Port Louis, Mauritius – 24 April 2026 – The Rainbow Warrior, Greenpeace’s iconic ship, has arrived in Port Louis today, bringing together civil society organisations, youth, and partners for a series of activities focused on ocean protection and climate resilience.

At a time when oceans face increasing pressure from overfishing, pollution, and climate change, the visit highlights the important role Mauritius can play in safeguarding marine ecosystems in the Indian Ocean.

Over several days, the ship will host a range of activities, including ship visits, round table sessions with local organisations, and training sessions with volunteers. These engagements aim to create space for dialogue, share knowledge, and strengthen collaboration among those working to protect the ocean.

“Every country we visit carries the same message: the ocean is essential to life on Earth. But in Port Louis, we find something different — a community that already understands what is at stake and is ready to act,” said Captain Emili Trasmonte of the Rainbow Warrior. “That is not something to take for granted.”

The stop in Mauritius is part of a wider regional journey across Africa and the Indian Ocean, where the Rainbow Warrior has been working with communities and partners on ocean protection. In Mauritius, the focus is on listening, learning, and connecting with local actors.

These discussions will bring attention to urgent priorities for the Indian Ocean. The protection of the Saya de Malha Bank, the world’s largest seagrass meadow located in Mauritian waters and increasingly exposed to threats linked to deep-sea exploitation, comes at a critical moment as the UN High Seas Treaty now provides legal pathways to establish Marine Protected Areas beyond national jurisdiction. Mauritius is uniquely positioned to lead on this opportunity, with support from Greenpeace Africa.

The visit will also highlight the need to curb destructive industrial fishing practices that continue to undermine marine ecosystems and threaten the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities across Mauritius. Finally, it will reinforce the urgency of holding plastic polluters accountable, as Mauritius has already banned single-use plastics and now has the opportunity to strengthen enforcement through Extended Producer Responsibility mechanisms and corporate accountability frameworks.

According to Mamadou Kaly Ba, Oceans Campaign Lead at Greenpeace Africa, the choice of Mauritius is deliberate. “The Rainbow Warrior is here because Mauritius is at a turning point. This is not just a symbolic stop. It is where regional momentum is being built. The decisions and alliances formed here will resonate far beyond this island.”

Through this visit, Greenpeace Africa aims to support ongoing efforts in Mauritius by helping connect people, ideas, and initiatives that contribute to a healthier ocean for future generations.

ENDS

Note to editors: 

  • Images of the Rainbow Warrior in Mauritius will be available in the media library : media.greenpeace.org
  •  Emili Trasmonte (Capitaine Rainbow Warrior) et Kaly Ba (Ocean Campaigner) disponibles pour interview

MEDIA CONTACTS

Attaché(e) de presse : Xavier Maugueret | [email protected]

International Communications Coordinator Greenpeace Africa, Ibrahima Ka Ndoye | [email protected]