MAURITIUS COMPAGNIE DE BEAU VALLON
What is your definition of a sustainable real estate project ?
A sustainable real estate development project , in its most common form , is highly energyefficient – for instance , through the use of recognised techniques and technologies such as photovoltaic panels and natural ventilation . When it comes to a development project such as Pointe d ’ Esny Le Village or Les Berges de Beau Vallon , it also includes the preservation of the built and natural heritage , here being the large pre-existing trees ; the development of tree-lined paths in order to create large shaded areas and reduce ambient heat ; the use of the existing topography for the drainage system ; the setting up of landscaped ditches to promote water flow ; and limiting greenhouse gas emissions by promoting soft mobility , such as walking or biking . Not to mention our wetland restoration project , which also involves the reintroduction of endemic species .
Ultimately , a sustainable and responsible real estate project , as we see it , must not only be eco-responsible whenever possible , but should also be correlated to its users and to its surroundings . It has to be inclusive and respectful of its environment and of living things .
Christophe Curé , Group Property Manager , CBVL
Tell us more about the large-scale ecological study you carried out to understand wetlands and how you are preserving them .
Wetlands have a crucial role to play in safeguarding the environment : they make up transitional spaces between land and water , help to counter floods and coastal erosion , and filter flowing water towards the ocean and groundwater …
Our project , Pointe d ’ Esny Le Village , includes a protected area of nearly 30 acres of natural ponds . One of our main objectives is to develop it without hindering its preservation . Therefore , this green environment will be subject to major restoration work , carried out by biodiversity experts . Invasive species will be removed and replaced by endemic plant species , compatible with the coastal climate of Pointe d ’ Esny . The restoration of endemic vegetation will enrich the region ’ s biodiversity and promote the rehabilitation of local fauna . The wetlands of Pointe d ’ Esny will then work out altogether with the nearby Ramsar zone and Île aux Aigrettes as biodiversity corridors .
In the long term , how will man and nature cohabit together in your real estate projects ?
Nature has been well preserved in the southeast of the island . There , you can still find large green spaces with sugarcane fields , hunting grounds , mountains , nature reserves , a huge and superb lagoon , the Blue Bay Marine Park ... It is very important to protect this natural heritage , which makes up the wealth of the region .
Our projects are designed around this heritage , and nature is one of the guiding principles of their development . In Beau Vallon , for instance , we make sure to preserve the large trees that have already been planted and make them essential elements of the project so as to reinforce their importance . At Pointe d ’ Esny , the wetlands will be protected and developed so that people can walk and enjoy them without creating any negative impact on the environment .
We should also highlight that these natural spaces , which are quality living spaces , will have a positive impact on the well-being of users . Besides adding up to the project ’ s personality , they also boost up the region ’ s attractiveness . We are convinced that development should not come at the expense of a region , especially when it comes to features that make it authentic and special .
The notion of sustainability goes hand in hand with a social dimension . What are your socioeconomic commitments for the region ?
The CBVL has been a major economic stakeholder in the Southeast region for over 200 years and has greatly participated in its expansion . We are one of the major employers in this part of the country . Today , we continue to be one of the driving forces of development . In fact , it is one of the reasons why we want its growth to take place in a controlled manner , making sure it does not lose its authenticity . This is why we have developed a regional master plan for our projects .
Our various projects will create many direct and indirect jobs in the region , whether temporary or permanent , in several sectors such as construction , catering , security , sales , culture , leisure or sport ... They also bring facilities , products and services to the region , which , until now , were not always available . We are also going to create office spaces , so small businesses in the region can have local premises . Our projects will also promote the implementation of larger structures , particularly in conjunction with the nearby airport .
Finally , we look forward to offering people a real living environment . Instead of limiting ourselves to only residential offers , we plan to develop a leisure and cultural offer for the region . This will consolidate our anchoring in the South-East , by working in favour of the safeguard of the natural , historical and cultural heritage of the region . We will be more present in the daily life of the inhabitants .
In conclusion , our projects will not only create jobs , but will also complement the region ’ s appeal to entrepreneurs , investors and customers . They will have a positive impact on the quality of life of the inhabitants of the Southeast . This is how we see a development of this magnitude : it must revolve around its users . By improving the well-being of everyone , the entire region benefits from this growth . www
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