24/09/2026
Sailing from Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence
The Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launches the Brand-New MIASAC Exhibition!
To mark World Maritime Day 2026, a Marine Invasive Alien Species Awareness Corner (MIASAC) was officially inaugurated today, 24 September 2026, at the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre, Old Moka Rd, Bell Village.
The event successfully brought together key policymakers, international partners, and educational leaders to translate high-level national policy into accessible public knowledge. In alignment with the global theme, "From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence," this new corner marks a major evolution from the 2011 Ballast Water Awareness Corner (BWAC) into a modernized, cutting-edge exhibition space.
Highlights from the event:
• The Premier STEM Catalyst: The launch reinforced RGSC’s mandate as Mauritius's leading institution for popularising STEM by transforming complex oceanographic concepts into interactive learning tools.
• Experiential Learning Engine: Visitors experienced the corner's interactive digital simulations, physical biological specimens, and tailored curriculum toolkits designed for active science learning.
• Research Incubator: The initiative is set up to serve as a launch pad for university field studies and early scientific interest that feeds directly into local tertiary research.
This milestone was made possible through strong strategic partnerships with the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The corner was inaugurated by Dr the Hon. Arvin Boolell, GOSK, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Mrs. Alka Bhatia, Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme, Mauritius and Seychelles, Hon. Mr Gilles Fabrice David, Junior Minister, Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, in the presence of Mr Partish Chumroo, Chairperson of the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre Trust Fund, Dr Maulloo, Director of the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre, and other dignitaries.
During his Keynote address, Dr the Hon. Arvin Boolell, GOSK, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, emphasised the need to educate the public on the potential and importance of our country as a Big Ocean Small State. On his part, Hon. Mr Gilles Fabrice David gave an overview of the various initiatives the Ministry is undertaking to turn policies into practice by advancing maritime excellence.
Mr. Chumroo emphasised the pivotal role of the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre (RGSC) in engaging the youth and inspiring them to embrace science as a preferred field of study, driving the vision for a brighter and more innovative Mauritius.
