The Mauritius Gymkhana Club recently hosted the second edition of its Heritage Conversation Series, themed "The Ocean: our shared heritage, our common legacy". The event, held on September 23, brought together perspectives from diplomacy, science, and public policy to discuss Mauritius' relationship with the ocean. The series was launched in July 2026 with the aim of creating a regular platform for conversations around history, heritage, and culture.
The second edition of the series focused on natural heritage, specifically Mauritius' relationship with the ocean. The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Ganesha Singaravelloo, Board Member of The Mauritius Gymkhana Club. The discussion explored three key questions: What do we have? What are we learning? And what can we still unlock?
Aline Wong, Honorary Secretary of the Mauritius Gymkhana Club and initiator of the Heritage Conversation Series, emphasized the importance of responsibility and transmission. Wong stated that the club has inherited 182 years of history, but the real question is what they choose to do with that inheritance and what they will leave for future generations.
The event featured contributions from various speakers, including H.E. Kate Chamley, Australian High Commissioner to Mauritius, who shared insights into Australia's relationship with the ocean and the experience of protecting the Great Barrier Reef. Dr Pierre Edgard Daniel Marie, Director of the Mauritius Oceanography Institute, explored the marine wealth surrounding Mauritius and the role of scientific monitoring in understanding changes affecting marine environments.
The discussion continued with a conversation involving Dr the Hon. Arvin Boolell, GOSK, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, H.E. Kate Chamley, and Dr Pierre Edgard Daniel Marie, moderated by Ganesha Singaravelloo. The conversation considered the protection of Mauritius' marine resources, the role of science in shaping how these resources are understood and managed, and the opportunities offered by the ocean.
The Club also introduced the idea of "One Ocean Action for MGC", with the intention of working with members and partners to identify a meaningful ocean-related project that the Mauritius Gymkhana Club can support. Aline Wong emphasized the connection between understanding and action, stating that protecting the ocean begins with understanding it.
The evening concluded with a culinary experience inspired by the theme, "From the sound of the waves to our plates", developed in collaboration with Valerie Ah-Chuen Juban and Chef Patrick Vitry. The experience provided a final connection between Mauritius' marine heritage and its culinary traditions, highlighting the significance of the ocean to the island's identity and way of life.
Key points
- The Mauritius Gymkhana Club's Heritage Conversation Series aims to create a regular platform for conversations around history, heritage, and culture.
- The second edition of the series focused on Mauritius' relationship with the ocean and its significance to the island's identity and economy.
- The event introduced the idea of "One Ocean Action for MGC", a project aimed at supporting ocean-related initiatives.
