On 15 July 2025, the Plastic Odyssey ship docked in Longoni, Mayotte, marking the beginning of an unprecedented partnership with Acted, present on the island since the early hours after Cyclone Chido struck.
The cyclone, which severely disrupted infrastructure and waste management systems, exposed the island’s growing vulnerability to environmental challenges, making the partnership with Plastic Odyssey both timely and relevant.
Acted and Plastic Odyssey’s common goal illustrates Alliance2015’s commitment to ensure inclusive economic recovery, and environmental justice, in close coordination with local stakeholders and communities.
Clean Up, Recycle, Empower: A 3ZERO Operation in Action
This collaboration began in April, with Acted advancing its 3ZERO vision (Zero exclusion, Zero carbon, Zero poverty) by creating and promoting inclusive, sustainable, and community-based solutions to combat plastic pollution. The initiative combines innovation, local engagement, and operational coordination to create long-term impact.
In preparation for the Plastic Odyssey event, Acted formed a local committee comprising member associations from the Mayotte Nature Environnement collective. Together, they organised a series of public clean-up days across the island in the three months leading up to the vessel’s stopover.
Acted also provided logistical support, including transport of waste, safety equipment (gloves, tongs, boots) and coordination of volunteer groups. These events served both environmental and social purposes, reflecting the core principles of ACTED’s 3ZERO strategy.
The collected waste was delivered and stored at the port in anticipation of the ship’s arrival. Once on board, the plastic was recycled and processed into planks known as “profiles.” These profiles were then assembled in a temporary carpentry workshop funded by Acted and set up on land near the ship. Using Plastic Odyssey’s onboard machinery and the skills of local artisans, the plastic waste was transformed into furniture and everyday items for community use.
Circular Economy Meets Social Innovation
Beyond raising awareness, this initiative sought to spotlight and strengthen local ecosystems of social and environmental innovation. Plastic Odyssey and Acted identified and showcased local associations and businesses involved in plastic recycling or reduction, helping to amplify their impact and connect them with new opportunities. Onboard demonstrations illustrated how collected plastic could be transformed into construction materials and finished products, hence proving that waste can be a valuable resource.
A community discussion was held with the citizens’ committee to explore practical applications for recycled plastic. Together, they brainstormed ideas for useful neighborhood items, such as recycling bins, public benches, football goals, and swings. These products were then donated to schools, NGOs, and families in need, promoting both environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
Plastic Odyssey’s stopover in Mayotte and in association with Acted is a demonstration of how humanitarian and environmental actors, and communities, can join forces to address global challenges through local action.
By actively involving local communities, artisans, youth, and civil society, Acted and Plastic Odyssey show that impactful change happens when local realities are taken into account and innovation is shared.
