As six of the nine planetary boundaries essential to sustaining life on Earth have already been crossed, the need to protect and restore biodiversity is more urgent than ever. From accelerating species loss to unchecked resource extraction, our ecosystems are under mounting pressure.

In this context, art becomes more than expression, it becomes activation. It invites us to see differently, feel deeply, and take action together.

A landmark event for Mauritius

The Festival du Vivant is an initiative led by Rogers as part of its long-term commitment to sustainability, developed in collaboration with House of Digital Art (HoDA) and Odysseo. Taking place on 23–24 May 2025 at HoDA in Port Louis, this first-of-its-kind festival in Mauritius explores the intersection of art, biodiversity, and civic engagement. Timed to coincide with the International Day for Biological Diversity (22 May), the event is supported by the VARUNA – Fonds Business Biodiversité Océan Indien programme.

Both Rogers and Odysseo are laureates of this programme, which is funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and implemented by Expertise France to promote private sector engagement in biodiversity protection across the Indian Ocean region.

Anchored locally, resonating globally

The Festival du Vivant is also part of a wider international effort. Rogers has been officially accredited to participate in the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), co-hosted by France and Costa Rica in Nice from 9 to 13 June 2025. This global event brings together public and private stakeholders under a shared mission: to protect the ocean and accelerate action.

This accreditation recognises Rogers’ concrete commitment as a Mauritian private sector leader in biodiversity and ocean advocacy. By translating global sustainability goals into tangible, citizen-led experiences, the Festival du Vivant offers a unique cultural response to the priorities that will shape UNOC3.

From awareness to action: A meaningful partnership

Building on the momentum of a successful initiative held in July and August 2024, the Festival du Vivant grows from a powerful internal activation to a public movement. Organised by HoDA, last year’s programme engaged nearly 300 Rogers employees through the immersive exhibition “Toutes les îles sont des arbres” and the interactive workshop “La biodiversité dans nos assiettes.” These experiences were designed to deepen participants’ understanding of biodiversity and its relevance in everyday life.

Now, the Festival du Vivant opens its doors to the general public, inviting more people to participate, reflect, and join the growing movement for life. This marks a conscious effort to move beyond the walls of the corporate world and into the public sphere, making biodiversity a shared concern, not just a corporate value.

Five creative pillars to Connect, Create, and Inspire

The festival is structured around five creative pillars, each offering a distinct perspective to explore and reconnect with the living world:

1. Living Conversations

Thought-provoking discussions where artists, scientists, and citizens share insights on topics such as regenerative agriculture, food systems, biodiversity, and culture.

2. Village of Life

An interactive space that highlights the work of NGOs, creatives, and citizen initiatives on biodiversity projects.

3. Symposium of Life

A high-level forum bringing together researchers, civil society leaders, artists, and institutions to reflect on the ocean as a living ecosystem and explore new ways of relating to it.

4. The Living Arts

A celebration of life through artistic performances, immersive screenings, visual installations, and musical experiences.

5. Bio Lab

Hands-on, family-friendly workshops on eco-friendly living — from DIY natural products and urban gardening to cooking with local ingredients and nature-inspired design.

These five pillars aim to foster intergenerational learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and emotional connection, paving the way for deeper ecological awareness and meaningful action.

A festival rooted in meaning and emotion

The festival’s visual identity draws inspiration from the oldest known biological pigment, found in the ancient Mauritanian ocean: a vibrant shade of pink symbolising the origin of life. It also resonates with a rare and awe-inspiring event that still takes place in Mauritius: the coral spawning — a moment that marks the beginning of a new life cycle in the ocean. By weaving together these global and local symbols, the festival honours the continuity of life, connecting ancestral origins with the fragile beauty of our ecosystems today.

From evocative films like “Pie Dan Lo” by artist Kim Yip Tong, to collaborative art workshops with school children and nature-inspired live music, the Festival du Vivant promises a rich sensory experience that engages both heart and mind.

Alignment with Rogers S&ID programme

The Festival du Vivant is a flagship initiative within Rogers Group’s Regenesis programme: a two-year corporate strategy to embed biodiversity at the heart of our operations and culture.

The festival specifically falls under the awareness pillar of Regenesis. Through workshops, creative experiences, and participatory dialogue, we aim to spark long-term commitment to biodiversity at both individual and collective levels.

The Regenesis programme also includes:

• Expertise and studies: Partnering with researchers to assess our biodiversity footprint and guide strategic decisions.
• Multi-stakeholder dialogue: Creating inclusive spaces that bring together communities, governments, NGOs, businesses, and scientists to co-develop biodiversity solutions.
• Technical projects in Bel Ombre: Field-based restoration work with local partners like the Mauritius Chamber of Agriculture and Reef Conservation, offering scalable models for ecosystem regeneration.
   

“The Festival du Vivant reflects our belief that protecting biodiversity starts with reimagining our relationship with life itself,” says Mickaël Apaya, Head of Climate Resilience and Regeneration. “By weaving art, science, and community into a shared experience, we hope to inspire a lasting shift in how we live on this planet.”

By connecting science, community, and creativity, Regenesis reflects Rogers Group’s commitment to restoring balance between human activity and the natural world.

Save the Date

•    23–24 May 2025
•    House of Digital Art (HoDA), Port Louis
•    Free and open to all

Join us to reconnect with nature, celebrate biodiversity, and be part of a movement that places life at the centre of our shared future.

Learn more about the Regenesis programme here.