Lexpressproperty 2017 https://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/news-advices/invest/our-files/the-smart-city-scheme/projects-under-the-smart-city-scheme.html

Lexpressproperty 2017 Projects under the Smart City Scheme https://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/news-advices/invest/our-files/the-

smart-city-scheme/projects-under-the-smart-city-scheme.html accessed 7 February 2023

Luxury 2019 https://www.luxury-in-mauritius.com/escape/mon-tresor-smart-city-a-glimpse-into-the-future

Luxury 2019 Mon Trésor Smart City: A Glimpse into the Future https://www.luxury-in-mauritius.com/escape/mon-tresor-smart-city-a-glimpse-into-the-future accessed 7 February 2023

MDS 2023 http://www.diaspora.mu/

Mauritian Diaspora Scheme 2023 About the Mauritius Diaspora Scheme http://www.diaspora.mu/ accessed 6 March 2023

Medine Date Unknown https://www.medineproperty.com/master-planning-communities/

Medine Date Unknown Uniciti Master Plan https://www.medineproperty.com/master-planning-communities/ accessed 8 March 2023

MEPU 2020 https://publicutilities.govmu.org/Pages/Water%20Sector/ WRU.aspx#waterIndicators

Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities 2020 Water Sector https://publicutilities.govmu.org/Pages/Water%20Sector/WRU.aspx#waterIndicators accessed 9 March 2023

Merriam Webster Dictionary 2023 https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arpent#:~:text=plural%20arpents%20%C3%A4r%2D%CB%88p%C3%A4%E2%81%BF(z,side%20of%20a%20square%20arpent

Merriam Webster Dictionary 2023 Arpent https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arpent#:~:text=plural%20arpents%20%C3%A4r%2D%CB%88p%C3%A4%E2%81%BF(z,side%20of%20a%20square%20arpent accessed 24 February 2023

MESWMCC 2022 https://environment.govmu.org/DocumentsList/Master

plan%20for%20the%20Republic%20of%20Mauritius.pdf

Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change (Mauritius) 2022 Master Plan for the Environment in the Republic of Mauritius for the Next Decade https://environment.govmu.org/ DocumentsList/Masterplan%20for%20the%20Republic%20of%20Mauritius.pdf accessed 9 March 2023

MESWMCC 2022 https://environment.govmu.org/DocumentsList/Report%

20%20on%20Circular%20Economy%2014.10.22.pdf

Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change (Mauritius) 2022 Report on Circular Economy, National Conference on Circular Economy, Switch Africa Green

https://environment.govmu.org/DocumentsList/Report%20%20on%20Circular%20Economy%2014.10.22.pdf accessed 24 February 2023

Montebello Date Unknown https://montebello.mu/

Montebello Date Unknown Montebello Smart City https://montebello.mu/ 10 March 2023

MSB 2019 http://mauritianstandards.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ MS-ISO_37106_2018E-Character_PDF_document-1PREVIEW.pdf

Mauritius Standards Bureau 2019 Mauritian Standard MS ISO 37106:2018. Sustainable Cities and Communities: Guidance on Establishing Smart City Operating Models for Sustainable Communities http://mauritianstandards.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/MS-ISO_37106_2018E-Character_PDF_document-1PREVIEW.pdf accessed 5 June 2023

MSB 2019 http://mauritianstandards.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/MS-ISO_37104_2019E-Character_PDF_documentPREVIEW.pdf

Mauritius Standards Bureau 2019 Mauritian Standards (MS) ISO 37104:2019. Sustainable Cities and Communities – Transforming our Cities: Guidance for Practical Local Implementation of ISO 37101 http://mauritianstandards.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/MS-ISO_37104_2019E-Character_PDF_documentPREVIEW.pdf accessed 5 June 2023

MSB 2022 http://mauritianstandards.com/ms-2052022-energy-efficiency-energy-labelling-of-household-dishwashers-requirements/

Mauritius Standards Bureau 2022 MS 205:2022. Energy Efficiency – Energy Labelling of Household Dishwashers: Requirements http://mauritianstandards.com/ms-2052022-energy-efficiency-energy-labelling-of-household-dishwashers-requirements/ accessed 5 June 2023

MTSCCL Date Unknown https://environment.govmu.org/Documents/eia/ eiareports/2018/2211-smart%20city%20tresor/mtsc1.pdf

Mon Trésor Smart City Company Ltd Date Unknown Mon Trésor EIA Report https://environment.govmu.org/Documents/eia/eiareports/2018/2211-smart%20city%20tresor/mtsc1.pdf accessed 7 February 2023

Nations Online Date Unknown https://www.nationsonline.org/ oneworld/mauritius.htm

Nations Online Date Unknown Mauritius https://www.nationsonline.org/ oneworld/mauritius.htm accessed 21 February 2023

NDRRMC 2020 https://ndrrmc.govmu.org/Pages/NDRRMStrategic Framework.aspx

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre (Mauritius) 2020 Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Strategic Framework 2020-2030 https://ndrrmc.govmu.org/Pages/NDRRMStrategicFramework.aspx accessed 14 June 2023

Population Hub Date Unknown https://population-hub.com/en/mu/list-of-cities-in-mauritius-by-population.html

Population Hub Date Unknown List of Cities in Mauritius by Population https://population-hub.com/en/mu/list-of-cities-in-mauritius-by-population.html accessed 10 February 2023

PR Capital 2022 https://business.edbmauritius.org/publiccomments/api/

application/register/EIA/ENV-ESDD-EIA-2022-3/document/%7BAF75E20B-BA2B-4417-9D91-3E5CA3E44146%7D

PR Capital 2022 Resort Hotel Development at Roches Noires: Environmental Impact Assessment https://business.edbmauritius.org/ publiccomments/api/application/register/EIA/ENV-ESDD-EIA-2022-3/document/%7BAF75E20B-BA2B-4417-9D91-3E5CA3E44146%7D accessed 9 March 2023

RoM 2006 https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/mu/mu-nbsap-01-en.pdf

Republic of Mauritius 2006 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2006-2015 (NBSAP) https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/mu/mu-nbsap-01-en.pdf accessed 23 March 2015

RoM 2018 https://mof.govmu.org/Documents/Documents/Budget %202018-2019/Three%20Year%20Strategic%20Plan%20201819-202021.pdf

Republic of Mauritius 2018 Three Year Strategic Plan 2018/19-2020/21: Pursuing our Transformative Journey https://mof.govmu.org/Documents/ Documents/Budget%202018-2019/Three%20Year%20Strategic%20 Plan%20201819-202021.pdf accessed 23 February 2023

RoM 2020 https://govmu.org/EN/programme/Pages/default.aspx

Republic of Mauritius 2020 Government Programme 2020-2024: Towards an Inclusive, High Income and Green Mauritius, Forging Ahead Together https://govmu.org/EN/programme/Pages/default.aspx accessed 23 February 2023

Savannah Connected Countryside Date Unknown https://savannah.mu/en/smart-initiatives/

Savannah Connected Countryside Date Unknown Connected Countryside https://savannah.mu/en/smart-initiatives/ accessed 9 March 2023

SmartCitiesWorld Date Unknown https://www.smartcitiesworld.net/smart-cities?topics=Singapore

SmartCitiesWorld Date Unknown City Focus: Singapore https://www.smartcitiesworld.net/smart-cities?topics=Singapore accessed 10 February 2023.

Smartcity 2022 https://smartcity.press/environmental-benefits-sc/

Smartcity 2022 The Environmental Benefits of Smart Cities https://smartcity.press/environmental-benefits-sc/ accessed 26 January 2023

Statistics Mauritius 2021 https://statsmauritius.govmu.org/Pages/ Statistics/ESI/Environment/Env_Yr21.aspx

Statistics Mauritius 2021 Environment Statistics: Year 2021 Highlights https://statsmauritius.govmu.org/Pages/Statistics/ESI/Environment/Env_Yr21.aspx accessed 29 November 2022

Statistics Mauritius 2022 https://statsmauritius.govmu.org/Pages/Statistics/

ESI/Population/Pop_Vital_Jan-Jun22.aspx#:~:text=As%20at%201%20July%202022,as%20at%201%20July%202021

Statistics Mauritius 2022 Population and Vital Statistics Jan-June 2022 Highlights https://statsmauritius.govmu.org/Pages/Statistics/ESI/ Population/Pop_Vital_Jan-Jun22.aspx#:~:text=As%20at%201%20July% 202022,as%20at%201%20July%202021 accessed 20 February 2023

UN Date Unknown https://www.un.org/en/academic-impact/sustainability

United Nations Date Unknown Sustainable Development Goals: Sustainability https://www.un.org/en/academic-impact/sustainability accessed 7 June 2023

UN Date Unknown https://www.un.org/ohrlls/content/about-small-island-developing-states#:~:text=The%20aggregate%20population%20of%20all,%2C%20economic%2C%20and%20environmental%20challenges

United Nations Date Unknown About Small Island Developing States https://www.un.org/ohrlls/content/about-small-island-developing-states#:~:text=The%20aggregate%20population%20of%20all,%2C%20economic%2C%20and%20environmental%20challenges accessed 10 February 2023

UN Date Unknown https://sdgs.un.org/topics/sustainable-cities-and-human-settlements

United Nations Date Unknown Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements https://sdgs.un.org/topics/sustainable-cities-and-human-settlements accessed 28 February 2023

USGBC Date Unknown https://www.usgbc.org/leed

United States Green Building Council Date Unknown LEED Rating System https://www.usgbc.org/leed accessed 9 March 2023

List of Abbreviations