Ocean Voyage Aimed at Combating Plastic Pollution in Madagascar's Waters
Setting Sail: Plastic Odyssey's Journey Against Marine Pollution
Embarking on a three-year journey, Plastic Odyssey will circumnavigate Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America, battling marine pollution along the way. Currently, it's on a four-month mission in the Indian Ocean, part of a partnership program led by the Indian Ocean Commission (COI).
This intergovernmental project, involving France, Madagascar, the Seychelles, Comoros, and Mauritius, is backed by France's development agency, the AFD. The primary objective is to boost local entrepreneurship and accelerate plastic waste recycling programs.
"Our goal is to empower more local businesses and accelerate their plastic waste recycling initiatives," Alaric de Beaudrap, Plastic Odyssey's stopover coordinator, shared with our site.
The Plastic Odyssey crew, mostly engineers, run an "On-board laboratory" training session for three days. Over 25 Malagasy entrepreneurs have already applied for the program, starting on April 30 in the Tamatave harbor, Antananarivo's capital.
Local Collaborations
One company Plastic Odyssey collaborates with is Andao, which creates school tables from recycled plastic bottle caps. "There's a significant issue with school furniture in Madagascar. They're doing it locally, and they'd love to produce more recycled plastic tables for schools," de Beaudrap explains.
Plastic Odyssey is a 40-meter vessel equipped with low-tech machines for recycling plastic waste. The processed plastic can be used for various purposes such as building structures, irrigation for agriculture, flooring, and furniture.
The idea is to create jobs using machines that can be constructed locally. "All those machines are easy to operate and maintain, and can be easily replicated," de Beaudrap adds.
Plastic Odyssey has visited more than 30 countries, exchanging knowledge and best practices. It also runs an education program, inviting children aged 8-15 on board for a lesson on plastic pollution. "Our aim is to promote a plastic-free world to the younger generation," states de Beaudrap.
Plastic Waste Management Issues
According to a 2020 COI report, 92 percent of waste in Madagascar is mismanaged. "Less than half of the plastic waste is collected," de Beaudrap notes. There are numerous illegal dumping sites on the island, mostly near residential areas.
"We’re not yet discussing recycling in Madagascar, only collecting," he adds. "There's an urgent need to prevent waste from reaching the rivers and the sea to protect the Malagasy coastlines and ecosystems."
Scientific Research
The second significant component of the Madagascar stopover involves a five-day mission in the Sainte-Marie coastal area. Scientists from Ifremer, the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development, universities of the Comoros and Madagascar, and others will use the vessel to survey and observe micro and macro plastics off the coast. They will also research the connection between plastics and megafauna.
This scientific approach will offer a solid foundation for policymakers and research centers to better identify and comprehend the environmental impact of plastic pollution on ecosystems and its origins.
After Madagascar, Plastic Odyssey will visit the Seychelles and the Comoro Islands, reaching Kenya in August, before returning to France at the end of the year.
Stay updated with international news by subscribing to our daily newsletter or downloading our app.
- Plastic Odyssey, on a three-year journey, will travel through Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America, focusing on combating marine pollution.
- The vessel is currently on a four-month mission in the Indian Ocean, part of a partnership program led by the Indian Ocean Commission (COI).
- This program, involving France, Madagascar, the Seychelles, Comoros, and Mauritius, aims to spur local entrepreneurship and boost plastic waste recycling programs.
- The Plastic Odyssey crew, mainly engineers, run a three-day training session in an "On-board laboratory" for local Malagasy entrepreneurs.
- One company collaborating with Plastic Odyssey is Andao, which converts recycled plastic bottle caps into school tables.
- The Plastic Odyssey ship is equipped with low-tech machines for recycling plastic waste, which can be utilized for various applications like building structures, irrigation, flooring, and furniture.
- Scientists from Ifremer, universities of the Comoros and Madagascar, and others will conduct a five-day study in the Sainte-Marie coastal area, focusing on micro and macro plastics off the coast and their connection to megafauna.
- This scientific research will provide valuable data for policymakers and research centers to better understand the environmental impact of plastic pollution on ecosystems and its origins.
