LOGISTICAL INFORMATION NOTE FOR PARTICIPANTS ATTENDING THE: 1. Inception meeting of the project entitled Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the protection of the Western Indian Ocean from land-based sources and activities - WIO-SAP on 10-11 April 2017. 2. Nairobi Convention Focal Points Meeting on 12 April 2017. 3. Forum for Heads of Academic and Research Institutions (FARI) Meeting on 13 April, 2017 1. INTRODUCTION The Nairobi Convention Secretariat, pursuant to decision CP8/13 of on enhancing cooperation, collaboration and support with partners are organizing the Inception Meeting for the Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the protection of the Western Indian Ocean from land-based sources and activities (WIO-SAP) project on 10-11 April 2017. The meeting will be held back to back with the Nairobi Convention Focal Points meeting on 12 April 2017; Meeting of the Forum for Heads of Academic and Research Institutions FARI on 13 April 2017. 2. VENUE The Meetings will be held at the Hilton Mauritius Resort and Spa, in Flic en Flac, Mauritius. Flic en Flac is found in the district of Black River on the western coast of the island of Mauritius, about 15 km south of Port Louis the Capital of Mauritius. The drive from Flie en Flac to Port Louis takes about 30 minutes, while the drive to the airport takes about 1 hour. 3. ACCOMMODATION Participants are kindly requested to make their own hotel reservation in any of the following hotels/villas/apartments; a) Hilton Mauritius Resort and Spa at a negotiated rate of USD. 221 for a single Deluxe room bed and breakfast at USD. 221 per night per room. Email contact Ms. Emma Tong on email address Emma.tong@hilton.com b) Aanari Hotel and Spa situated 10 minutes drive and approximately 30 minutes walk from Hilton Resort and Spa, Hotel rate is approximately USD. 105 For single room including breakfast and dinner; and approximately USD. 130 for double room including breakfast and dinner. Email contact is Gael on e-mail address: resa@aanari.com
4. TRANSPORT FROM AIRPORT TO HOTEL All meeting participants are requested to make their own airport to hotel transfers. Please note that there are designated taxis at the airport arrivals. 5. DAILY SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE (DSA) United Nations Environment sponsored participants will be paid daily subsistence allowance (DSA) in Mauritius in the course of the meetings. The sponsored participants are kindly requested to bring their boarding passes in order to collect their DSA. The current UN DSA rate for Mauritius is USD 215 per night. Participants who are unable to stay for the duration of the meeting are requested to inform the secretariat as soon as possible, so that the daily subsistence allowance can be adjusted accordingly. 6. VISA AND ENTRY It is your responsibility to secure an entry visa to Mauritius. Participants must be in possession of a valid passport and a return or onward ticket. A visitor s visa is normally granted for a period of two weeks to one month upon arrival, to almost all holders of a valid passport, with one or two exceptions. Visitors are strongly recommended to contact the Passport and Immigration Office in Mauritius or the nearest Mauritian Embassy or Consulate. United Nations Environment is not responsible for arranging for your travel insurance and it will be your responsibility to arrange for insurance for your participation. All participants are requested to carry and present their letters of invitation upon arrival. 7. INOCULATIONS All participants are expected to have valid certificate of inoculation against yellow fever. 8. MEDICAL CARE Free public medical facilities are widely available. Private clinics provide medical services for a fee. 9. LOCAL TIME ZONE GMT + 4 hours/heures 10. LANGUAGE Most people in Mauritius are bilingual and are equally fluent in English and French. Creole and French are the main languages in the everyday environment and several oriental languages are also spoken. 2 P a g e
11. ELECTRICITY In Mauritius the standard voltage is 230 V. The standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power sockets that are used are of type C / G. Below you find pictures of these power sockets and corresponding plugs. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. 12. CLIMATE From November to May Mauritius swelters through a hot, wet and humid summer that sees daily averages sit at about 20 C to 28 C, and reaching into the 30 s once you are on the coast. The central plateau in the heart of the island sees temperatures that are slightly cooler than on the coast. Expect daytime temperatures to reach 28 C with on average 7 hours of sunshine per day in Flic-en-Flac in April. 13. WHAT TO WEAR Mauritius has a very relaxed dress code which is ideal for the climate. Carry some light smart casual clothing and rain cloth. 14. MONEY AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE The currency used in Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). Money can be exchanged at the airport, in banks and at the hotel. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express) are widely accepted. The current exchange rate is 1 US Dollar for approximately 36 MUR. 15. BANKING HOURS Monday to Thursday: 9.15 am -3.15 pm Friday: 9.15 am -3.30 pm or 4pm for some banks Saturday: 9.15 am -11.15 am (Some banks only, most are closed). Credit Cards Credit cards such as Visa or MasterCard are widely used in major shops, supermarkets, restaurants and in other businesses wherever the Credit Card sign is displayed. Very few government public services accept Credit Cards, so it is advisable to always keep cash for payment of public services. 3 P a g e
16. SECURITY Police service ensures security in tourist zones. An anti-terrorist law exists in Mauritius. The following essential pieces of advice are meant for you : Keep an eye on all personal belongings at all times. Be careful when withdrawing money from a cash point. Avoid wearing expensive jewellery. Do not leave anything inside your car. (For trips or purchases) use only recognised operators or suppliers. Keep your passports, plane tickets, jewellery of value and large sums of money in safe custody. For sea excursions, do not rent boats with inadequate security standards. During individual sea trips, always notify the person responsible for the boat house. Do not go swimming in areas where it is forbidden 17. WI-FI WIFI will be provided at the conference room during the meeting sessions. 18. CONTACTS For all administrative and technical queries, particularly before the arrival in Mauritius, participants may contact the following: For technical issues Marlyn Omondi Nairobi Convention Secretariat Division of Environmental Policy Implementation United Nations Environment Programme Po. Box 30552 (00100) Nairobi Kenya Tel. 254 20 7625730 E-mail: marlyn.omondi@unep.org For logistical issues Hellen Ojiambo Nairobi Convention Secretariat Division of Environmental Policy Implementation United Nations Environment Programme Phone: +254-20-762-1250 E-mail: Hellen.Ojiambo@unep.org 19. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS Ambulance :114 Police : +230 453 9916 Fire : 995 4 P a g e
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