Zoning ensures that agricultural activities are placed in suitable areas, avoiding conflicts with residential, commercial, or environmentally sensitive zones. SPA’s zoning guidelines for agriculture are designed to optimize land use, preserve natural resources, and protect Seychelles’ unique biodiversity.

Agricultural Zoning Classifications:

• Agricultural Zones (A20): These zones are designated specifically for farming, horticulture, and livestock rearing. Located away from urban centers, agricultural zones support food production while minimizing the impact on residential areas and conserving natural resources. Agricultural activities in these zones are generally restricted to low-impact practices to prevent soil degradation and water contamination.
• Agroforestry Zones (A30): Agroforestry zones integrate agriculture with tree cultivation to promote soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable land use. These zones allow for a combination of crop production and forestry, benefiting both farmers and the environment by enhancing soil fertility, supporting wildlife, and providing shade for crops.
• Mixed-Use Agricultural Zones (A40): Mixed-use agricultural zones permit a combination of agricultural activities with small-scale commercial operations, such as farm-to-market outlets, workshops, or eco-tourism activities. These zones enable farmers to diversify income sources while remaining focused on sustainable agriculture.

SPA’s zoning classifications help direct agricultural activities to appropriate areas, ensuring that land use is optimized while protecting Seychelles’ ecosystems and community interests.

Plot coverage and land use intensity standards ensure that agricultural projects maintain a balance between productive land and natural areas. SPA’s guidelines for plot coverage aim to preserve green spaces, prevent erosion, and maintain the health of surrounding ecosystems.

Plot Coverage Limits for Agricultural Zones:

• Maximum Plot Coverage: In designated agricultural zones, plot coverage is generally limited to 50%, meaning half of the land must be reserved for green spaces, water conservation, and soil protection. This balance helps prevent overuse of the land, supporting long-term agricultural productivity and environmental stability.
• Green Buffer Zones: Agricultural projects are encouraged to establish buffer zones, particularly near water bodies or residential areas. These buffers, often consisting of trees or other vegetation, help prevent soil erosion, improve water infiltration, and reduce the risk of contamination.
• Natural Habitat Preservation: SPA guidelines require agricultural projects to protect and, where possible, enhance natural habitats within agricultural plots. Farmers are encouraged to maintain native vegetation along property boundaries or near water sources, supporting biodiversity and providing habitats for pollinators.

Table 1: Plot Coverage and Land Use Intensity for Agricultural Development

These plot coverage requirements help agricultural developments in Seychelles maintain environmental health, supporting sustainable farming and long-term land productivity.

Environmental sustainability is essential for agriculture in Seychelles, where land resources are limited and ecosystems are sensitive to change. SPA’s environmental guidelines promote farming practices that protect natural resources, conserve soil and water, and reduce pollution.

Key Environmental Guidelines:

• Soil Conservation: To prevent soil erosion and degradation, farmers are encouraged to adopt conservation techniques such as contour plowing, cover cropping, and reduced tillage. These practices help retain soil fertility, prevent erosion, and increase water retention in the soil.
• Water Conservation and Irrigation Management: Given Seychelles’ water constraints, efficient irrigation practices are essential. SPA recommends drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and soil moisture monitoring to optimize water usage and prevent runoff. Agricultural projects near water bodies must take additional precautions to avoid water contamination.
• Agrochemical Use and Management: To minimize the environmental impact of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, SPA promotes integrated pest management (IPM) practices and organic alternatives. Farmers must follow best practices for chemical storage, application, and disposal, protecting both human health and the environment.
• Biodiversity and Wildlife Protection: Agricultural developments are required to incorporate measures that protect local wildlife and promote biodiversity. This can include planting native vegetation, maintaining natural hedgerows, and creating habitat corridors to support local species and pollinators.

Table 2: Environmental Standards for Sustainable Agriculture

These environmental standards support the sustainability of agriculture in Seychelles, helping farmers protect the natural resources necessary for long-term productivity.

Design standards for agricultural facilities help ensure that farm buildings and structures are functional, efficient, and harmonious with the surrounding landscape. SPA’s design guidelines for agricultural infrastructure support safe, organized, and aesthetically compatible farm layouts.

Farm Design and Infrastructure Guidelines:

• Farm Buildings and Structures: Farm buildings, including barns, sheds, and greenhouses, should be designed to blend with the natural environment. SPA encourages the use of locally sourced materials, such as wood or bamboo, and natural colors to minimize visual impact.
• Access and Roadways: Access roads and pathways should be designed to minimize erosion and dust generation. SPA recommends that access routes be clearly marked and that roads are paved or stabilized with gravel to prevent soil compaction and erosion.
• Waste and Compost Management: Farm waste, including organic waste, should be managed on-site through composting, recycling, or safe disposal practices. Composting organic waste not only reduces the environmental impact but also creates valuable fertilizer for the farm.
• Green Landscaping and Natural Buffers: Farmers are encouraged to create green landscapes around farm infrastructure, using trees and shrubs as windbreaks and buffer zones. These natural buffers help reduce dust, block noise, and enhance the farm’s aesthetic appeal.

Table 3: Design Standards for Agricultural Infrastructure

These design standards create functional and visually compatible farm infrastructure, ensuring agricultural developments are well-integrated into Seychelles’ landscape.