Reply: In line with the Government Programme 2025-2029, Government recognises the importance of Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) as natural shields to protect our people and biodiversity. The Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change (MOESWMCC) is presently working on the review and update of a draft Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) Bill of 2009 under the “Mainstreaming Sustainable Land Management (SLM) and Biodiversity Conservation in the Republic of Mauritius” project, which is funded by the United Nations Development Programme/Global Environment Fund (UNDP/GEF). The services of a Legal Specialist have been enlisted by the UNDP Country Office (CO) for that purpose. Consultations started since June 2024 with relevant stakeholders from both the public and private sectors and Non-Governmental Organisations. A validation workshop is scheduled by end of May 2026 by the UNDP Country Office, following which, a draft consolidated ESA Bill will be submitted in June 2026. With regard to part (a) of the question, the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries has informed that no assessment of the impact of the recent occurrence of low rainfall on ecologically sensitive areas has been carried out by the National Parks and Conservation Service (NPCS). With regard to part (b) of the question, the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities has informed that the water resources situation, mainly in relation to rainfall, is being closely monitored and followed at all levels. Projects are being implemented for water mobilisation, water supply and wastewater treatment and disposal. The National Water Policy is under review and a Strategic Integrated Master Plan for the water sector will be prepared. River Reserves (riverine buffers) are protected under the Forests and Reserves Act. The Forestry Service has increased its frequency of patrols for enforcement of the Act and its Regulations on State lands and Reserves, including on river reserves and mountain reserves. With a view of accelerating climate resilience, several mini forests in rural and urban areas have been set up. The Forestry Service has also been working in partnership with the NGO Natir to rehabilitate the water catchment area near the Mare aux Vacoas Reservoir on a pilot project. Approximately 5,500 native trees have been introduced across 4 hectares of land, with restoration efforts along the riverine buffers. The NPCS is currently monitoring the creation of a new wetland at Les Salines, Rivière Noire, by New Mauritius Hotels Ltd, in line with conditions issued in the Environmental Impact Assessment licence issued to the latter by the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change.