The purpose of this short guide for good conduct is to make people aware of the fragile natural environment and induce respect for Reunion’s traditions. In Reunion Island a unique, rich native vegetation has formed whose beauty and diversity enthrals. The balance of this natural heritage is fragile and vulnerable and is not spared the constraints of growing tourism. It is often by accident and lack of awareness that apparently harmless action may affect nature. With simple and common sense gestures, everyone can contribute to the preservation of the environment.

Likewise, Reunion’s cultural harmony lie on the respect of everyone’s faith and tradition. Meeting this harmony means sharing the same respect. In Reunion Island, tolerance is an art of living. While visiting religious sites, it is useful to know some of the customs and avoid some improper behaviour.

If you like Reunion Island, make sure you protect it and respect it.

Reunion Island, Nature

A volcano that loomed out of the ocean two and a half million years ago, Reunion Island is a condensed world. Its rich nature emerged from the seeds brought by the wind, birds and sea currents. From the 16th century, man introduced new plants native of Europe, America, Africa and Asia. As those spread about, they also increased the vegetal heritage of Reunion.
Fortunately, a great part of this natural space has been preserved from human action. A third of Reunion is covered with untouched primeval forests and 160 vegetal species are endemic. This exceptional biodiversity is known worldwide.

Hiking in the mountains

Reunion Island owes its impressive relief and landscapes to an active volcano (Piton de la Fournaise) and to three ancient cirques resulting from gigantic collapses (Salazie, Mafate, Cilaos). These two mountain ranges are separated by two high plains (Plaine des Cafres and Plaine des Palmistes). The island is a true paradise to hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders. In order for you to meet its grandiose scenery, Reunion provides many itineraries with the option of a night stay in a mountain lodge for the longer ones.Well-kept marked trails (including two for long treks) cross through nature and enable to discover its beauty without disturbing it.

• Do not walk on unmarked trails
• Do not walk outside trails
• Do not trespass hedges and fences
• Do not pick up plants (picking protected species is forbidden!) and do not damage them
• Do not make camp fires
• Do not leave refuse - even if biodegradable - behind

By the sea and while diving

On the western coast, a young coral reef that emerged 8000 years ago has created a lagoon lined with long beaches. Seaside resorts provide all sorts of water sports. This lagoon is the habitat of, and breeding ground for, many fish species. Underwater exploration discloses a lively multicoloured world. Given the fragile nature of this environment, it is actively protected. All Reunionese shores, beaches and basalt cliffs are sensitive to human activity.

• Do not pick up corals, even on the beach
• Do not tread on the coral reef nor trample on the corals
• Be gentle to corals when swimming with fins
• Do not drop anchor on the coral reef
• Do not disturb the sea fauna
• Do not lit fires on the beach nor beyond
• Do not throw cigarette butts on the sand
• Do not leave anything behind
• Fish only on authorised sites

In the forest

Reunion Island is a universe of woods and forests. Mare-Longue forest (in Saint-Philippe) is the remnant of a coloured wood forest that used to cover all the windward regions up to 800 metres high. The primeval forests of Maïdo, Grand Benare and Tevelave form a huge forest massif on the high western slopes.
A more recent one is the dry forest of Etang-Salé which was planted in order to stabilise the sand dunes. The damp, cool jungle of Bébour and its neighbour Bélouve, shelter numerous endemic plant species. The forests must be kept whole at all cost.

• Do not lit any fire
• Do not drive on closed forest roads
• Do not make any noise that may disturb the fauna
• Do not pick flowers nor plants
• When hunting, keep to the authorised hunting areas and season

By the water

Rivers, torrents, streams, waterfalls, ponds,…
Reunion’s inland fresh and white waters offer a thousand options for leisure, relaxation and sensations: walks, swims, fishing, sporting activities (canyoning, kayaking, etc.). They are either easily accessible or hidden in the middle of the mountain. Being pollution-free, they have kept their native serenity and purity.

• Do not throw anything into the water
• Do not wash dishes in basins nor rivers
• Avoid polluting nature
• Fish only in authorised areas and with authorised equipment.
• Do not rip vegetal beside ravines

Cruising by car or motorbike

Car and motorbike are a practical way to visit the island as they enable to reach all regions and cruise about the place you are staying at and tour the island.
There are so many things to see and explore. The road network is excellent, with clear road signs. However, cars and motorbikes cause pollution and so it is essential to adopt a responsible attitude in order to reduce its effect on nature.

• Park on the dedicated parking areas
• Reduce air pollution
• Respect the silence of nature
• Do not wash your vehicle in rivers

While picnicking

Family picnics are part of the Reunionese art of living. Picnic areas with parking spots, benches, tables, shelters, rubbish bins and barbecues have been built throughout the island, mainly along the shores, river banks, inside forests and in the mountain. Needless to say that camping in the wild is forbidden. In any case, make sure you leave the area spotless.

• Only lit fires on authorised sites
• Use the rubbish bins provided or take your rubbish back home.
• Clean the site before leaving.