80 Hectares, 76 Lots: Farm Living Flourishes in Ferney

Launched in January 2023 by the CIEL Group, the eco-friendly agro-residential project known as Farm Living in Ferney has been underway since November. Since its introduction, the concept has quickly captivated a clientele that appreciates its vision for the region.

Farm Living is part of a broader initiative called Tropical Agrihood, developed by CIEL Properties, aimed at transforming Ferney and its surroundings through sustainable practices, social development, outdoor recreational opportunities, and conservation efforts, in collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and public entities.

Rooted in the concept of ‘Agrihood’—a blend of agriculture and community—Farm Living embodies a contemporary residential lifestyle.

Spanning 80 hectares of farmland near the Ferney Agrihub, the project incorporating sustainable agriculture, reforestation, bioclimatic homes, active community involvement, and environmental preservation, considering the natural surroundings including the sea, green spaces, mountains, and the Ferney Valley forest.

Farm Living promotes a lifestyle in harmony with nature and the local community.

Set on low-density plots marked by green boundaries, the project has achieved remarkable popularity, with nearly all agrorésidentiel lots already sold.

Significant development of the project’s various components is expected to occur by 2025.

Seventeen hectares, amounting to 22% of the total area, will be allocated to a reforestation program utilizing endemic plant species from Mauritius.

This initiative is part of Ferney’s long-held commitment to biodiversity conservation in the southeastern part of the island.

To commemorate the launch of this program, three endemic trees, closely associated with Ferney’s conservation efforts, were planted on November 7 as part of the first developments on the site.

The first tree, Poupartia borbonica, holds symbolic importance linked to the history of the pink pigeon in Ferney.

After being reintroduced to the Valley between 2016 and 2017, with the release of 30 birds, this species has thrived, leading to numerous successful breeding episodes.

As of 2022, 37 tagged pigeons were counted, highlighting the success of this initiative.

The second tree is the ebony tree, previously overharvested and representing Mauritius’s ecological heritage.

In Ferney, efforts to preserve this tree are part of a sustainable approach focused on protecting and rehabilitating endemic ecosystems while honoring the unique environmental heritage of the region.

The third tree, Takamaka, can grow up to eight meters tall and embodies resilience.

Once used in boat construction, it now plays a vital role in the local ecosystem, providing nourishment for the endemic fruit bats.

Its preservation reflects Ferney’s commitment to preserving Mauritian biodiversity.

Notably, the Ferney Valley, a significant ecological conservation area, is situated outside of Farm Living’s boundaries.

The 76 lots within the agrorésidentiel zone will be developed by their owners following stringent regulations that mandate ecological farming practices on most of the land, along with the construction of low-carbon footprint homes featuring bioclimatic design and photovoltaic systems.

Farm Living is aligning with the CIEL Group’s continuous efforts to promote sustainable and innovative agriculture in Ferney, supporting a farm-to-fork food system respecting the environment and benefits local producers.

Since 2020, the Ferney Agri-Hub has hosted about fifteen agri-entrepreneurs specializing in sustainable agriculture.

This proximity provides valuable support for Farm Living homeowners in managing their agricultural plots.

Additionally, as part of the Agrihood vision, various training initiatives, sustainable agricultural development programs, and marketing strategies for agricultural products have been established for the residents of nearby villages, with the backing of the CIEL Group.

Among these initiatives is the model farm, a community project involving a dozen housewives who have been practicing agroecological farming—without chemical products—on a Ferney plot for the past two years.

Further projects aimed at promoting products from farmers and artisans in Ferney, Grand-Port, Bambous-Virieux, Mahébourg, and surrounding areas are also in the pipeline.

Source: l’Express