Launched in January 2023 by the CIEL Group, the agroresidential project Farm Living de Ferney, whose concept is eco-responsible, started in November.
Since its presentation in January 2023, Farm Living quickly attracted a clientele sensitive to its vision for the Ferney region. This project is part of a broader initiative, the Tropical Agrihood, designed by CIEL Properties, to transform the Ferney region and its surroundings with a sustainable approach, focused on social development, outdoor recreation and conservation, in partnership with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and public bodies. Based on the Agrihood concept (which combines agriculture and neighborhood), this project integrates an innovative residential lifestyle.
It extends over 80 hectares of agricultural land, near the Ferney Agrihub and integrates sustainable agriculture, reforestation, bioclimatic houses, the active engagement of villagers and the preservation of the natural environment, including the sea, green spaces, the mountains and the forest of the Vallée de Ferney.
Farm Living offers a way of life in harmony with nature and the local community of Ferney. Located on low-density land with plant fences, this project is a success, with almost all the agroresidential lots already sold. The various components of the project should take shape significantly by 2025.
A portion of 17 hectares, representing 22% of the total surface area, will be dedicated to a reforestation program with plant species endemic to Mauritius. This initiative is part of Ferney’s long-standing commitment to the conservation of biodiversity in the South-East of the island. To mark the launch of the program, three endemic trees, closely linked to Ferney’s preservation projects, were planted on November 7 on the site of the first developments. Starting with Poupartia borbonica. This emblematic tree is closely linked to the history of the pink pigeon in Ferney. Reintroduced into the Valley between 2016 and 2017 with 30 birds, this species has flourished, giving rise to numerous successful reproductions.
In 2022, 37 ringed pigeons demonstrated the success of this initiative. The other tree is ebony. Formerly exploited intensively, ebony wood represents the ecological heritage of Mauritius. In Ferney, its preservation is part of a sustainable approach, aiming to protect and rehabilitate endemic ecosystems, while promoting this unique heritage. And finally, the last endemic tree is the Takamaka. This tree, which can reach eight meters, embodies resilience. Once used for boat building, today it plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem, its fruits feeding endemic fruit bats. Its preservation reflects Ferney’s commitment to Mauritian biodiversity. The Vallée de Ferney, a mecca for ecological conservation, remains outside the perimeter of Farm Living.
The 76 lots in the agro-residential zone will be developed by their owners, in accordance with rigorous specifications. This imposes ecological agricultural practices on most of the land, as well as the construction of a house with a low carbon footprint, integrating a bioclimatic design and photovoltaic systems.
Farm Living is part of the continuity of the actions of the CIEL Group to develop sustainable and innovative agriculture in Ferney, while supporting an approach farm to forka food system that respects the environment and favors local producers. Since 2020, the Ferney Agri-Hub has welcomed around fifteen agri-entrepreneurs specializing in sustainable agriculture. This proximity offers owners Farm Living quality support to manage their agricultural plots.
Furthermore, as part of the Agrihood vision, several training initiatives, development in sustainable agriculture and marketing of agricultural products have been put in place for residents of villages in the Ferney region, with the support of the CIEL Group. Among them, the model farm stands out. This is a solidarity project bringing together a dozen housewives. For two years, they have been practicing agroecological agriculture, without chemicals, on land in Ferney. Other projects aimed at promoting the products of farmers and artisans from Ferney, Grand-Port, Bambous-Virieux, Mahébourg and their surrounding areas are also in preparation.
