In the last blog post from MOL Mauritius, we began to reflect on how to enhance collaboration between NGOs and projects to share data and best practices, optimise resource allocation, and create synergies.

On 15th January 2026, we were honoured to attend the opening of a brand-new marine station for coral research, conservation and education at the Odysseo Oceanarium in the capital city of Port Louis.

Established with funding from the MOL Charitable Trust (MCT) and inaugurated by the Ambassador of Japan and the Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research, the marine station is the result of a joint research collaboration agreement between the University of Mauritius Department of Biosciences and Ocean Studies, the MCT award recipient, and the Odysseo Foundation, a non-profit supported by leading companies in Mauritius and focused on the preservation, restoration, conservation of the marine ecosystem as well as education

This collaboration blends together the scientific and practical marine biology conservation and restoration expertise of the University of Mauritius and Odysseo Foundation. Of additional significance to MOL, the University of Mauritius will also apply learnings derived from a 5 year collaboration programme with coral experts from Shizuoka University, Japan, titled “Scientific Approaches for the Conservation and Restoration of Mauritius’ Corals” that has been separately funded since 2021 by the MOL Mauritius International Fund (MMIF).
Further information on this MMIF collaboration programme is available on the MMIF website

The marine station will permit graduate and post-graduate students from the University of Mauritius’s Department of Biosciences & Ocean Studies to conduct experimental studies on coral culture and differential thermal stress responses of corals and will also be used to host workshops and disseminate research findings. With over 500,000 visitors to the Odysseo Oceanarium in the last 3 years, this collaboration will no doubt play a significant role in Mauritius in the coming years in enhancing scientific understanding and public awareness of coral conservation and environmental stewardship.

As a maritime company, our business is sustained by the oceans, and we recognise our responsibility to contribute to their protection. By investing in knowledge and applied research, we believe we can help create the foundations for more informed management and protection of the marine environment. We are proud to support this initiative and look forward to the positive impact that this marine station will have for Mauritius.

Also, in January on the 27th, MOL held our long-awaited award ceremony to celebrate the award of grants to 13 projects in 2026 selected under the MCT Call for Proposal 5. The award ceremony was held at the Preskil Island Resort and was honoured by the attendance of various VVIPs including the Ambassador of Japan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, and the elected Members of Parliament from the constituency of Mahebourg.

While more detailed information on each project will be published in due course on the MOL for Mauritius website, a brief description of each project is provided at the end of this blog.

MOL Mauritius looks forward to successful implementation of these projects in 2026 and creating a forum for the various NGOs to network, share expertise and explore potential synergies.

1. ASSOCIATION SOLIDARITÉ MAMANS – Together, Let’s Help the Needy Children of Olivia

This project aims to support vulnerable children living in Olivia by improving their access to education and overall well-being. It responds to challenges linked to school absenteeism, family instability and limited access to basic resources. Key actions include the provision of school materials and learning support for children, as well as the organisation of awareness sessions and follow-up meetings with parents to strengthen family engagement. The project will also coordinate with local stakeholders to ensure continuity of support for families facing socio-economic hardship. It will benefit children and families from Olivia in the South-East of Mauritius.

2. BONHEUR ASSOCIE AUX ENFANTS – After School Project 2026

This project focuses on improving the nutritional status, academic performance and social development of school-going children from disadvantaged backgrounds. It addresses food insecurity and the lack of structured after-school support by providing balanced meals to participating children and organising supervised after-school activities, including homework assistance and recreational sessions. Implemented in Beau-Vallon in the South-East of Mauritius, the project aims to create a safe and supportive environment that encourages regular school attendance and positive social interaction.

3. CORAL GARDEN CONSERVATION – Setting Up a Voluntary Marine Conservation Area

This initiative seeks to protect and restore coral reef ecosystems through the establishment of a voluntary marine conservation area. In response to pressures caused by human activities and climate change, the project will carry out passive reef restoration activities and conduct regular monitoring of coral health. Additional actions include awareness-raising sessions with local communities and marine users to promote responsible practices. Activities will take place in the coastal area of Bel Ombre-Beau Champ in the South of Mauritius, contributing to the preservation of marine biodiversity.

4. DISTRICT COUNCIL OF GRAND PORT – Improving the Parks at Mahébourg Waterfront and City Centre

This project aims to improve public recreational spaces at the Mahébourg Waterfront and within the town centre through the rehabilitation of parks and children’s playgrounds. It responds to the need for safer and more inclusive public spaces by upgrading play equipment and improving accessibility and basic amenities. The initiative will also include environmental enhancements to improve the overall quality and usability of these spaces for families and residents in Mahébourg.

5. GREEN ATTITUDE FOUNDATION – Sea Turtle Attitude, Phase 3

Building on previous phases, this project focuses on the conservation of sea turtles and their habitats along the North and South-East coastline of Mauritius. Key actions include field monitoring of nesting sites and systematic data collection on turtle activity. The project will also engage volunteers and local residents through sensitisation activities aimed at reducing human disturbance and promoting responsible behaviour. Coverage will extend from Blue Bay Marine Park northwards along the coastline.

6. KOLEKTIF RIVIER NWAR – Skippers Training Project at Grande Rivière Noire and Mahébourg

This project aims to strengthen skills development and employment opportunities for young people by providing professional training for skippers. It addresses limited access to certified maritime training by offering technical and safety training sessions, combined with practical on-water experience. The project will also support participants in obtaining relevant certification, contributing to improved employability and sustainable livelihoods in coastal communities. The project will be focused on Grande Rivière Noire in the West, and Mahébourg in the South.

7. MAHÉBOURG RCA SCHOOL – Outdoor Shelter

This project focuses on the construction of an outdoor shelter within the premises of Mahébourg RCA School. It responds to the lack of a covered space for school and community activities by building a structure that can be used for shade during peak heat and also during adverse weather conditions. The shelter will support educational, recreational and social activities for pupils and staff, while also being available for community use when appropriate.

8. PRECIOUS PLASTIC – Community-Based Plastic Waste Management and Recycling

This project seeks to reduce plastic pollution through community-based collection, processing and recycling initiatives. Key actions include the collection and sorting of plastic waste from participating communities and the transformation of collected plastic into reusable products using appropriate equipment. The project will also conduct awareness-raising activities to promote responsible waste management practices, notably in Mahébourg and at the Pointe Jérôme Youth Centre.

9. RESPECT – Empowering Coastal and Vulnerable Communities through Sustainable Livelihoods

This project aims to improve livelihoods among coastal and vulnerable communities in the South and South-East through skills development and income-generating activities. It will establish a training centre and greenhouse facilities to support practical learning and small-scale production. Key actions include the delivery of training sessions for beneficiaries and ongoing technical support to promote self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods within participating communities.

10. RÊVEY TWA – Rêvey Twa Fam & Rêvey Twa Zom

This project focuses on the empowerment of vulnerable women and men in the South-East through targeted personal development and skills-building programmes. Actions include the organisation of structured training sessions aimed at improving self-confidence and employability, as well as individual accompaniment for participants. The project will support approximately 15 vulnerable women, alongside male participants, in the Mahébourg and Grand Port region.

11. SOCIAL CIRCUS OF CITÉ LA CHAUX – Using Circus Arts for Social Inclusion

This project uses circus arts as a tool to promote social inclusion, personal development and educational engagement among children and young people from vulnerable backgrounds. Key actions include the delivery of regular after-school and weekend circus training sessions and the organisation of group activities that encourage teamwork and discipline. Based in Cité La Chaux in Mahebourg, the project aims to strengthen confidence, creativity and social cohesion among participants.

12. TI RAYONS SOLEIL – Les Boulbouls Play Centre

This project supports early childhood development through the operation of a play centre providing daily activities for young children. It responds to the need for safe and stimulating early learning environments by offering structured educational and recreational sessions designed to support cognitive and social development. Implemented in Ville Neuve, Mahébourg, the project also provides supervision and support for children from vulnerable families.

13. UNIVERSITÉ DES MASCAREIGNES – The Mauritius Blue Carbon Inventory: A Geospatial Approach

This project focuses on applied research and the Earth and Ocean Lab, established with funding from MCT under CFP3, to develop a comprehensive National Blue Carbon Inventory of all major coastal blue carbon ecosystems in the Mauritian lagoon, and quantify the carbon stock and sequestration rates for each identified ecosystem. It will also inform Evidence-Based Policy to guide the development of effective conservation and restoration strategies and also enhance public and stakeholder engagement to increase awareness and foster a sense of shared responsibility for coastal ecosystem protection.