A French overseas department located in the Indian Ocean that showcases a rich tapestry of biodiversity, marked by its vibrant coral reefs, lush tropical forests, and unique volcanic landscapes. The island hosts a range of ecosystems, from coastal beaches to mountainous regions, each supporting diverse flora and fauna.

Réunion is home to a significant number of endemic species, particularly in its highland forests, which include various unique orchids and other plant species. The island’s fauna is also noteworthy, with a variety of bird species that are found nowhere else in the world, such as the Réunion harrier. This diversity is attributed to the island’s isolated location and varied topography, which provides multiple habitats within a relatively small area.

Four pillars elaborated:

Land Management

Réunion Island, a small but ecologically significant territory in the Indian Ocean, spans an area of approximately 2,510 km² (969 mi²). It boasts a remarkable level of biodiversity, with a substantial portion of its land designated as protected areas, including its celebrated Réunion National Park. This park and other protected zones cover significant portions of the island, contributing to the conservation of its unique flora and fauna.

The island is encircled by a marine reserve that protects its vibrant coral reefs and the diverse marine life they support. These marine protected areas (MPAs) are crucial for sustaining the island’s fishing industry while preserving ecological balance and biodiversity.

Agricultural practices in Réunion are modern and increasingly geared towards sustainability, with efforts to reduce pesticide use and manage fertilizer application to minimize environmental impacts. The island’s economy is diverse, with sugarcane cultivation being a major agricultural activity, but without the extensive agricultural land use seen in larger nations, allowing much of the native vegetation to remain intact.

Threats to Biodiversity

Réunion Island, with its varied ecosystems from coastal marine environments to tropical forests and volcanic landscapes, supports a unique array of biodiversity. The island’s conservation efforts have been effective, as indicated by the stable Red List Index (RLI) from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which reflects a low and stable risk of species extinction.

Significantly, a large portion of Réunion’s natural habitats is protected under national park status and other conservation areas, which cover both terrestrial and marine environments. This protection helps sustain the habitats of numerous endemic species, including bird species, chameleons, and plants not found anywhere else on Earth. However, challenges persist, particularly in the marine zones where overfishing and climate change threaten coral reefs and fish populations. This has led to calls for more robust management and conservation strategies to ensure the sustainability of these vital resources.

Capacity and Governance

Réunion Island, under the governance of France, benefits from a robust environmental policy framework that aligns with both national and European Union standards for conservation and biodiversity management. The island has taken significant steps toward capacity building in biodiversity conservation, notably through the establishment of Réunion National Park, which covers about 42% of the island’s surface and is pivotal in protecting its rich biodiversity.

The Réunion National Park, along with marine protected areas around the island, forms an integral part of the local strategy to conserve unique ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforests to marine coral reefs. These protected areas are crucial for the preservation of numerous endemic species and serve as research and monitoring sites to understand and mitigate the impacts of climate change and invasive species.

Government spending on biodiversity in Réunion is integrated into broader budget allocations from both the French government and the EU, focusing on sustainable development, biodiversity protection, and climate adaptation measures. While exact figures for conservation expenditures are not as publicly detailed as in larger nations, funding is generally considered adequate for current needs. However, the complexity of emerging environmental challenges requires continuous evaluation and potential increases in funding.

Future Trends

Réunion Island has developed a comprehensive approach to biodiversity conservation, encapsulated in its strategic frameworks and action plans. The overarching goal is to preserve the island’s rich biodiversity, ensure sustainable use of its resources, and foster equitable benefits for all stakeholders. These strategies include tackling the root causes of biodiversity loss, reducing pressures on natural habitats, and safeguarding the genetic diversity found within the island’s unique ecosystems.

To support these efforts, Réunion leverages EU funds and local resources to build capacity and improve knowledge management among conservation teams and stakeholders. Participatory planning plays a key role, involving local communities, scientists, and policymakers in the decision-making process to ensure that conservation measures meet the ecological and social needs of the island.

Biodiversity

Réunion Island, a biodiversity hotspot in the Indian Ocean, is home to an array of unique species that thrive across its diverse ecosystems. Among the island’s notable inhabitants is the Réunion Cuckooshrike, a critically endangered bird found in the native highland forests. The Réunion Parakeet, another endangered species, also depends on these forests for survival. The lush landscapes of Réunion support the growth of the Bourbon Palm, an endemic palm known for its striking appearance and ecological importance. The Réunion Giant Day Gecko, with its vivid colors, is a common sight in these forests, playing a vital role as a predator of insects and as prey for larger animals.

The island’s beaches serve as crucial nesting grounds for sea turtles, including the Hawksbill and Green turtles, highlighting the importance of marine and coastal conservation. Additionally, the elegant Tropicbird, locally known as “paille-en-queue,” symbolizes Réunion’s natural beauty, often seen soaring near the coastal cliffs.