Mauritian Wildlife Foundation
Commonwealth Point of Light 184. Vikash Tatayah
Dr Vikash Tatayah, representing Mauritius, is the Conservation Director of the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) who run programmes in Mauritius, Rodrigues, and other outer islands which have aided the recovery of multiple species.
Dr Tatayah’s work has seen the population of the Echo Parakeet in Mauritius increase from only five in 1970, to over 800 today. He is also involved in many fundraising projects and awareness campaigns for the foundation, and recently provided environmental consultation to the government of Mauritius on the Wakashio Oil Spill to protect the country’s wildlife.
Dr Vikash Tatayah said:
“I am truly delighted to be honoured with the ‘Commonwealth Points of Light’ award, recognising my passioned, yet humble, contribution to saving the biodiversity of my country for future generations of Mauritians and for mankind . Whilst this distinction was unexpected, it motivates me to strive for more in my career. It also brings me and my organisation, the ‘Mauritian Wildlife Foundation’, closer to the United Kingdom and its institutions, and the larger Commonwealth family.”
Keith Allan, British High Commissioner to Mauritius, said:
“The British High Commission has worked closely with Vikash for many years and has seen his outstanding conservation work, including with the ‘Mauritian Wildlife Foundation’, at first hand. This Commonwealth Points of Light Award is very well deserved recognition of his vital contribution to protecting the environment in Mauritius and Rodrigues.”
Pictured below: Dr Tatayah (far left) with British High Commissioner to Mauritius Keith Allan (second to left) and colleagues from the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation
