Building climate resilience together
COP31 · ANTALYA, TÜRKIYE · 9–20 NOVEMBER 2026
Climate, the ocean, food and livelihoods are increasingly shaping decisions for businesses across the Indian Ocean and Africa.
At COP31, IBL Group brings experience from across its businesses to support the research, understanding and solutions needed to protect communities, strengthen resilience and create long-term value.
Who we are
A diversified Group with strong roots in Mauritius
As Mauritius’ largest group by revenue, IBL Group operates across retail, consumer brands and distribution, industrials and services, with a presence spanning the Indian Ocean and Africa.
Across the Indian Ocean and Africa, our businesses give us first-hand insight into how climate risks affect people, supply chains and economies. We share these lessons, and learn from others, to build a common understanding of resilience.
outside Mauritius
Team members
in 20 countries
businesses completed their materiality assessments
Revenue in FY2026
Embedding sustainability into how we operate
Understanding our impacts. Guiding our actions.
We look at both our impacts and the risks we face, then measure, plan and act across the Group.
Double materiality
Identifying our impacts on people and the environment, and the sustainability risks affecting our businesses.
Carbon accounting
Measuring Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions across our businesses to guide decisions.
Transition plans
Developing pathways for each business to reduce emissions and move towards a lower-carbon future.
Climate risk
At COP31, IBL Group supports practical solutions to climate challenges, strengthening resilience and creating long-term value across communities.
Our focus at COP 31
The Indian Ocean Dipole: understanding the risks
The Indian Ocean Dipole is a natural climate cycle involving differences in sea surface temperatures between the western and eastern Indian Ocean. First described in 1999, it can influence rainfall across the region. Better understanding and prediction are essential to help communities prepare.
WESTERN INDIAN OCEAN
Warmer sea than usual
Can bring heavier rainfall to East Africa
EASTERN INDIAN OCEAN
Cooler sea than usual
Can bring drier conditions
A simplified illustration of a positive Dipole. Impacts vary by location and event.
People first: what 2023–2024 showed us
A strong positive Dipole coincided with El Niño. Across the region, floods, droughts and crop losses affected homes, food and livelihoods.
- −10.5% Sugar cane in Mauritius
- −11%Tea in Mauritius
Source: Statistics Mauritius.
More science is needed to predict the Dipole and protect people. That is why climate and energy are a key priority for IBL Group.
We saw it at sea first
In 2024, tuna moved away and our processing plants faced a severe shortage. Western Indian Ocean skipjack catches fell 14% while eastern catches rose 23% (IOTC, 2025).
Our commitments: [2–3 lines on IBL’s Climate & Energy targets]
[Field photo: fisheries worker holding a tuna — asset upload required]
JOIN US IN ANTALYA OR ONLINE
Our panels at COP31
PANEL · PAVILLON DE LA FRANCOPHONIE
The Climate Challenges Facing Mauritius and the Indian Ocean: The Case of the Indian Ocean Dipole.
Les défis climatiques auxquels Maurice et l’océan Indien sont confrontés : le cas du Dipole.
When: Tuesday 17 November 2026, 09:00 to 10:00 Antalya time (UTC+3)
Where: Pavillon de la Francophonie, COP31 Blue Zone · Online via the ePavillon
Language: French (English interpreter)
Moderator
Christine Marot
Group Head of Sustainability and Social Impact - IBL Group
Panelists
Jacqueline Sauzier, CSK
Secretary General - Mauritius Chamber of Agriculture
Veronique Garrioch
President - Sustainable Tuna Association
Dr Joanna Post
Head, Observations, Data and Services Section - Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO
Tevita Tupou
Strategic Engagement Advisor - Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency
Dr Francis Marsac
Oceanographer and fisheries scientist - French Institute of Research for sustainable Development (IRD)
FIELD KNOWLEDGE FROM OUR BUSINESSES
What we are learning on the ground
UBP
Project (G)old
Project (G)OLD brings the construction value chain together to give materials a second life. From pre-demolition auditing and diagnostics to deconstruction, selective demolition, on-site source separation, recycling and value-added upcycling, the project is advancing circular economy practices across Mauritius’ construction industry.
MBP
Energie des Mascareignes
Energie des Mascareignes (EDM) converts tuna-processing wastewater into renewable energy. After pretreatment, wastewater enters anaerobic digesters, where bacteria break down organic matter and produce biogas. The biogas fuels industrial boilers at nearby factories, while treated effluent and biofertilizer are recovered.
CNOI
Captain Arctic
LET’S WORK TOGETHER
Let’s explore where we can work together
If you are a financier
What you finance for a group like ours, and what you would need from us.
A public or science partner
More research and data on the Dipole, and early warning.
A climate partner
Climate action across the Indian Ocean and Africa.
An ocean or Pacific partner
Sharing science and experience between the two oceans.
Media
Interviews and the story of the Dipole.
CONTACT US
Meeting us in Antalya?
Christine Marot
Group Head of Sustainability and Social Impact - IBL Group
Veronique Garrioch
Sustainability & Relationships Manager - Seafood & Marine Operations - IBL Group
Ved Boojihawon
Sustainability Manager - IBL Group
Egyla Ellapen
Sustainability Manager - UBP
