I thank the hon. Member for putting this question. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as regards part (a) of the question, I have been informed by the Mauritius Cane Industry Authority that presently there are 35 operational agricultural machines and equipment available at the Agricultural Mechanisation Unit where 25 tractors are used for land preparation, five bell loaders are used for building and one roller is used for compaction. One hydraulic excavator is due for excavation and splitting of rocks and boulders, and one hydraulic excavator coupled with a cane cutter is used for cane harvesting. There are 27

87 machines that are not operational and have largely exceeded their lifetime. They cannot be repaired due to the high maintenance costs. They also represent safety hazards to users. These has been earmarked to be sold as crafts or to be used as spare parts for existing machines. With regard part (a)(i) of the question, the number of machines currently being used for ploughing of land of small planters is 27, out of which 22 are crawler tractors and five pneumatic tractors. Regarding part (a)(ii) of the question, the waiting time depends on the request of the planters together with payment and singing of the contracts, and also depends on the month of the year when the planter undertakes the harvest. The land preparation is performed after the planter has harvested his field. The allocation of bulldozers is made according to well-defined plan, normally according to regional grouping while maintaining a first come, first served basis. Notwithstanding the capacity of work that the unit can take, many planters obtain the machine on time. In certain cases, due to breakdown of machines, heavy workloads or adverse climatic conditions, works are delayed and performed at a later stage. However, there are cases where planters are reluctant to abide to the planning and complain when they do not obtain the required services immediately after having submitted their requests. As regard part (b) of the question, I have been informed by the Mauritius Cane Industry Authority that two contracts were awarded last year for three D6 type crawler tractors and two agricultural pneumatic tractors with accessories. One crawler tractor has been delivered to the MCIA last week, and the remaining equipment will be delivered in May this year after completion of all administrative procedures and commissioning.

Okay. Just one question because time is already over.

Could the Minister say, how some planters who have already paid since January but till now they have not yet…

I’m sorry?

Some planters already paid for land preparation since January but till now, no work has been done.

But I can assure the hon. Member that the matter will be looked into, addressed very forcefully so that we can give satisfaction to one and all.

88

Hon. Members, the Table have been advised that the following PQs have been withdrawn: B/324, B/325, B/330, B/332, B/333, B/337, B/351 and B/352. Time is over. STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS EXECUTIVE ORDER – REGULATING IMPORTS – RECIPROCAL TARIFF (4.01 p.m.)

Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with your permission, I am making a Statement on the Executive Order entitled “Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits” signed by President Trump on 02 April of this year. President Trump invoked his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to address the national emergency posed by the absence of reciprocity in the US trade relationships and other harmful policies like currency manipulation and unfair trade practices. The Executive Order imposes a baseline 10% tariff on all imported goods as from 05 April 2025. The United States will also impose an individualised reciprocal higher tariff proportionate to the level of its trade deficit with that country as from 09 April 2025. The Executive Order further states that these tariffs will remain in effect until such time as the President determines that the threat posed by the trade deficit and underlying non- reciprocal treatment is satisfied, resolved or mitigated. Some products that are exempted from this policy are steel and aluminium, copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, critical minerals and energy products. Basically, all these goods are strategic for the United States, which explains their exclusion. It is our understanding, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, that the calculation of the reciprocal tariff is based on the trade deficit incurred by the United States with Mauritius in 2024. In that year, Mauritius exported around USD 234.5 million of goods to the United States while it imported only USD 48 million of goods. This results in a trade deficit of USD 186.5 million for the United States. The trade deficit as a percentage of Mauritius exports to the US is estimated at 80%. Therefore, as per the US calculation, the reciprocal tariff for Mauritius is 80%. However, this

89 percentage was halved and a discounted reciprocal tariff of 40% will be applied for our exports entering the United States market. The main products exported to the US include live primates, fish, sugar, textiles and apparel. As soon as President Trump assumed Office on 20 January 2025, he signed the America First Trade Policy Presidential Memorandum which aims at undertaking a number of studies and proposing recommendations to address persistent trade deficits, amongst others. In February 2025, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) had requested public comments on unfair trade practices and non- reciprocal trade arrangements affecting the US economy by the deadline of 11 March 2025. Accordingly, Mauritius made a submission highlighting that the top 20 US exports to Mauritius do not attract any tariff at all. The mutual benefits of AGOA were also underscored. On 03 April 2025, the WTO Director-General stated that many members had contacted the WTO regarding the potential impact of the tariffs on their economies and global trade. She expressed concern over the decline in trade and the risk of a tariff war driven by retaliatory measures. Highlighting the potential for significant trade diversion, she urged members to handle the resulting pressures responsibly to prevent escalating tensions. The Executive Order means, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, that our exports of goods to the United States will now be subject to a tariff of 40%. This will be clearly highly detrimental to our economy. The US is the 4th largest buyer of Mauritian goods. Some 41 export-oriented enterprises, employing some 16,750 persons, depend on the US market. Being an AGOA eligible country, Mauritius has been benefiting from duty-free market access for some 6,400 product lines on the US market. Other AGOA eligible countries like Lesotho, Botswana and Madagascar will also face a tariff varying between 50%, 37% and 47%, respectively. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had a meeting, which included high-level representatives from various Ministries, as well as public and private sector stakeholders, namely the MCCI, the Sugar Syndicate, Business Mauritius and MEXA, with a view to charting the way forward and mitigating the fallouts on our economy.

90 I have chaired two meetings with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, and the officers of the Ministry of Finance, with the Junior Minister. The following course of action was agreed – 1) Discuss possible avenues with the United States at the bilateral and regional levels; 2) Work with like-minded group of countries, including AGOA eligible countries as well as the African Union mission in Washington D.C. with a view to devising a strategy to open up discussions with the United States; and 3) Negotiate a Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States which would provide the necessary predictability to our trading relations. A High-Level Committee has been set up by Government to monitor the situation and liaise with all public, private and foreign stakeholders, including the Corporate Council for Africa, that can work together to mitigate the fallouts from the US Executive Order and ensure continued trade between Mauritius and the United States. Government will also engage with the US as the Executive Order provides that reciprocal tariff can be modified if the country takes – “significant steps to remedy non-reciprocal trade arrangements and align sufficiently with the United States on economic and national security matters.” I am also writing to President Trump with a view to discuss the concerns of Mauritius. Thank you.

Hon. Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, you have a statement?

Yes, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. (4.08 p.m.) NPF/NSF INVESTMENT COMMITTEE – HOLD ATTITUDE LTD –SECURED BOND INVESTMENT The Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity (Mr A. Subron): With your permission, I wish to make a Statement on the secured bond investment made by the National Pensions Fund (NPF) and the National Savings Fund (NSF) in Hold Attitude Ltd, a private company registered in Mauritius.

91 This bond investment was made for a total amount of Rs1.45 billion, on 01 March 2022 and was due to be repaid by 30 September 2024. I wish to inform the House that the bond investment has now been fully repaid to the tune of Rs1,618,214,214, the last payment being made on 27 March 2025. This amount comprises the following – • Capital Amount Due Rs1,450,000,000 • Interest Due Rs142,048,357 • Interest Penalty (of 3% above applicable interest rate) Rs26,165,857 Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the House may wish to refer to my reply made to PQ B/23 of 10 December 2024, whereby I informed the House that the NPF/NSF Investment Committee had agreed to the extension of capital repayment of the bond issued by Hold Attitude Ltd for an amount of Rs1.45 billion, from 30 September 2024 to 31 March 2025, but interest due was to be paid by the end of December 2024. Given that as at 31 December 2024, the interest due was not settled, the NPF/NSF Investment Committee, on 28 January 2025, took the decision to trigger the event of default in accordance with Clause 9.1 of the Share Pledge Agreement and in conformity with the Second Schedule of the Notes of Subscription Agreement, with the aim that by the end of March 2025, the process of triggering the default will be completed. The NPF and NSF had embarked in this process by requesting a noteholders meeting, which was held on 06 March 2025, and thereafter Hold Attitude Ltd was requested to repay the capital, interest and penalty on the interest for a total of Rs1,613,307,877 by 19 March 2025. It is to be noted that Hold Attitude Ltd had pledged 40 % of shares it held in the Attitude Hospitality Ltd as collateral as part of the bond issue. On 13 March 2025, a proposal was made by the Societé Antisthene, the major shareholder of Attitude Hospitality Ltd, to buy the 40% of Hold Attitude stake in Attitude Hospitality Ltd, through a Share Purchase agreement and NPF and NSF would then be fully paid by the Société Antisthene, at latest by 31 March 2025 Consequently, upon advice from the Attorney General’s Office, on 19 March 2025, the NPF/NSF Investment Committee agreed to the proposal made by Société Antisthene to buy the shares of Hold Attitude through a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA), following which, the

92 NPF and NSF would receive all their dues that is capital, interest, plus penalty on the interest due for a total amount of Rs1,618,214,214 by 31 March 2025. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is to be pointed out that the proposal made by Société Antisthene to buy the shares of Hold Attitude was in accordance with the Constitution of Attitude Hospitality Ltd which provides for the shares to be offered for sale to the existing shareholders of Attitude Hospitality Ltd and only if they would refuse, then the shares would be sold to a third party. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to reiterate the commitment of this Government to ensure that it is the interest of the people, first and foremost, that guides the actions of Government. In this particular matter, it is the safeguard of the contributions of workers of our Republic, under both the National Pensions Fund and the National Savings Fund, that has guided the actions taken by my Ministry. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, my Ministry has acted in a fair, transparent and decisive manner to bring forward a rapid resolution to the recovery of funds invested by the National Pensions Fund and the National Savings Fund in the bond issued by the Hold Attitude Ltd. Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. PUBLIC BILLS First Reading On motion made and seconded, the following Bills were read a first time – (a) The National Agency for Drug Control Bill (No. VI of 2025). (b) The Vallée d’Osterlog Endemic Garden Foundation (Repeal) Bill (No. VII of 2025).

Madam Speaker will now take the chair. At this stage, Madam Speaker took the Chair.

Please be seated! Yes, hon. Dr. Boolell! Second Reading THE VALLÉE D’OSTERLOG ENDEMIC GARDEN FOUNDATION (REPEAL) BILL (No. VII of 2025)

93 Order for Second Reading read. (4.18 p.m.)

Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the Vallée d’Osterlog Endemic Garden Foundation (Repeal) Bill (No. VII of 2025) be read a second time. The findings of the Office of Public Sector Governance are revealing. No responsible government can be indifferent to mismanagement. A technical committee was set up at the level of the Ministry to assess all the financial implications and logistical means. It reached the conclusion that the best course of action is to transfer all activities of the Vallée d’Osterlog Endemic Garden Foundation to the National Parks Conservation Service. Consequently, the Native Terrestrial Biodiversity and National Parks Act will be amended. Madam Speaker, I was Minister of Agro-Industry when I moved this Bill in 2007. It is a body corporate and covers an area of 275 hectares of pristine forest comprising endangered and indigenous plant species. An amazing garden with its flora and fauna. The management and administration of the garden should have been paramount. The Vallée d’Osterlog is a site where pink pigeons are displayed and it will eventually become a release site for these birds. Beautiful parakeets fly over, the valley of beautiful birds indeed, the pink pigeon was brought from near extinction by Carl Jones, an ornithologist of world repute. It is a heaven and gateway to birders paradise. It was the Prime Minister, hon. Dr. Navin Ramgoolam who was right to save another valley, that is, the Vallée de Ferney. A blessing indeed, otherwise a motorway would have cut across it. President Macron in his official visit will plant the traditional tree at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden and will make the most of cultural heritage of the garden to consolidate the strong bond between our Small Island Developing State, Ocean State and the Republic of France. Some will call it garden diplomacy! Madam Speaker, the newly appointed High Commissioner to London, a keen botanist and scientific will reestablish contact with Royal Botanic Gardens, likeminded research centres and the Vallée d’Osterlog endemic garden. Our best endeavour is to save endemic species, training of staff and the setting up of seed bank are vital. The valley is an attractive place not sought after by natural lovers. The garden was centre for research, development and innovation, of learning for school children and a randonnée for the wider public. A garden with a window to majestic valley of great and exclusive beauty, wetlands, rivers, canals,

94 cascades, glens with amazing flora and fauna, making the young excited about something fundamental, primitive and contact with nature. This is the place where you put the damn phone down! The foundation was financed initially by funding from the National Parks Conservation Fund. Self-financing will have been inevitable if it had been properly managed. Much hope was pinned on the board comprising ten members. All the hope and expectations were dashed as from 2015. Matters deteriorated at an incredible pace since 2016. The director wielded power with a ruthlessness, unfit of a manager! It is a curse, and management has been abysmal! Absolutely shocking! He is on a permanent and pensionable establishment of the foundation. Does he legitimately deserve any entitlement? Guilty of negligence and crimes against nature, unbelievable and unbeatable unscrupulousness! Sometimes what is legal is not always legitimate. The then government acted irresponsibly and allowed descent into chaos. Management was topsy-turvy. Over the recent years, the foundation formulated three strategic plans: 2020- 2022, 2021-2026, 2022-2027. Merely an eye wash! No action plan was prepared for implementation. The director ruled with an iron fist, full of himself and waged a psychological warfare to undermine management, instil fear and moral of staff silent. Vacant, unfunded post of key positions, such as Technical Manager, Scientific Manager, Administrative Manager and a Human Resource Manager; these posts were never filled. The 33 workers of the foundation are protected under the Workers’ Rights Act 2019. 28 out of the 33 are employed on a permanent and pensionable establishment of the foundation, including the director. Five persons are employed on temporary basis. They will all, except the director, be transferred to the National Parks and Conservation Service on a permanent and pensionable establishment. Section 4 (7) of the Savings and transitional provisions clause of the Bill makes provision for the termination of his appointment upon commencement of the Foundation Bill (Repeal) Act. He will be paid his pension benefits if any in accordance with such pension schemes as may be applicable to him. The guy must go! As to procurement exercise, the Office of the Public Sector Governance had this to say – “During the last procurement exercise held in April 2023, the APSO had issued tender documents to a supplier who was debarred by the Public Procurement Office from

95 participating in public procurement from August 2021 to August 2024 for misconduct relating to submission of a bid.” A case of no return, but aided and abetted by the indifference of an irresponsible regime. The inertia of the regime of Pravind Jugnauth was a trademark, except when he had to put the hands in the tills and pockets of taxpayers. The decadent regime waited on the stroke of midnight to enlist the services of the Office of Public Sector Governance to conduct a thorough enquiry into the management of the Vallée d’Osterlog Endemic Garden Foundation. The findings of the report were submitted on 16 October 2023, and the word ‘poor’ featured prominently in the report. A cursory look of the report would send cold shivers down the spine over wastage, mismanagement and fraudulent practices. The repeal of the Act is a strong signal. A detailed study of the Office of Public Sector Governance gives us every reason to introduce a programme-based budgeting. The hon. Prime Minister is right, no substitute for transparency, accountability and governance. There are lessons to be learned and drawn from the repeal of this Act. Madam Speaker, if a regime is indifferent or insensitive and does not wage war aggressively on corruption. A responsible government is under the constant gaze of the watchful eyes of taxpayers. The audit report will no longer be a letter through the letter box to be perused at leisure. Game over! This Bill is a foretaste of the politics of programme-based budgeting. The foundation has to be a jewel in the crown of endemic garden. It will be entrusted to the Conservation and Park Management Department of the Ministry. The Director of the Conservator has an obligation to restore this prized garden to its pristine environment. There is no retreat nor surrender on firm commitment. Section 10A on Management and administration of Garden is the main thrust of the Bill. The Director of the National Parks and Conservation Service has taken firm commitment. We all have to live up to expectations of a nation which believes in tight scrutiny of sustainable environment. I have impressed upon the Directors of the National Parks and Conservation Service, and Forestry not to look back but to draw lessons to level up and this is an opportunity which is knocking to revamp the centre, making it into a centre of repute. An endemic garden with a seed bank is as good as gold and a joy for all from scientific world to the mere mortals seeking solace from mother nature. It can be a potential for biodiversity carbon credit. With these words, Madam Speaker, I commend the Bill to the House.

96

Thank you. Mr Bhagwan rose and seconded.

Mr Bhagwan! (4.27 p.m.) The Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change (Mr R. Bhagwan): Merci, Madame la présidente. Madame la présidente, aujourd’hui, cet après-midi, nous débattons un texte de loi qu’on peut qualifier de fort symbolique, par rapport à notre responsabilité intergénérationnelle. Madame la présidente, un acte fort, concret et symbolique. Madame la présidente, que lèguerons-nous à nos arrières petits-enfants ? Un grouillant centre financier et touristique ? D’importantes réserves dans une grande banque internationale ? Non, Madame la présidente, notre responsabilité envers…

Do not touch the mike!

…les futures…

Do not touch the mike! Yes.

…générations va bien au-delà de cela. Nous devons laisser à nos enfants une planète qui leur permettrait, tout au moins, de bénéficier des mêmes conditions de vie que nous avons connues. Le contraire serait injuste, égoïste, et à court-termiste. Madame la présidente, nous voulons à travers ces amendements, préparer le terrain pour quelque chose de plus grand, de plus fondamental : la reconnaissance du droit de la nature dans notre Constitution. C’est un changement de cap. Il ne s’agit plus de nettoyer ce qu’on salit, ce qui est élémentaire. Il ne s’agit pas seulement de protéger l’environnement, mais d’apprendre à respecter toutes les formes de vies se trouvant sur notre planète, les droits de la nature. Madame la présidente, une vision forte et courageuse d’un gouvernement qui agit, un gouvernement du changement. Située non loin d’Eau Bleue, la Vallée d’Osterlog est l’un des derniers sanctuaires de biodiversité encore préservé de notre île. La Vallée d’Osterlog abrite une flore et une faune endémique rare, avec au moins 67 espèces de plantes déjà identifiées. Parmi la grande diversité de plantes, certaines portent des noms créoles malgré imagés, tel que ‘Bois Cassant’, ‘Takamaka’, ‘Bois Corail’, ‘Bois Bouquet Banané’, ‘Langue de Vache’,

97 ‘Bois de Natte’ ou encore de ‘Bois Margoze’. La Vallée d’Osterlog est l’un des derniers refuges de la flore native de l’île. On ne le répètera jamais assez, seulement 2 % du territoire est couvert de foret native, principalement dans le sud-ouest, le sud-est et sur certaines îles satellites. Avec 39 % de plantes, 80 % des oiseaux non-marins, 80 % des reptiles et 40 % des chauves-souris considérées comme endémiques, Maurice, petit point perdu dans l’océan, a un niveau élevé d’endémisme, au point où le pays a été désigné par l’Union internationale pour la conservation de la nature, comme un centre de diversité végétale, et il fait même partie du hotspot de biodiversité de Madagascar, et des îles de l’Océan Indien. Madame la présidente, une biodiversité unique, mais bien fragile, tellement fragile. Actuellement 89 %, oui 89 % de la flore endémique mauricienne est considérée comme menacée, et 61 espèces indigènes sont déjà classées comme éteintes ; le Perroquet à large bec et deux espèces de tortues géantes, sont comme on le dit dans le jargon ‘as dead as a Dodo’. Nonobstant bien sûr, le fait que la science travaille à faire renaître le dodo. Concernant les espèces végétales endémiques, 141 sont en danger critique. De nombreux efforts sont en cours, mais les défis restent énormes. La stratégie nationale pour la biodiversité a défini cinq objectifs stratégiques, dont l’établissement d’un réseau représentatif et viable des zones protégées. Parmi les huit zones classées Protected Endemic Sanctuaries (PES), il y a justement la Vallée d’Osterlog. Tout comme l’île aux Aigrettes et les Gorges de Rivière Noire, ces sanctuaires endémiques sont des poches de vie, ils abritent ce qu’il nous reste de la biodiversité originelle. Ils sont les derniers bastions de forêt native, les refuges des plantes et animaux endémiques, les poumons verts de notre avenir. Madame la présidente, tout comme la protection, la conservation et la gestion des zones environnementales sensibles sont d’importance capitale pour le fonctionnement naturel de ces lieux, et la viabilité du développement socio-économique du pays. Un comité que moi-même je préside avec le Junior Minister Joanna Bérenger, l’Environmentally Sensitive Areas Committee, qui se veut être une plateforme de coordination facilitant la collaboration entre ministères, organismes et ONG concernés, contribuera à la protection et la préservation des zones écologiquement sensibles, par le biais de politiques gouvernementales, de programmes ciblés, et des initiatives stratégiques et de normes spécifiques.

98 Le but, Madame la présidente, est de préserver leur intégrité et de maintenir leurs fonctions écologiques. Les disparités relevées dans les études précédentes portant sur trois zones écologiquement sensibles, à savoir les marais côtiers, les zones humides d’altitude, et les mangroves font actuellement l’objet d’un travail de révision confié à un cabinet de consultants pour une durée de six mois. De plus, reconnaissant l’importance des zones écologiquement sensibles en tant que rempart naturel protégeant à la fois la population et la biodiversité, le gouvernement s’engage à introduire une loi sur les zones écologiquement sensibles en cohérence avec son programme. Cette loi servira de socle à un développement véritablement durable. À ce sujet, des consultations pour la révision de l’ébauche de l’ESA Bill a déjà démarré. Madame la présidente, en abrogeant la loi qui encadrait jusque-là la fondation de la Vallée d’Osterlog, et en transférant la gestion de la vallée au National Parks and Conservation Service, nous faisons un choix du bon sens. Le gouvernement n’a pas perdu de temps pour réagir et agir. Il a pris acte comme l’a bien dit mon collègue, du rapport de The Office of the Public Sector Governance qui a pointé du doigt un grave disfonctionnement dans la gouvernance de la Vallée d’Osterlog. Déficit de leadership et mauvaise gestion, comme c’était la pratique sous l’ancien gouvernement MSM. Un constat qui ne pouvait être ignoré. Le NPCS est l’entité publique dédiée à la gestion de nos parcs nationaux. Son mandat par rapport à la biodiversité terrestre est clair : protéger, restaurer, et sensibiliser. Il est donc tout à fait logique que l’administration de la Vallée d’Osterlog passe sous la loupe du National Parks and Conservation Service. Cependant, Madame la présidente, ne nous voilons pas la face. La protection de la biodiversité n’est pas l’affaire du NPCS et celle du ministère de l’Environnement. Elle est à la fois la responsabilité environnementale et un enjeu économique et social majeur pour le pays, signifiant que tous, autorités nationales comme régionale, et citoyens surtout doivent se sentir concernés. Cinq facteurs majeurs influent sur la diversité biologique – 1. La conservation de milieux naturels en milieux artificiels est la cause principale de la destruction et du morcellement des écosystèmes.

99 2. Les pollutions de l’air, du sol, de l’eau, mais aussi lumineuse et sonore, affectent tous les aspects de l’environnement. Par exemple, le plastique pollue les milieux et touche tous les organismes qui les peuplent. 3. La surexploitation des ressources compromet gravement le fonctionnement des écosystèmes et leur renouvellement. 4. Le changement climatique influe sur les cycles de vie de l’ensemble des êtres vivants. Il impacte également la répartition géographique des espèces et donc, la chaîne alimentaire. Les écosystèmes sont des excellents thermomètres des effets du changement climatique et leur gestion doit prendre en compte les évolutions constatées. 5. L’introduction volontaire ou involontaire par l’homme d’espèces exotiques envahissantes (EEE) impacte tous les milieux et les territoires. Nos forêts, nos rivières, nos oiseaux, nos plantes endémiques auront droit à l’existence, à la régénération et à la protection. Et la Vallée d’Osterlog, avec ses 275 hectares de biodiversité, jouera un rôle essentiel dans cette transition. Le nouveau cadre permettra – • La valorisation de la recherche scientifique, tant disparue ; • La formation des jeunes à l’écologie mauricienne ; • L’accueil du public dans le respect du vivant ; • La restauration des espèces menacées. Ce sanctuaire – que j’invite beaucoup de mes collègues à aller visiter – deviendra un lieu de reconnexion, d’identité, où chacun pourra sentir qu’il fait partie de cette île, de cette nature, et de ce tout fragile mais magnifique. J’inviterai mon collègue à organiser une visite pour les membres du Parlement, avec vous, à la tête.

Exactly! Très bonne idée !

M. la présidente, protéger la nature, c’est penser l’avenir autrement. C’est défendre une autre idée de progrès, fondée sur la justice écologique, la solidarité intergénérationnelle, la responsabilité collective. Vivre en harmonie avec la nature pour une meilleure santé et une meilleure qualité de vie. À travers les parcours de santé comme le Dauguet, que j’avais moi-même initié une vingtaine d’années de cela, avec le ministère de l’Environnement, nous sommes en train de le réhabiliter en ce moment. Et c’est sûr, mes deux amis de la circonscription numéro 2 seront

100 partie prenante de cette réhabilitation. Nous voulons maintenir ce lien avec la nature et faire de la biophilie une passion de nos concitoyens. Alors, aujourd’hui, Madame la présidente, je demande à mes collègues de voter ce texte de loi avec conviction parce qu’il porte en lui plus qu’une réforme. Il porte une vision, une cohérence et une espérance ; celle d’un pays qui prend soin de son vivant ; celle d’un gouvernement qui agit et celle d’une nation qui choisit la voie de la responsabilité, du respect et de l’avenir de la nature. Je vous remercie.

Merci ! Yes, hon. Dr. Ms Thannoo! (4.40 p.m.) Dr. Ms B. Thannoo (Second Member for Quartier Militaire & Moka): Thank you, Madam Speaker. We, ecologists, welcome this Bill. We are very happy, which is a very rare phenomenon. While we await inclusion of the rights of nature in our Constitution and the Environmentally Sensitive Area Bill, we applaud the Government’s commitment to protect the Vallée of Osterlog, a prime sanctuary, indeed, for our endangered endemic species. Madam Speaker, every conservation act is about protecting life, protecting nature, protecting our ecosystems that are currently under dire threat. We live now in the era of the Anthropocene. As we mention again and again, what is the Anthropocene? It is the era where man has crossed all planetary boundaries, heralding an era of uncertainty as to humanity’s future. We have crossed all limits whereby the stratosphere could self-regulate. Man’s industrial activities are now irreversibly altering the planet. The future is dark for future generations. We are currently experiencing the sixth mass extinction and human life itself is at stake. Thus, when this Government embraces its duty, its prime responsibility to protect nature during this era, we can but thank our decision-makers to be guardians of life by protecting nature. With this Bill, the Government is laying the firm foundation for an eco-centric future. It is honouring its pledge to protect our fragile ecosystems as laid out in our Government Programme. It is the eco-centric future we want. It is the eco-centric future we need. It is the eco-centric future we will continue to fight for, with every fibre of our being. A responsible

101 State, an ecologically conscious State, ready to invest in our ESAs, our Environmentally Sensitive Areas, will pave the way for a whole nation to become custodians of nature. Let us be mindful of what being a custodian means. Among indigenous people across the world, the people who are foremost in the battle against the mass annihilation of our ecosystems, to be a custodian means to be a duty-bound benevolent guardian. It does not involve the concept of ownership which is a capitalist perversion of our relationship with nature. To be a guardian, to be a custodian means to recognise our prime and sacred duty towards protecting nature. We do not own it. We take care of it with benevolence, with humble knowledge that our survival depends on nature. The Vallée of Osterlog can indeed exemplify how Mauritians can be custodians, that is, benevolent guardians of nature. Thus, the public management of our ESAs may follow the model of custodianship as practiced by indigenous people across the world. May I remind the House of the rich eco-conscious cultures of the aborigine and Torres Strait Islander peoples from Australia; indigenous people to whom we are connected through a sacred rapport with nature. Our Indian Ocean history of cultural connections that precede European colonisation link us with indigeneity across the oceanic rim. We carry within us our legacies of our ancestors, indigenous people, who were taken from their lands and whose connections with nature have always been sacred. To be a custodian means to protect the sanctity of nature and not to own it or use it for profiteering. Thus, the Vallée of Osterlog can be the model of how our citizens may be involved in the act of conservation through the sharpening of a collective sense of sacred responsibility towards our natural environment. We are hereby engaging with alternative epistemologies – a complex term – to actually identify how we view the world from different perspectives other than European colonisation and natural intelligence whereby we recognise alternative modes of being embedded in nature and essential to indigeneity. We are hereby decolonising our minds. It is the only way for saving the planet. The indigenous epistemology and mode of being with nature that will allow to navigate the climate crisis and protect our ESAs, our homeland and our planet as a whole. Madam Speaker, may I read from an indigenous poet, Tanaya Winder Sperm, on the indigenous sacred in nature – “Stand with us as accomplices. Follow our lead for we have always been well versed in survival. We were shaped by fire, made from lightning and dirt-covered hands that

102 know when to ignite healing. Now is the time. Let us not drown in Mother Earth’s tears. Mother Earth has a spirit and she’s asking us to listen.” Indigenous people have always been custodians of planet Earth. This Government is hereby following suit by shouldering responsibility towards protecting the Vallée of Osterlog, our prime ESA. To manage the Vallée of Osterlog with the people’s participation will ensure that it is managed with sensitivity and understanding. It will be the model of how other ESAs across the island may be managed in an inclusive, participatory and democratic manner. Additionally, through the provision made for scientific research, this Bill ascertains that conservationists may not only be based on local awareness, participation and knowledge, but on the scientific contributions of experts as it was accomplished under the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Too often, Madam Speaker, we have witnessed the distress of conservationists in Mauritius whose appeals have landed on deaf ears. May I refer to research accomplished by Professor Vincent Florence and his team on the ecological crisis we face in Mauritius. He has constantly drawn attention to how our indigenous forest are dying with proven scientific data. This Bill bespeaks change by precisely foregrounding the need for scientific expertise, such as projects led by Professor Florence. Such scientific endeavours, we reaffirm can operate in collaborative, inclusive and democratic spheres with local people under the aegis of government led initiatives. With this Bill, Madam Speaker, we can initiate alternative economic models that revere nature, protect it and protect life. The Vallée of Osterlog is a prime ecological jewel. It incorporates unparallelled natural beauty, thrives with biodiversity and has to be safeguarded with responsible and carefully managed eco-tourism. The Bill refers to recreational activity that may be organised within its midst. This Government bears the utmost responsibility with instigating a form of carefully managed tourism so that our endemic species and biodiversity continue to flourish. This Bill emphasises the State’s duty towards protecting biodiversity while identifying responsible economic models that will in effect shield our biodiversity from ongoing threat. To quote Vandana Shiva – “Biodiversity is the interconnectedness through which all life flows: food and nutrition, water, oxygen and breath, endosomatic energy, the energy of living systems.

103 We are a strand in the web of life. Humans have been separated from nature through what I describe as eco-apartheid.” Indeed, we have been disconnected from nature. In a world of hyper consumerism, the world of malls, shopping and constant buying that has entailed generations entrapped in the endless pursuit of short-term false gratification. This sense of false gratification has been scientifically linked with higher rates of depression among contemporary generations. The Vallée of Osterlog, a jewel to be protected by the State, by the people, for the people, with the people, will be an example of how we can disconnect from the mindless realm of consumption to a sphere focused on human wellbeing, to reconnect with nature, to protect it and build alternative economic models centred on wellbeing of both humans and nature. Through the Vallée of Osterlog, this Government is breaking with the capitalist model that only identifies as consumers. A model that dehumanises us! This Government recognises our inherent human need, that is, to reconnect with nature and retrieve our humanity. It centres on our rights to access our natural sites across Mauritius for our collective wellbeing. Our wellbeing, Madam Speaker, is dependent on biodiversity as the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated. This pandemic erupted from the disruption of natural ecosystems when a disease, common among bats, was transferred to human beings. Protecting our biodiversity is about protecting life, protecting humanity and ensuring the planet has a future. David Attenborough affirms that – “For life to truly thrive on this planet, there must be immense biodiversity. Only when billions of different individual organisms make the most of every resource and opportunity they encounter, and millions of species lead lives that interlock so that they sustain each other, can the planet run efficiently. The greater the biodiversity, the more secure will be all life on Earth, including ourselves be. Yet, the way we humans are now living on Earth is sending biodiversity into a decline.” To protect the Vallée of Osterlog is to protect biodiversity. It is to protect life. With this Bill, we are demonstrating to our children how an eco-conscious Government can work towards saving the future. This Government is precisely living up to its pledge: to uphold life. With these words, I commend the Bill to the House. Thank you.

Yes, hon. Minister, you have to do your summing up!

104 (4.55 p.m.)

Madam Speaker, since brevity is the soul of the wit, I shall be brief. We have had the pleasure to listen to two excellent speeches and these speeches come from the inner process of the heart. As hon. Dr. Ms Thannoo has stated, “let us not drown in the tears of Mother Earth.” This Bill is an SOS – Saving Our Souls, and this is precisely what this responsible Government is doing. There has been no retreat, no surrender and we have acted without fear or prejudice to save the Vallée d’Osterlog, Madam Speaker. I do not have to remind Members of the House as to the findings of the Office of Public Sector of Governance. We have wasted no time to take corrective measures. I have impressed upon the Director of the National Parks and Conservation Service. Now that the foundation has been entrusted to him – this is a garden, this is a jewel of our crown – he has to live up to the expectations and he has to deliver. So, responsibilities are there and they have to live up to the expectations because these are the expectations, not only of the House, but of the nation. So, Madam Speaker, our vision is that the service, together with its numerous partners will be able to enhance the Vallée d’Osterlog Endemic Garden and bring it to standards to be recognised by the local community and the international community. With these words, Madam Speaker, I thank you very much.

I take it you again commend the Bill to the House?

My apologies, I commend the Bill to the House.

It is alright, we are all humans.

I commend the Bill to the House.

Your friend will second the motion that it be commended to the House. Question put and agreed to. Bill read a second time and committed. COMMITTEE STAGE (Madam Speaker in the Chair)

105 The Vallée d’Osterlog Endemic Garden Foundation (Repeal) Bill (No. VII of 2025) was considered and agreed to. On the Assembly resuming with Madam Speaker in the Chair, Madam Speaker reported accordingly.

Madam Speaker, before I come to the third reading, let me first of all convey my apologies to you for trying to rush the Bill through.

Do not worry. We are all humans as I said.

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

We want to be better humans if I understand well. Third Reading On motion made and seconded, the Vallée d’Osterlog Endemic Garden Foundation (Repeal) Bill (No. VII of 2025) was read a third time and passed. ADJOURNMENT

Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this Assembly do now adjourn to Tuesday 15 April 2025 at 11.30 a.m. The Deputy Prime Minister rose and seconded. Question put and agreed to.

The House stands adjourned. I have someone who has an adjournment matter. Yes, go ahead. MATTERS RAISED (5.01 p.m.) POTATO GROWERS – REPLANTATION OF POTATO – SUBSIDIES Mr M. Seeburn (Second Member for Vieux Grand Port & Rose Belle): Madam Speaker, allow me with your permission to raise a matter of urgent public importance addressed to the hon. Minister of Agro Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries with regard to the delay in disbursing subsidies for the replantation of potato to the potato growers. Can the hon. Minister do the needful to expedite matters to address these concerns?

I am not going to say: ‘apply today, yesterday reply’, but I thank my hon. friend for

106 raising the matter. I have taken the matter with the Junior Minister and the Financial Secretary. Matters are going to be expedited to give satisfaction to planters. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Minister. Yes! (5.02 p.m.) FLACQ MARKET – RENOVATION WORKS Mr C. Ramkalawon (Third Member for Flacq & Bon Accueil): Madam Speaker, my request is addressed to the hon. Minister of Local Government. Will the Minister kindly state the measures taken by his Ministry concerning the renovation works at the Bazar de Flacq and mention when is the work starting, please?

We will reply to it. I will reply to it.

Je n’ai rien compris, you will try to do the needful? Is that what you said?

Yes!

Okay. Thank you, everybody! At 5.03 p.m., the Assembly was, on its rising, adjourned to Tuesday 15 April 2025 at 11.30 a.m. WRITTEN ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS FORMER SPEAKER & DEPUTY SPEAKER – OFFICIAL OVERSEAS MISSIONS – COST INCURRED