After a delicious breakfast organized by our host Deegesh surprisingly consisting of «gato piman», we went to visit the Mauritius Oceanographic Institute (MOI). This institute established in January 2000 provides support to the Ministry of Ocean Economy.
Their aim is to develop the Blue Economy by:
We had the chance to see a presentation and to visit all the departments of MOI. The chemistry department is undertaking researches regarding a special sponge specie that could eventually cure diseases such as cancers, Alzheimer and even diabetes. To be able to develop these kind of “New medicines”, the scientists are taking different samples of coral species. Then, after the decode of the sample’s DNA, they can eventually create medicines and therefore commercialize them in the future. MOI is also undertaking surveys of all the Mauritian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Different parameters are studied such as the water’s temperature, the PH, various currents, phosphates and fluorescent chlorophyll presence, in order to see the evolution of the ocean’s state. One of their future project is the creation of a huge database concerning Mauritius’ EEZ available worldwide for the public and potential investors. This ambitious project will include various features such as the water temperature, chemical composition of the seabed, listing all marine species, monitoring of coral reefs, potential mineral and hydrocarbon resources and fishing zones. During the second part of the day, we had the opportunity to visit the office of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Centre (NDRRMC). Located in Port-Louis, this department of the Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity, Environment and Sustainability; works in order to reduce disaster risks in Mauritius. They get involve in cases of disaster such as oil spills, landfill fires, cyclones, torrential rains, flash floods and storm surges. Here is a list of their main activities and collaborations:
Throughout the discovery of these two places, we have been able to understand much more about how precious the marine resources are to the country and how they are surveyed in order to see an eventual evolution. That’s all for now! Talia Dupont
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AuthorThe interns of the Prosperity & Environment: Promoting sustainable development opportunities for youth in the Blue Economy sector. Archives
January 2018
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