437. It is a matter of pride for the country to be among those nations equipped with such state-ofthe-art technology for weather observation. The Doppler Weather Radar acts as a weather
observation tool to enhance the capability of the Mauritius Meteorological Services (MMS) to
track cyclones with greater accuracy as well as to strengthen the capacity of meteorologists in their
forecast of torrential rains leading to flash floods. In this context over 60 persons were trained
locally to maintain the Radar and interpret Radar products. The Doppler Weather Radar will
certainly contribute towards a weather resilient nation.
438. The Land Drainage Authority Act has come into operation in 2018. A Land Drainage
Authority (LDA) has been set up in response to the problems encountered due to inadequate and
inefficient drainage system. The LDA is tasked to develop and implement a Land Drainage
Masterplan to increase our resilience against flash floods. In this respect, a new high resolution
Digital Elevation Model (DEM).
439. In August 2018, the National Environment Fund set up under The Environment Protection
Act (EPA) was amended by the Finance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2018 to broaden the scope
of allow for the implementation of various projects to protect the environment and mitigate risks
associated with climate change. Government has made an initial contribution of Rs 2 billion to the
National Environment Fund from the Consolidated Fund.
440. Following the recurring episodes of flash floods where marginalized groups had been
severely affected, a Ministerial Committee was set up by Government to review the protocol
applicable during natural disasters. A revised formal protocol for the Organisation, Coordination
and Disaster Management Activities, has been made effective since December 2018.As per the
Protocol, during flash floods/torrential rain, three meals per day will be provided to refugees. The
Mauritius Prisons Service (MPS) will prepare the quantity of bread as per demand in the refugee
centres.
441. To mitigate beach erosion and increase resilience against adverse effects of climate change
and sea level rise, the government is implementing conservation plans prepared by the Japan
International Cooperation Agency (JICA) along 14 coastal sites.
442. Mauritius has implemented a three-year community based coral culture project (2017 –
2020) which aims at training and providing capacity building of the coastal communities in coral
culture and reef rehabilitation techniques at four locations around the island. Approximately 110
coastal community members, comprising 85% male and 15% female, have registered under a
“Coral Culture Training Programme”.
443. Following suit to the leadership of Rodrigues Regional Administration (RRA) in 2014,
Mauritius also banned the use of plastic bags in 2016. This has opened up windows of
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