Actu Actu • 2 months ago

Ferney Tropical Agrihood: An Eco-Responsible and Integrated Evolution of the Southeast

FERNEY Tropical Agrihood is at the heart of sustainable agriculture, ecovillages, and ecotourism — a project guiding the future development of certain areas within the FERNEY estate. This initiative will take place on 6% of the 3,000 hectares of the estate, primarily on former sugar cane fields.

FERNEY Tropical Agrihood promotes a healthy lifestyle close to nature while minimizing carbon footprints and enhancing the skills of the residents in the southeast of Mauritius. Designed and managed by Ferney Ltd and CIEL Properties, the FERNEY Tropical Agrihood is set to develop over the next twenty years, starting in 2026. This initiative is a first for Mauritius and was unveiled on October 22, 2025, at the Falaise Rouge restaurant in FERNEY, in the presence of Mauritian Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, government officials, local authorities, and business partners.

The conservation of FERNEY's endemic heritage will continue through the Ferney Valley forest, located in the most remote part of the estate. This program has been in place for over a decade, thanks to collaboration between FERNEY, Mauritian authorities, NGOs, and international organizations.

Bioclimatic Design

FERNEY Tropical Agrihood is based on three key pillars for its evolution over the next two decades:

  • Conservation and regeneration of nature, combined with ecotourism experiences
  • Sustainable agriculture, circular economy, and skill development
  • Residential areas with a very low built proportion, prioritizing greenery and responsible agriculture

The project also highlights gastronomy based on the local terroir of the southeast and the authenticity of Mauritian cuisine, as well as the involvement of local residents in adopting sustainable practices and participating in the Tropical Agrihood activities.

Its development will feature ample green spaces, low-carbon infrastructure, and the use of natural drains and existing pathways — focusing on minimizing flood risks during heavy rains. This also applies to the development of a new access road to the FERNEY estate from the Grand Port road, which has been ongoing since this year.

All constructions within the FERNEY Tropical Agrihood will adhere to sustainable development principles; including bioclimatic design, prioritizing local and low-carbon materials, rainwater harvesting, and greywater recycling. The project's emissions will also be offset by a comprehensive reforestation program on former sugar cane lands, increasing the estate's forest area by over 45 hectares.

A Destination; A Long-Term Vision

"The design of FERNEY Tropical Agrihood is the result of several years of work by the teams at CIEL Properties and our partners in land planning, sustainability, architecture, and compliance. We have thus given birth to the vision of a new destination in the southeast of Mauritius; an integrated and sustainable project, with very low-density construction that combines agriculture, natural heritage conservation, and ecotourism,” stated Jean-Noël Wong, CEO of CIEL Properties, the branch of the CIEL Group overseeing Ferney Ltd, the company managing FERNEY.

"Our ambition with FERNEY Tropical Agrihood is to be pioneers, fostering the emergence of a new, fulfilling lifestyle with a low carbon footprint that is close to nature. Our Tropical Agrihood is based on three essential elements: sustainable agriculture for local and international entrepreneurs, ecotourism experiences in an authentic natural setting, and a residential and commercial offer that emphasizes sustainability and agroecology," he concluded.

This approach aligns with that of the CIEL Group, which is involved in various sectors of the Mauritian economy and society, with a strong commitment to creating economic, social, and environmental value while respecting all stakeholders.

For the CIEL Group, FERNEY represents much more than just land and agricultural capital. This estate and its 3,000 hectares illustrate our commitment to preserving natural heritage and contributing to the development of the region where we are located, respecting and enhancing its natural, social, and historical assets. FERNEY exemplifies the three pillars of the CIEL Group's sustainability efforts: implementing projects for the environment; promoting inclusive growth; and fostering human skill development.

Agri-Hub and Farm Living: An Existing Showcase

Several projects that integrate into the overall concept of FERNEY Tropical Agrihood are already underway. FERNEY has hosted the FERNEY Agri-Hub for several years on former sugar cane lands, serving as a research and agroecological practice center. It welcomes Mauritian and foreign agro-entrepreneurs who employ chemical-free and environmentally respectful agricultural practices. This Agri-Hub is set to expand under the Tropical Agrihood.

The expertise available through the Agri-Hub will also contribute to the implementation of good practices within the agr-residential project Farm Living at FERNEY. Launched in 2024 on lands previously under sugar cane, Farm Living consists of agricultural lots ranging from 1 to 3 arpents, requiring cultivation of the parcel and allowing for the construction of a bioclimatic residence that is 100% energy self-sufficient. This project, with its first lots expected to be operational by 2026, aims to contribute to the country’s food security and develop the agri-entrepreneurial ecosystem in southeast Mauritius. Over 70% of the 170 arpents of the Farm Living project will be under cultivation, with 15% dedicated to reforestation and 15% for pathways and buildings. The common infrastructure of Farm Living will also prioritize vegetation barriers instead of concrete walls.

Additionally, a cooperative farming operation based on agroecological practices, chemical-free, has been in existence for four years on land allocated by Ferney Ltd to local women, who have established a social and agricultural project that has received international media attention. This project, the Zardin S.E.L.A (South East Ladies Association), illustrates one aspect of the philosophy of FERNEY Tropical Agrihood: combining sustainable agriculture, skill development, empowerment, and "farm-to-fork" practices (which encourage consumption close to the production site, thus reducing carbon footprints and promoting local farms and products).

Other actions by FERNEY reflect this philosophy of sharing expertise, showcasing local products, and immersing in preserved nature: the annual CIEL Ferney Trail since 2017, the Ferney Ti-Bazar events since November 2024, and the eco-lodges of FERNEY since 2018, among others.

The former sugar factory of Ferney will be at the heart of the first area where FERNEY Tropical Agrihood will flourish. The Farm Living project, the Agri-Hub, and the Zardin SELA are already just a few meters away from this old factory. Between fields and neighboring meadows, the existing eco-lodges offer stunning views of the distant mountains. Other components of the FERNEY Tropical Agrihood will gradually integrate into existing or developing structures.

Moreover, Ferney Ltd has also launched road access improvements to the FERNEY estate from the main road connecting Rivière des Créoles and Grand Port at the end of 2024. By the end of the works in 2026, the bend in the main road and the entrance to the estate and Tropical Agrihood will have a new look. There will be a treed roundabout, a wider and safer road bordered by trees and a pedestrian pathway, as well as a modern bus shelter and clear, aesthetic signage. This initiative will enhance the road infrastructure, benefiting the public who travels there, local residents, and visitors to FERNEY.