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Ebony Forest

Ebony Forest works at three sites to regenerate Mauritius’ native forests and safeguard its unique biodiversity through large-scale ecological restoration and species recovery. Through forest restoration, invasive species management and endemic plant propagation, we rebuild resilient ecosystems that capture carbon, strengthen climate adaptation and mitigation and protect the island’s botanical heritage.

 

Our science-based wildlife reintroductions, habitat restoration and predator management programmes support threatened endemic species while restoring ecological balance. We empower students, conservation professionals, and local communities through hands-on training, education, and knowledge exchange — inspiring long-term action for biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. Every visit, partnership, and contribution directly supports the recovery of Mauritius’ forests and the future of its people and wildlife


Accreditation Number with the National Social Inclusion: 2024/0016

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President
Mr Owen Griffiths
Person in Charge
Dr. Christine Griffiths
Services offered
  • Registered training centre offering courses in conservation, biodiversity protection and ecosystem-based adaptation (nature-based solution) approaches
  • School education visits School and group talks
  • Training programmes
  • Guided tours and biodiversity discovery tours
History

Established in 2005 as a private company, Ebony Forest was founded with a bold vision: to restore the degraded native forest of Chamarel and revive its unique biodiversity.  Forest restoration began in 2006 and continues to this day, focusing on invasive species control, endemic plant propagation, and rebuilding resilient ecosystems.

 

In 2017, Ebony Forest opened its Visitor Centre to the public, creating a sustainable financing model to expand conservation action while raising awareness, reconnecting people with nature, and inspiring wider support for biodiversity restoration.

 

In 2019, the organisation strengthened its impact by employing a dedicated conservation team, expanding from flora restoration into active fauna conservation.

 

In 2020, Ebony Forest took over the management of forest restoration on State land at Vallée de l'Est, significantly scaling up its national contribution. That same year, it acquired a small property at Montagne Longue to establish a base for restoring the adjacent State Land mountain reserve - home to some of the best-preserved northern dry forest remaining in Mauritius. Reflecting its long-standing non-profit mission, Ebony Forest formally converted to a company limited by guarantee in 2021.  Although it had always operated on a non-profit basis, this transition strengthened its governance structure and conservation mandate.

 

In 2024, it was officially registered as a non-profit organisation with the National Social Inclusion Foundation (NSIF), further reinforcing its commitment to public benefit. 

 

Since its inception, Ebony Forest has continuously sought partnerships with government to restore highly threatened, high-potential landscapes - demonstrating that long-term ecological recovery is possible when vision, science, and sustainable financing come together.

Objectives
  • Goal 1: To restore a high-quality indigenous forest in Mauritius.
  • Goal 2: To protect and conserve threatened Mauritian flora and fauna.
  • Goal 3: To deliver environmental education awareness and training to increase conservation capacity.
  • Goal 4: To generate sustainable funding through activities compatible with the other goals.

 

Vision

  • Save threatened ecosystems and endangered endemic species in Mauritius (Sov nou bann andemik)

 

Mission

  • To implement conservation, forest restoration, training and education to conserve our country’s unique biodiversity.

 

Main achievements
  • More than 200,000 endemic and native plants planted across three sites (Chamarel, Montagne Longue, Vallee de L’Est).
  • Over 50 Ha. of endemic forest weeded and planted 118 endemic and native species propagated
  • 2 tortoise rewilding projects to restore missing ecosystem functions
  • 4 endemic bird species reintroduced (Pink Pigeon, Echo Parakeet, Mauritius Kestrel, Mauritius Olive white-eye)
  • 3 endemic reptile species in captive breeding programmes
  • 3 threatened snail species in captive breeding programmes
  • 2predator control grids totaling 90 ha. in operation and reducing predation
  • Over 15 000 school children engaged through education visits to Ebony Forest
  • 23 training courses developed
  • 48 training courses delivered
  • Over 800 participants trained for free
  • 9 participants from Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles trained in ecosystem-based adaptation activities
  • 23 webinars, conferences and workshops hosted Natural history museum established
Sources of funding

International grants:

  • Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund
  • Franklinia Fondation Sustainable financing

 

Local funding: 

  • Visitors
  • Shop sales
  • Donations
  • Local sponsorships