On 18 February 2026, representatives of YUVA Mauritius participated in a consultative workshop centred on the upcoming ESA Act 2025–2029, organised under the United Nations Development Programme / Global Environment Facility initiative on Mainstreaming Sustainable Land Management and Biodiversity Conservation in Mauritius. The session brought together civil society organisations to discuss the future Environmental Stewardship Agreement framework and the role NGOs will play in its implementation across the country.

Rather than beginning with formal speeches or presentations, the workshop opened in a direct and practical manner. Barrister Priyal Bunwaree immediately set the tone with a concise introduction to the purpose of the meeting: to engage NGOs as active partners in strengthening environmental governance and conservation efforts across the island.

A Participatory Start

After her brief overview, participants were invited to introduce their organisations one by one. This segment proved particularly valuable, as it allowed each NGO not only to present its mission and current work but also to situate itself within the broader environmental landscape of Mauritius.

Approximately seven NGOs were present, representing a range of expertise — from community mobilisation and youth engagement to conservation advocacy and environmental education. The introductions revealed both overlaps and complementary strengths, highlighting the potential for collaboration rather than competition.

Barrister Bunwaree encouraged each organisation to reflect on how it could contribute to specific components of the ESA framework. Instead of treating NGOs as passive beneficiaries or implementers, the discussion framed them as partners with distinct capacities. This approach underscored a growing recognition that sustainable land management cannot succeed without grassroots involvement and local ownership.

For YUVA Mauritius, whose work often intersects with youth empowerment, community development, and sustainability, the discussion reinforced the importance of connecting environmental issues with social realities on the ground.

Understanding the ESA Framework

A significant portion of the workshop focused on the upcoming ESA Act 2025–2029, which is expected to shape environmental stewardship mechanisms for the next several years. Participants were informed that while the framework is intended to build on previous legislation, its establishment has experienced delays.

According to Barrister Bunwaree, the intention is to model the new framework on the ESA Act introduced in 2009, adapting it to contemporary environmental challenges while preserving the structure that previously enabled coordinated action. The earlier framework demonstrated that formal agreements between authorities and civil society can help translate policy into measurable outcomes.

However, the delay in finalising the new Act has created uncertainty among organisations that are eager to plan long-term initiatives. Several participants expressed concern that without clear timelines and guidelines, it becomes difficult to secure funding, mobilise volunteers, or design programmes aligned with national priorities.

The discussion therefore moved beyond legal technicalities to practical questions: How can NGOs prepare now? What types of projects are likely to be prioritised? And how can smaller organisations ensure they are not excluded from participation?

Legal Awareness as a Key Priority

Another important theme was the need for broader awareness of the ESA legal framework once it is formally established. Barrister Bunwaree emphasised that legislation alone does not guarantee impact; it must be understood by those expected to implement or benefit from it.

Many environmental policies struggle not because they are poorly designed, but because stakeholders lack clarity about their rights, responsibilities, and opportunities for engagement. For community-based organisations, navigating legal language can be particularly challenging.

The workshop therefore highlighted the potential for awareness initiatives targeting NGOs, community leaders, and local groups. Such efforts could include simplified guides, training sessions, and outreach programmes to ensure the framework is accessible rather than intimidating.

For YUVA Mauritius, this emphasis resonated strongly. Empowering communities requires not only knowledge of environmental issues but also understanding of the legal tools available to protect natural resources. When citizens know how to engage with policy frameworks, they are better positioned to advocate for sustainable practices.

The Question of Categorisation

One of the more exploratory discussions centred on whether NGOs participating in the ESA framework should be categorised according to their areas of expertise or capacity. While categorisation could streamline coordination and ensure that organisations are matched with suitable projects, it also raised concerns.

Some participants felt that rigid classifications might limit flexibility or exclude organisations that work across multiple sectors. Environmental challenges are inherently interconnected; land management, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and community development often overlap. Assigning organisations to narrow categories could overlook this complexity.

Others argued that some form of structure is necessary to avoid duplication of efforts and to ensure accountability. Without clear roles, projects may become fragmented or inefficient.

Barrister Bunwaree acknowledged that this issue remains unresolved. Authorities are still evaluating whether categorisation would enhance or hinder the effectiveness of the ESA framework. The workshop thus served as a space for honest dialogue rather than definitive conclusions.

Collaboration Over Competition

A notable takeaway from the session was the emphasis on collaboration among NGOs. By hearing each other’s introductions and perspectives, participants gained a clearer sense of the collective capacity available within civil society.

Environmental protection in Mauritius faces numerous pressures, including land degradation, biodiversity loss, and the impacts of climate change on a small island ecosystem. No single organisation can address these challenges alone. Partnerships — between NGOs, government agencies, international bodies, and local communities — are essential.

The workshop subtly encouraged organisations to move away from siloed approaches toward more coordinated action. Sharing expertise, resources, and networks can amplify impact while reducing duplication.

For YUVA Mauritius, the meeting opened possibilities for future partnerships, particularly in areas where youth engagement can support environmental initiatives. Young people are often eager to participate in conservation activities but lack structured opportunities to do so. Frameworks like the ESA could provide those pathways if implemented inclusively.

Looking Ahead

Although the workshop did not produce immediate policy decisions, it served as an important step in shaping how civil society will engage with the forthcoming ESA Act. By involving NGOs early in the process, the organisers signalled a commitment to participatory governance rather than top-down implementation.

Several key needs emerged:

• Clear timelines for the establishment of the ESA Act 2025–2029
• Accessible information about legal provisions and participation mechanisms
• Support for capacity building among NGOs
• Thoughtful consideration of whether categorisation will help or hinder collaboration
• Continued dialogue between authorities and civil society

The session also highlighted the importance of patience. Environmental governance often moves slowly, constrained by legal procedures, consultations, and administrative processes. Yet the urgency of ecological challenges means that stakeholders are eager for progress.

A Meaningful Step Forward

Workshops like this may appear modest, but they play a crucial role in building trust and shared understanding. By bringing together organisations with different missions but a common concern for Mauritius’s natural heritage, the meeting laid groundwork for more coordinated action in the future.

For YUVA Mauritius, participation reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to sustainability as an integral part of youth and community development. Environmental stewardship is not separate from social progress; it is a foundation for long-term wellbeing.

As Mauritius prepares to launch the next phase of its Environmental Stewardship Agreement framework, the voices of civil society will be essential. Policies become effective only when they are translated into local action — in communities, schools, coastal areas, forests, and urban spaces alike.

The 18 February workshop did not mark the end of a process, but rather the beginning of a renewed partnership between NGOs and environmental authorities. With continued engagement, transparency, and collaboration, the forthcoming ESA Act has the potential to strengthen both conservation efforts and community participation across the island.