The Plastic Horizon
Ambitions, Gaps, and the Road Ahead in the Western Indian Ocean
Date | Time: August 26th, 2026 | 4pm - 6pm
Venue: Royal Green, Moka
Organised by the Charles Telfair Centre, in partnership with Australian Aid and the Australian High Commission, and with the support of Curtin University
Overview
Plastic pollution is now recognised as one of the greatest threats to marine ecosystems. Globally, it is estimated that 11 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean annually, although the actual number may be much higher. The projections suggesting this could triple by 2040. The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region is particularly vulnerable. Recent literature (UNEP-Nairobi Convention, 2022; Thacharodi et al., 2024) highlights that the Indian Ocean has become one of the most significant "sinks" for global plastic waste due to transboundary currents. Available data show Mauritius generates 116,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, but only 2.5% is being recycled.
For Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Mauritius and Seychelles, this is not merely an environmental issue but a socio-economic crisis.
While policy bans on single-use plastics have shown progress, the 2025 Global Plastics Treaty negotiations have underscored that legislation alone is insufficient. A systemic shift in public understanding and individual behaviour is required to bridge the gap between policy and impact.
This event aims to move beyond the problem of plastic and focus on solutions and visions. The discussion will be centred around three themes:
- The Immediate Impact
- The Status Quo
The Vision of a Post-Plastic World
Programme
4pm
Welcome
Myriam Blin, Head, Charles Telfair Centre, Mauritius
4:05pm
Welcome address
H.E. Kate Chamley, Australian High Commissioner to the Republic of Mauritius, Mauritius
4:10pm
The Plastic Horizon: Ambitions, Gaps, and the Road Ahead in the Western Indian Ocean
Olga Biegus, Independent environmental governance and international cooperation specialist
4:20pm
Keynote address
Dr. Atiq Zaman, Associate Professor, Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute
4:40pm
Title tbc.
Local Initiative Representative
4:55pm
From Plastic Pollution to a Circular Mauritius: Turning Vision into Action
Gregory Martin, Founder, Mautopia
5:10pm
Panel Discussion - Moderated by Olga Biegus
With Dr Atiq Zaman | Grégory Martin | Anya Dundoo, Head of Sustainability & Community Building, Association of Mauritian Manufacturers and Made in Moris
5:40pm
Q&A Session
6pm
Networking cocktail
RSVP: August 10th, 2016
