The Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and the Plastic Odyssey ship are launching a four-month scientific and citizen mission in the Indian Ocean in April 2025. The goal is to better understand the impact of plastic pollution and promote sustainable solutions
From April to July 2025, the IOC and the Plastic Odyssey ship will carry out an unprecedented oceanographic mission in the waters of the Indian Ocean.
This campaign aims to assess the impact of marine plastic pollution and raise awareness among local populations. The mission is part of the « Plastic Ocean Expedition Indian Ocean » (ExPLOI) project, led by the IOC and funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and the French Global Environment Facility (FFEM).
The project also involves local partners such as the Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) and the sponsors of Plastic Odyssey. On board the Plastic Odyssey, a team of scientists will conduct several studies: mapping plastic pollution in the open ocean and along the coasts, analyzing the types and origins of waste, and identifying risks to human health and biodiversity.
Researchers will also examine pathogens carried by plastics.
- A Regional Tour with Several Stops – The mission will begin in Réunion, where the ship will dock from April 6 to 12, 2025. The scientists will meet local elected officials and economic stakeholders to discuss solutions to tackle plastic pollution.
Plastic Odyssey will then continue its journey across the Indian Ocean, with stops planned in other IOC member states: Mauritius (April 14–26), Madagascar (April 28–May 8), Seychelles (May 29–June 13), and Comoros (June 29–July 13).
During this campaign, several events will be organized at each stop to raise awareness and encourage dialogue between various stakeholders.
- Mobilizing All Stakeholders Against Plastic Pollution – Conferences, roundtables, and film screenings will engage citizens, policymakers, and businesses around the issues related to plastic pollution.
Educational visits and practical workshops will also be offered to students, while local businesses involved in the circular economy will present their initiatives.
Exchanges between scientists and policymakers are also planned to encourage the implementation of concrete solutions.
- A Project to Strengthen Research and Prevention – The ExPLOI project aims to « strengthen scientific research on plastic pollution while supporting local initiatives in IOC member states. »
The solutions identified during this mission can be tested and adapted to other territories. Since its launch in 2022, Plastic Odyssey has been exploring the areas most affected by plastic pollution around the world.
The expedition in the Indian Ocean is part of this global approach to research and innovation to combat this phenomenon.
Source: imazpress
