THE SCHOOL

The Seychelles archipelago is facing a crucial challenge in balancing food security, environmental sustainability, and biodiversity conservation. Currently, approximately 90% of plant- and animal-based food consumed in the country is imported, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen local production systems and enhance national resilience to external shocks such as global trade disruptions, climate change, and socio-economic crises. At the same time, the Seychelles possess an extraordinary ecological heritage, with nearly half of the terrestrial territory already protected, making biodiversity conservation a top national priority. In this context, innovative and sustainable approaches capable of integrating food production with environmental protection are becoming increasingly essential. 

The GreenTraINT Summer School arises from the necessity to promote advanced knowledge and professional competences in sustainable agriculture, livestock farming, and biodiversity conservation, while fostering the development of innovative solutions adapted to the unique characteristics of small island developing states. Traditional intensive production systems are often unsuitable for fragile insular ecosystems, where limited land availability and the need to preserve natural habitats require alternative and environmentally friendly strategies. Agroforestry systems, sustainable livestock practices, vertical farming, renewable-energy-based cultivation systems, and circular economy approaches represent promising pathways to improve local food production capacity while simultaneously protecting ecosystems and restoring degraded areas. 

In this framework, higher education institutions play a pivotal role in supporting the ecological transition and the implementation of the principles of the European Green Deal through the development of knowledge, green skills, and innovative educational pathways. However, despite the increasing demand for qualified professionals in agriculture, livestock farming, and conservation sectors, Seychelles currently lack dedicated higher education programmes specifically addressing these fields. GreenTraINT aims to bridge this educational and professional gap by designing and implementing an international and interdisciplinary intensive training programme focused on sustainability-relevant sectors and aligned with the needs of local communities, institutions, and the private sector. 

The GreenTraINT Summer School represents the pilot action of this ambitious initiative. Organized through the collaboration between the University of Bologna (Italy, UNIBO), the University of Seychelles (Seychelles), the University of Applied Sciences Coburg (Germany, UNICOB), the Seychelles Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture, Openature, ZOOM Foundation and the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority, the Summer School will offer a multidisciplinary and international learning environment for students, young researchers, professionals, and stakeholders interested in sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation. 

The programme will focus on three interconnected thematic pathways: (I) Sustainable Agriculture; (II) Sustainable Livestock Farming; and (III) Conservation of Natural Areas and Biodiversity. Participants will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of theoretical, methodological, and applicative aspects related to sustainable food production systems, agroecology, food safety, biodiversity conservation, and innovative cultivation technologies such as agroforestry and vertical farming. Particular emphasis will be placed on the integration between scientific knowledge, practical training, and real-world applications. 

The Summer School will combine lectures, seminars, practical activities, workshops, and field experiences, including hands-on activities organized in collaboration with the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority. International experts from European and Seychellois partner institutions, together with external specialists in food safety and sustainability, will contribute to the programme by sharing scientific expertise, innovative methodologies, and applied experiences. Moreover, the initiative will foster networking opportunities among participants, academic institutions, public authorities, and private stakeholders, encouraging long-term collaborations and the exchange of applied knowledge between Europe and Seychelles. 

Ultimately, the GreenTraINT Summer School aims to contribute to building local capacity, strengthening professional education, and supporting the sustainable development of Seychelles by empowering a new generation of professionals capable of addressing the interconnected challenges of food security, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation in small island ecosystems.