Launching of Endemic and Medicinal Plant Garden at the University of Mauritius Farm

Nawsheen Hosenally
9th November 2011: A date that certainly will be remembered in the history of the Faculty of Agriculture and the University of Mauritius. 
Presently, we are facing several challenges in the world including the loss of our biodiversity, leading to climate change; whose effects are being experienced over the globe. The question that we ask ourselves is what is the one action we can take to save our biodiversity and leave a sustainable world for our future generations? Today, the answer came from the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Mauritius, where an Endemic and Medicinal Plant Garden has been established at the University of Mauritius farm. 

Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony was held at the University of Mauritius Farm from 09:00 to 11:00. Present were the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, the Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor of the university, the Representative of the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security, the Minister of Tertiary Education, Science, Research and Technology, the academic staffs, non-academic staffs and students of the Faculty of Agriculture, and representatives from various organisations involved in the establishment of the Endemic and Medicinal Plant Garden.

At 09:30 sharp, all the guests were seated and the Public Relations Officer of the University of Mauritius, Mrs. Amreeta Nivault started with the opening speech, mentioning about the important step that we are taking in the establishment of such a garden. 
Opening Speech by Mrs. Amreeta Nivault
Welcome Address by the Dean – Associate Professor M.F. Driver
In her speech, the Dean of the faculty explained that Mauritius has a rich and diverse Flora and Fauna, with about 700 species and 50% of these are endemic (occurring nowhere else in the world). However, many of these species are being threatened with extinction because of human activities and now the time has come for us to preserve and conserve our rich biological diversity. In this context, the Faculty of Agriculture and the University of Mauritius has created an Endemic and Medicinal Plant Garden on the University Farm to contribute to these conservation activities. There are 3 main objectives of the garden which are to:
  • Enhance our teaching and research activities
  • Promote public awareness of environmental issues and biodiversity conservation
  • Conserve traditional knowledge of endemic and medicinal plants
Associate Professor Driver ended her speech by thanking the partners involved in the project, namely the National Parks and Conservation Service, the ENL Society, La Valee D’Osterlog Endemic Garden Foundation, La Valee de Ferney and without forgetting the Organising Committee, students, class-representatives and Staffs of the faculty. According to the dean “it is now our responsibility to nurture the garden”.
Associate Professor Driver addressing the audience

Address by the Vice-Chancellor – Professor Konrad Morgan
“My first impression while coming here is: Wow! This looks like in a Tarzan film”, said Professor Morgan. He told us about how impressed he was about an event he attended by the Fashion and Design Institute, but today, the Faculty of agriculture has proved to be better than that. The Faculty of Agriculture, being the oldest faculty and mother of the University of Mauritius, is now responsible for the repository where we can preserve our natural treasure (which is certainly more precious than gold). He ended by thanking all the stakeholders involved in the project and said that he is proud as Vice Chancellor to be present at the opening ceremony.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mauritius
Address by the Pro-Chancellor – Professor S. Jugessur
Professor Jagessur said that he was happy to see the development taking place at the university farm. He mentioned about the fact that due to development, Mauritius has lost 98% of its flora and fauna and the remaining 2% is endangered. Hence, we must do everything we can to preserve them. Mauritius is ranked 3rd among the island states, whose biodiversity is most threatened. The Pro-Chancellor believes that tourism is an important pillar of our economy, but we have to be careful about what we are doing and what we will leave for our future generations. Regarding the medicinal plants, it is a known fact that for millenniums, people have survived with them and this garden offers an opportunity to share indigenous knowledge with the youth. Moreover, research can be done on medicinal plants and study the different compounds, from which we can form concepts of business, and establishment of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)!
The Pro-Chancellor of the University of Mauritius
Address by the Minister of Tertiary Education, Science, Research and Technology – Dr. the Hon. Rajesh Jeetah
The Minister said that he was pleased and surprised by the efforts put in the establishment of the garden. He asked his audience about where the first road was constructed in Mauritius and why? Since no one had the correct answer, the replied himself to his question, which was from Trou d’eau Douce to Centre de Flacq. And the reason for this development was because of endemic plants, namely the Bois d’Ebene. He then talked about the different places in Mauritius where conservation of our endemic species is being done (SSR Botanic Garden, Curepipe Botanic Garden, Vallee D’Osterlog, Valee de Ferney etc.). He ended his speech by saying that this garden at the university farm will lead to future projects and will now act as a window for visitors, scientists and students.
Hon. Rajesh Jeetah during his speech
Launching of Endemic and Medicinal Plant Garden and Unveiling of Commemorative Plaque by  the Minister of Tertiary Education, Science, Research and Technology
The launching was done by the Minister and 16 planted were planted by the guests present as shown in the pictures below:
Launching of the garden by the Minister
All set to plant their endemic/medicinal plant
The opening ceremony ended with the closing remarks of the Acting Farm Manager and Lecturer, Mr. Shane Hardowar who thanked the different stakeholders involved in the project to make it what it is today and endemic plants were gifted to the Chief Guests present. With this, refreshments were served which brought us to the end of the event.

As an Alumnus of the Faculty of Agriculture, I was glad to be present and be part of this initiative, which certainly is a very positive step towards a sustainable future. It made me realise that as a youth, I have so much more to learn and contribute. Big up to the Organising Committee and each and everyone who contributed to this event. We are in agriculture, but we also care about the environment and our natural resources! 

Those who were not able to attend the event can have a look at the photos taken at the UoM Farm in the slideshow below:

About Nawsheen Hosenally

Nawsheen Hosenally, a national of the Republic of Mauritius, has over 6 years of experience in the agricultural sector, specifically focusing on the engagement of youth in agriculture through the use of ICTs. Currently, Nawsheen is the co-Founder of Agribusiness TV, a web TV that features success stories of young agricultural entrepreneurs in Africa. Nawsheen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Extension from the University of Mauritius, and a Master’s degree in Management and Information Systems from the University of Manchester.
See all posts by Nawsheen Hosenally 

8 comments on “Launching of Endemic and Medicinal Plant Garden at the University of Mauritius Farm”

  1. A nice initiative that has become concrete on the University farm! Great coverage from you:)
    It is high time to create awareness on those endemic species that are presently threatened by threats such land clearance for agricultural or construction purposes, climate change and over exploitation of our natural resources. We have to keep in mind that every plant and animal species plays its own special role in our ecosystem; the disappearance of a single species creates havoc on the whole web of Life.

    Reply

  2. Thanks! 🙂

    I totally agree with you!

    I forgot to mention something that was shared during the event:

    “Every time we lose a species, we break a life chain which has evolved over 3.5 billion years” – Jeffrey McNeely

    Reply

  3. I would like to thank Mr Shane Hardowar, Dr Driver and Mr. Boodhoo for having given me this opportunity to be part of this organising committee. This event was a surely a success….This is a long-term relationship that has been established…as was mentioned by Dr.Driver….Am proud to form part of this FOA Family….Thanks to everyone….

    Reply

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