Voices. Guided by Shared Responsibility.
Model for Island
Development Culture.
Trust and Legal Integrity
Our Purpose
The Indian Ocean Islands Foundation (IOIF) is an independent foundation with a nonprofit charter based in Mauritius, dedicated to creating and strengthening the “Common Good” (in fr, le Bien Commun) as a way to promote resilience of island communities through cultural and environmental preservation, scientific research, and local capacity building.
Our work is grounded in the belief that islanders must be central to shaping the future of their own communities, rather than solely reacting to external pressures.
Our Approach
At IOIF, we implement a multi-pillar model focused on resilience. Our approach integrates:
Environmental Regeneration
We support ecosystem restoration through best-available practices and evidence-based conservation of biodiversity and habitats, sustainable land and sea-use practices that reduce risk and enhance local capacity to withstand and adapt to environmental and socio-economic shocks. Actions under this pillar range from working on mechanisms to sustainably support long term forest restoration and mangrove replanting, enabling and facilitating community-led and community-owned initiatives, hosting sensitisation, awareness and public education events.
Cultural Heritage Protection
We document, archive, and revive ancestral and traditional knowledge systems including oral histories, traditional songs, rituals, and crafts, recognizing that cultural identity is a core component of social resilience. Our actions under this pillar include collaborating with researchers on archeological, anthropological and social studies, inclusion of traditional practices and forms of knowledge into our projects, developing mechanisms that enable cultural heritage to be a source of job creation, apprenticeships, growth and innovation.
Scientific Research & Policy Engagement
We engage in applied research and policy co-design, partnering with academic institutions and governments to develop locally relevant, data-informed strategies rooted in both science and local knowledge. The foundation offers a space where local scientists are able to develop methodologies and apply them in projects we endorse, and are supported all the way to publication of peer-reviewed articles, policy briefs, presentations at local talks, seminar or conferences, or development of other forms of science communication.
Community Resilience Building
We implement training programs, stakeholder engagement, and educational initiatives to empower youth, women, elders and underrepresented groups in leading locally-driven adaptation projects and safeguarding livelihoods.
Our Geographic Scope
IOIF operational ambition spans across six territories in the Western Indian Ocean:
Our regional strategy focuses on high-impact pilot projects that can be adapted and scaled across diverse island contexts.
Our Governance
and Legal Standing
The Indian Ocean Islands Foundation is a registered foundation with a non-profit charter under Mauritian law.
To ensure institutional integrity, transparency, and accountability, IOIF is supported by Toukan Corporate Services Ltd. Toukan Corporate Services Ltd. holds a Management Company license from the Financial Services Commission and provides IOIF with ongoing governance, fiduciary, and compliance support.
We maintain strict independence from corporate or political influence.
“We answer to the beneficiaries of our projects, our Council of Members, our funders and not interest groups, nor political parties.”
Our Impact to Date
Since our inception, IOIF has:
Secured over Euros 250,000 in project funding since beginning 2025
Trained 3 interns in field and desk research
Worked with over 200 stakeholders on coastal zone management
Built a collaborative network with NGOs, research institutes, and government stakeholders
Past Researchers
For a better future now
Anbreene Bilkis Mungroo
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator for the Project “Strengthening Community Resilience Through Ancestral and Modern Practices in Mauritius”.
Lucas (Lou) Rayas
Intern
Intern for the project "Strengthening Community Resilience Through Ancestral and Modern Practices in Mauritius". Worked on agricultural practices that support environmental and socioeconomic resilience in east-southeast Mauritius.
Nawel Khurmoo
Intern
Intern for the project "Strengthening Community Resilience Through Ancestral and Modern Practices in Mauritius". Worked on the role of Nature Based Tourism as a driver of environmental and socioeconomic resilience in east-southeast Mauritius.
Dr. Deeya Jahajeeah
Consultant
Consultant for the project "Strengthening Community Resilience Through Ancestral and Modern Practices in Mauritius". Worked on freshwater access and its importance for environmental and socioeconomic resilience in east-southeast Mauritius.
Vashisht Seetapah
Consultant
Consultant for the project "Strengthening Community Resilience Through Ancestral and Modern Practices in Mauritius". Worked on collating a docuseries on traditional and ancestral practices in east-southeast Mauritius, and their links to environmental and socioeconomic resilience.
Together, we drive real impact across island territories and work to protect what makes island life possible .
Strategic Partnerships
IOIF maintains active partnerships with leading regional and international institutions, including:
WIOMSA (Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association)
IOC (Indian Ocean Commission)
These partnerships enhance our research credibility, policy influence, and capacity for long-term regional impact.
Looking Ahead
In the coming years, IOIF will expand its portfolio to include:
We are committed to scaling responsibly without compromising the integrity of community ownership or cultural preservation.
Contact and Engagement Opportunities
We welcome collaboration from public institutions, private funders, NGOs, universities, and individuals aligned with our mission.
To explore strategic partnerships or support our work:
