Unesco and the Plastic Odyssey expedition have joined forces to protect endangered marine World Heritage sites from plastic pollution. This partnership was announced at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice.
Inspired by a successful 2024 clean-up on Henderson Island, where 9.3 tonnes of plastic waste were removed, the organizations plan to replicate this effort at 50 Unesco-listed marine sites worldwide. The agreement was signed on Tuesday, June 10th.
Audrey Azoulay, director general of Unesco, stated that the partnership will work to reduce plastic pollution in marine World Heritage sites. Jean-Noël Barrot, France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, also participated in the signing ceremony, emphasizing France's commitment.
Each mission will focus on waste removal, scientific research, education, and the development of sustainable recycling systems. The initiative aims to address both environmental degradation and local socio-economic challenges.
The next field mission is planned for October at the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles. A team will map plastic waste, test extraction methods, and establish monitoring protocols, with full-scale operations starting in 2026.
Simon Bernard, co-founder and president of Plastic Odyssey, highlighted the ecological importance of these sites and the urgency of addressing plastic pollution. The NGO is seeking €50 million to fund this initiative with Unesco over the next decade.