The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the French Development Agency (AFD), and Geo Blue Planet successfully convened a two-day online workshop on “Integrated Marine Debris Observing System (IMDOS)” on 5–6 November 2025.

The event brought together representatives from IORA Member States, Dialogue Partners, and international organizations to exchange experiences on marine litter monitoring, data harmonization, as well as national and regional guidelines for combating this pollution.

The discussions reaffirmed the need to harmonize data on marine debris, establish more effective monitoring systems, and improve links between different stakeholders (from the scientific community to the decision-makers) in order to promote a coordinated response to marine litter pollution in the Indian Ocean.

IORA expresses its sincere appreciation to all participants and speakers for their valuable contributions and continued commitment to protecting our shared marine environment.