Ile de la Passe was sometimes thought to be pivotal to control of the Indian Ocean. At times it was strongly fortified, particularly by the French. Many of these fortifications are well preserved. How the People of Mauritius and visitors from the four corners of the world will share the responsibility of preserving the islet and its heritage will dictate its future. The dramatic and evocative situation of the islet, together with the strong visual impact of well preserved and perhaps unique structures, make for a Cultural Heritage Resource of unsurpassable importance for future generations of Mauritians. The mute stones speak volumes that can be experienced from any number of views, accessible to adults and children alike from any strand of the complex web of Mauritian culture. Organised visits, especially of schoolchildren and students, bring to life aspects of the past that have shaped Mauritius and which help to define what it means to be Mauritian.
       On the 4^th of February filming crews from the MBC and the University documented the visit from members of the NHF Board of Directors and a group from the University of Mauritius (Fig. 30).