ER Group at Les Assises de l’Océan 2025 to promote a sustainable blue economy

ER Group’s sustainability roadmap recognises the ocean as a strategic asset for Mauritius, as well as a shared responsibility. Under its Sustainability Framework, the Group engages in marine ecosystem protection through the Biodiversity pillar. In this context, in October 2025, the Group was among the official sponsors of the pre-consultations of Les Assises de l’Océan, a forum aimed at shaping a sustainable and regenerative blue economy. This underscores the Group’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, national dialogue, and its conviction that the private sector has a crucial role to play in shaping a resilient and inclusive ocean economy. 

Organised from 7 to 18 October 2025 by the Blue Economy Unit of the Ministry of Agroindustry, Les Assises de l’Océan 2025, held at the Docks in Port-Louis, brought together representatives from government and parastatals, the private sector, civil society, and international partners to facilitate dialogue and contribute to the development of Mauritius’s blue economy strategy.
 

This national consultation was particularly relevant to ER Group. With projects and hospitality operations closely connected to the coast, ER Group sees marine ecosystem health as essential to resilience, community wellbeing and long-term value. 

ER Group’s contributions to the discussions
 

ER Group contributed to several thematic sessions throughout the consultation process.
 

On the opening day, Flavio Joseph, Sustainability Development Manager at Heritage Resorts, took part in the panel “Coastal Resilience, Disaster Risk Reduction and Marine Pollution.” He emphasised the importance of coastal protection and climate-resilient infrastructure in safeguarding Mauritius’s shores and communities.  

On the third day, the session on “Sustainable Marine Tourism” opened with a keynote from Philippe Espitalier-Noël, CEO of ER Group.  He highlighted that sustainable marine tourism is central to the long-term competitiveness of Mauritius’s tourism sector and essential to preserving the ecological integrity and liveability of our oceans. Drawing from the example of Bel Ombre, where ER Group operates, he shared how site-level approached integrating environmental stewardship, responsible tourism practices and awareness among visitors and residents alike can support coastal resilience. 

Sophie Desvaux de Marigny, Chief Sustainability Officer of ER Group, contributed to the distribution on tourism economic development, governance, and community engagement. She underscores that empowering coastal communities through sustainable tourism models can reinforce both social and environmental resilience.  

Corinne Stoutenbeek, Chief Sustainability Officer at ER Hospitality, presented the methodology and findings of the socio-economic survey conducted by Agrïa in Bel Ombre in 2023. The study provides data-driven insights into local livelihoods, perceptions and development priorities, informing more inclusive and evidence-based decision-making in coastal regions. 

Contribution to a national roadmap
 

Les Assises de l’Océan marked the first phase of a national consultative process aimed at structuring Mauritius’s blue economy strategy. Launched under the 2025–2026 national budget, this initiative identifies six priority sectors, including marine renewable energy, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, maritime trade, innovation, and sustainable tourism.  

As a sponsor and active participant, ER Group contributed operational experience, site-level insights and sustainability expertise. The Group will continue to follow the consolidation of the national strategy and align relevant actions within its own Sustainability roadmap, particularly in relation to biodiversity protection, coastal resilience and responsible tourism development. 

Through partnerships, informed dialogue and continuous improvement of its practices, ER Group remains committed to supporting a blue economy that is economically viable, socially inclusive and environmentally regenerative over the long term.