THE REASONS BEHIND THE « 7TH CONTINENT » EXPEDITIONS
Supported by the Guyanese Association Océan Scientific Logistic (OSL), their objective is to raise awareness and supply detailed knowledge about the extent of this pollution. Middle school and high school pupils from countries all over the world study expeditions as part of the ARGONAUTICA programme, benefitting from a support base in the Centre of Spatial Studies and Mercator Ocean.
As the pollution is found in waters which are not greatly affected by merchant shipping and tourism, the problem is only seemingly of interest to environmentalists and scientists. The international community hardly appears concerned about this for the time being. It is paramount to return there to create media awareness and advertise the phenomenon in the media. If no action is taken within 20 years, this waste continent will indeed grow to almost the size of Europe and the consequences of which we can only begin to imagine.
HOW ARE WE GOING TO MAKE IT?
Sponsored by the Society of French Explorers and in partnership with NES, NASA and NOAA, the mission consists in going to the area with a sailing boat equipped with an Argos beacon in order to localise and follow the mission vessel live, and publicise our progression in the gyre. The “7e Continent” expedition aims to raise public awareness of this problem. The team intends to create a documentary about the entire expedition and the media (radio, TV…) will follow it during the important stages. Press conferences will also be organised at the beginning and at the end of the mission. In addition, thanks to the Argonautica programme, several classes of students will be able to follow the mission and participate in it as well.
