Dr Salman Al-Farisi, Secretary General of IORA 

Marine debris and plastic pollution are an urgent concern that transcends national borders

The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) have extended their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The renewed agreement reaffirms the commitment of both parties to regional cooperation, sustainable development, and addressing critical challenges in the Indian Ocean. The MoU extension aims at fostering economic stability, environmental sustainability, and resilience across the region. By tackling pressing issues like marine debris and boosting disaster preparedness, the agreement seeks to ensure long-term benefits for the region’s communities and future generations, setting the foundation for a stronger and more sustainable Indian Ocean Region.

In a move that reinforces the ongoing collaboration between the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been extended, marking a renewed commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean. The signing ceremony was held at the IORA Secretariat, in Ébène, Mauritius, last Monday. 

A major highlight of the MoU is its focus on combating marine debris and promoting the blue economy — areas that are increasingly critical to the well-being of communities in the Indian Ocean. “The health of our oceans is integral to the well-being of our people. Marine debris, particularly plastic pollution, has become an urgent concern that transcends national borders,” Dr Salman Al-Farisi, the Secretary General of the IORA, remarked. “Through the implementation of the IORA Strategic Framework to Combat Marine Debris supported under this MoU, we will strengthen regional collaboration to combat this growing threat.“

The MoU also seeks to unlock the potential of the blue economy by ensuring that ocean resources are managed sustainably. “We recognize that our ocean resources are not only critical to our environment, but also to our economies,” the Secretary General noted. “By promoting sustainable management practices, we can foster a blue economy that drives economic growth, creates job opportunities, and ensures that future generations can continue to benefit from our shared maritime resources.“

This renewed focus on marine sustainability is expected to not only curb pollution, but also help member states develop new industries linked to the blue economy. “Our vision is to support initiatives that create sustainable opportunities for economic development while preserving the integrity of our marine ecosystems,” the Secretary General added.

Disaster risk management is another priority under the MoU, with the Indian Ocean Region being particularly vulnerable to natural disasters such as cyclones, tsunamis, and floods. The Secretary General emphasized that this area of focus is crucial to protecting lives and livelihoods. “Disaster risk management is one of IORA’s six priority areas, and this agreement will help us enhance preparedness, improve resilience, and strengthen cooperation among member states in mitigating disaster risks.“

As the region faces both immediate and long-term challenges, the Secretary General underscored the need to focus on sustainability, not just for today, but for future generations. “As we move forward, it is essential that we keep in mind the lasting impact of our actions today on the future generations of the Indian Ocean Region,” he stated. “The work we are undertaking – whether through improving regional resilience, fighting marine debris, or enhancing our blue economy – must be designed with the long-term sustainability of our environment and resources in mind.”

We recognize that our ocean resources are not only critical to our environment, but also to our economies

The Secretary General framed the extension of the MoU not as the end of a process, but the beginning of a new phase in the IORA-AFD partnership, adding that “through this agreement, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient, prosperous, and environmentally sustainable Indian Ocean Region.“

While acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead, the Secretary General expressed confidence in the strength of the partnership: “I am confident that we will achieve great things. Together, we will turn the vision we sign today into a reality that benefits the entire region and secures a brighter future for the next generation,” he stated.

By strengthening IORA’s institutional capacity, the MoU aims to position the association as a key player in facilitating discussions on regional challenges such as economic disparities, environmental threats, and disaster resilience. “This is an opportunity for us to ensure that IORA continues to be a vibrant, proactive platform where member states can come together to address the issues that matter most to our region. This MoU represents a critical step forward in our shared vision of fostering regional cooperation, promoting sustainable development, and addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the Indian Ocean Region,” the Secretary General explained

The renewed MoU focuses on strengthening the operational capacity of IORA as a regional organization, advancing blue economy initiatives, and improving disaster risk management efforts across member states. The Secretary General stressed the importance of this cooperation, describing it as a partnership built on “mutual respect and a common desire to ensure a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.“

One of the primary goals of the extended MoU is to bolster the operational capacity of IORA, enabling it to be a more effective platform for regional dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and cooperation. “Through this partnership, we aim to enhance the visibility and functionality of IORA as a vital regional organization,” the Secretary General explained. “This agreement will provide much-needed support to the Secretariat, empowering us to further our mission of fostering collaboration across a range of priority issues.“

He went on to highlight the importance of collective action in facing these challenges: “By working together, we can ensure that our communities are better equipped to withstand and recover from the effects of natural disasters. The knowledge and resources shared through this partnership will be instrumental in building more resilient societies across the Indian Ocean.“

Dr Salman Al-Farisi expressed gratitude to France, the AFD, and Expertise France for their unwavering support, stating that their “technical expertise, financial assistance, and collaborative spirit will be instrumental in driving the success of this project“.

The Secretary General went on to highlight how the partnership between IORA and France has been important in addressing the region’s most pressing challenges. “The contributions of France and its agencies have played a key role in supporting regional initiatives aimed at fostering cooperation, resilience, and sustainable development. We are truly grateful for this continued support.“

He also praised several initiatives already in place, such as IORA’s guidelines for combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, seaweed and sea cucumber protocols, and marine debris reduction efforts. These, he noted, are “crucial building blocks in ensuring a healthy and vibrant marine ecosystem for future generations“.