VICTORIA, Seychelles — Around 20 children from various schools gathered at the Domaine de Val des Près on Friday for a workshop on converting invasive plants into marketable crafts, an initiative led by entrepreneur Mariette Dine Ogare of the University of Seychelles, representing her business Micro-Fabrics.
The workshop focused on the invasive ‘lalyann’ plant. Children from the Museum Club made small baskets using yoghurt containers or empty cans, learning how the plant’s leaves can replace plastics in everyday products.
According to Ms Dine Ogare, Micro-Fabrics is exploring ways to turn leaves and seaweeds into marketable products while also building the skills of children and young people. The activity is part of projects sponsored by SeyCCAT, the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust.
Veteran craft professional Guy Sabury and two UniSey graduates supporting an awareness programme also helped run the session. Mr Sabury noted that children appeared ‘very keen to learn more’ about both the environment and the business opportunities tied to removing invasive species.
