Two consultants from Réunion Island visited Seychelles from March 24 to March 30, 2025. Dr. Jennyfer Yong Sang and Dr. Jimmy Chane Ming spent a week discussing and raising awareness about their project, which aims to characterize both mangrove and forest honey in Seychelles. The consultants paid a courtesy visit to Minister Flavien Joubert and Principal Secretary Mr. Keven Nancy to discuss the project’s implications for the local beekeeping community and the benefits it could bring to the country.
Dr. Yong Sang and Dr. Chane Ming also met with the CEO. Seychelles Bureau of Standards, Mr. Andy Ally. Discussions centered on testing local honey for export and its potential use in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, involving the two consultants, the Beekeeping Association, Mr. Jose Guerreiro from the Agriculture Department, and the Seychelles Bureau of Standards. The estimated cost of the project is about 1.5 million euros, which will be funded by the European Union to assist the Seychelles, Comoros, and Reunion Islands.
They visited beekeeping farms on both Mahé and Praslin, where they had the chance to see how Seychelles beekeepers have evolved and how they practice this activity. They also visited specific locations to identify potential sites for placing the hives.
To conclude their mission, a meeting was held at the Roche Caiman District Administrator’s office, where the two consultants met with the Beekeeping Association and 52 local beekeepers. The consultants stated that the meeting was a success and that they are willing to return to the country with equipment that will benefit local beekeeping practices.
The Agriculture Department greatly appreciates the gesture from external partners who are willing to assist local beekeepers in developing their practices. The Department, in collaboration with these partners, hopes to maintain ongoing support for our local beekeepers.
