Towards a Better Protected Ocean

Mauritius is demonstrating its commitment to becoming an emerging ocean state. On May 5, 2025, the country hosted the 20th edition of the Indian Ocean Global Ocean Observing System (IOGOOS).

This five-day meeting brings together some fifty participants from several Indian Ocean countries. The delegates, from government agencies and research institutes, discuss advances in oceanography and aim to strengthen cooperation between the countries of the region.

The event is organized by the Department of Continental Shelf, Maritime Administration and Exploration, with the support of IOGOOS. This organization brings together countries such as Mauritius, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Australia, and other members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.

Several prominent figures are participating in this meeting, including Arvin Boolell, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries. He is joined by Bilkiss Rajahbalee-Cader, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office; Rezah Badal, Director General of the organizing department; Dr. Brett Molony, Acting President of IOGOOS; and Dr. Balakrishnan Nair, an Indian expert in ocean services.

In his speech, the Minister reiterated that the blue economy is a pillar of development in Mauritius. This sector plays an important role in food security, energy, employment, and adaptation to climate change. This meeting demonstrates the region’s commitment to moving forward together to better understand and protect the ocean.