International Technical Assistance – Expédition Plastique Océan Indien (ExPLOI)

Detailed description of project Back

The project aims to reduce endogenous plastic pollution by promoting behavioural change and stakeholder engagement through the production of shared scientific knowledge, awareness-raising activities, the support of sustainable practices and innovations to reduce plastic usage, and the promotion of a shift in the plastic-based business model.

The final beneficiaries of the EXPLOI project are the island states of the South-West Indian Ocean region, including Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles, all member states of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC).

The program has the following dual objectives:

• To create the conditions for changing behaviours and practices regarding plastic usage,
• To support the emergence of alternatives to plastics by encouraging economic stakeholders to adopt a circular economy approach.

To provide a comprehensive solution to the issue of plastic pollution, this project will focus on three key areas aimed at reducing and recycling plastic waste:

• Improving knowledge of the impacts of marine plastic pollution,
• Environmental education and raising awareness of plastic pollution,
• Developing a regional circular economy.

Type of services provided

The project is structured around 4 components:

• Developing a shared knowledge base on the state of marine pollution and the specifics of the south-west Indian Ocean in terms of plastic waste,
• Involving and empowering target audiences,
• Supporting and stimulating initiatives and projects,
• Identifying and supporting plastic substitution and recycling projects.

Main staff provided:

• Project Coordinator (686 w/d)
• Admin and Finance Expert (686 w/d)
• Circular Economy Expert (686 w/d)
• NKE (570 w/d)