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Green-fingered Sustainable Home Garden competition winners receive prizes |15 October 2022

Green-fingered Sustainable Home Garden competition winners receive prizes

Minister Joubert addressing the gathering (Photos: Joena Meme)

Winners of the Sustainable Home Garden 2022 competition launched by government earlier this year as part of the campaign for a cleaner and beautiful Seychelles were yesterday presented with their prizes.

The competition, which is focused on sustainable practices such as water conservation, waste management, recycling and compost, and integration of other important plants among flowering ones, was this year, due to high demand, expanded to include a medium-garden category.

Director general for Education within the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment (MACCE), Jeanette Larue, noted that the organisers and judges were extremely satisfied with participation this year and the number of people and households practising sustainability and sustainable living practices.

Following the registration process, staff and judges visited all registered homes during the first quarter of the year, giving them advice on how to improve their gardens and ensure that they satisfy the criteria. Another set of visits were conducted mid-year to check upon their progress.

Minister Flavien Joubert commended the competition participants, as well as the ministerial effort to involve communities in efforts towards a more sustainable Seychelles.

“Involvement of community is key to making a real difference and towards progression, both in the environmental and social spheres,” he said.

"Waste remains a problem and we need to keep emphasising on the reduction of waste, and where we cannot do so, to encourage recycling. These activities also create economic opportunities for our people and improve the quality of life within our communities," Minister Joubert stated, highlighting the benefits that such projects and efforts can contribute towards improving the quality of life for the community at large.

Five winners received a number of prizes, and cash prizes sponsored by numerous business organisations across each category.

Giselle Pointe won first prize in the balcony category, followed by Gaetanne Payet and Theresianne Jeanne who each won a cash prize, some herb plants and a shield and certificate.

Sylvana Rose claimed first prize with her small garden, while Christelle Labiche came in second with hers. In third position for the small garden category was Regis Underwood. Winners in the category won a variety of prizes including cash prizes, water tanks, endemic plants, as well as a shield and certificate.

In the newly added category, medium-sized gardens, Giselle Pointe claimed first prize, followed by Françoise Hoareau. In third position was Ruth Moise. Each won plants among prizes.

The large garden category was dominated by Mary Carbonin, with Marlene Florence Andre in second place, and Suzette Savy in third. Among their prizes were a water tank, endemic plants and fruit trees

This year a prize was introduced for extra efforts for those who went the extra mile to ensure that their gardens stand out from the rest.  Michellette Cesar claimed the prize for Best Effort from the inner islands while Anne Jacques made the best effort with her garden on Mahé.

The Education division within the ministry has received a number of demands to further extend the competition to even more categories of businesses and institutions such as restaurants, and hotels.

Ms Larue also seized the opportunity to launch the Christmas competition.

 

Laura Pillay

 

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