Odysseo Foundation

Our Main Projects

St. Brandon Project

St. Brandon Project –
Conservation of a Pristine
Archipelago

The St. Brandon archipelago, a remote part of Mauritius, faces threats from pollution, stranded boats, and illegal fishing. The Odysseo Foundation’s St. Brandon Conservation Trust is dedicated to safeguarding this unique ecosystem, ensuring its long-term protection and sustainability.
Blue Carbon Ecosystems Project

Blue Carbon Ecosystems Project –
Restoration of Blue Carbon
Ecosystems

Mangroves and seagrasses are vital carbon sinks that mitigate climate change and support coastal resilience. Mangroves buffer coastal zones from storms, while seagrasses filter land-derived waters, improving water quality and marine biodiversity.
Coral Project

Coral Project
Translating Field-Based Larval
Propagation to the Western Indian
Ocean

In collaboration with Secore International, University of Mauritius, and Eco Sud, the Odysseo Foundation is pioneering coral restoration through sexual reproduction—a groundbreaking technique in the Western Indian Ocean.

Our Impact in Mauritius

Our work is grounded in community collaboration and the belief that small actions can create big waves of change.

Since its creation, the Odysseo Foundation has:

Reached thousands of students through granted educational programmes

Partnered with schools, NGOs, and other local partners

Contributed to ongoing marine restoration projects

Led public clean-up and awareness events with measurable outcomes

Meet Our Team

Olivier Pasnin

Foundation Manager

Bernardo Nascimento

Olivier was born in Rodrigues where his early exposure to island life fostered a strong connection to the ocean and a lasting interest in marine science and conservation. He completed a BSc in Biotechnology in Mauritius before pursuing an MSc in Applied Marine Science and a PhD in Marine Conservation in South Africa, building a strong interdisciplinary foundation in ocean sciences.

Olivier worked at the Mauritius Oceanography Institute for 11 years, where he progressed to become Head of the Physical Oceanography Unit, contributing to national ocean research and monitoring programmes. He later worked as an independent consultant for international organisations on biodiversity and natural resource management programmes before joining Reef Conservation as Head of Marine & Coastal Research. He subsequently served as Programme Technical Specialist for Natural Resource Management with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Olivier now serves as Foundation Manager of the Odysseo Foundation, where he supports marine education, conservation, and coastal resilience initiatives.

Léa De Oliveira

Program Manager

Léa De Oliveira

Léa, an environmental engineer trained in France and Brazil, specializes in ecological restoration and corporate sustainability strategies. With a passion for diving and marine biology, she applies her expertise to protect and restore Mauritius’ unique marine ecosystems through innovative conservation initiatives.

Shivanee Vencatachellum

Communication Manager

Shivanee Vencatachellum

Shivanee Vencatachellum is a former journalist turned communications professional, driven by a passion for storytelling and human-centered narratives. She specializes in translating complex ideas into clear, engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences. She holds a BSc in Communication Studies and is currently pursuing an MBA with a specialization in Marketing Management, further strengthening her strategic and creative approach to communication.

 

She is now serving as Communication Manager for the Odysseo Foundation, where she leads strategic messaging and storytelling initiatives to support the foundation’s conservation, education, and community engagement projects.

Volunteering at
Odysseo Foundation

Join the Odysseo Foundation as a volunteer and contribute to hands-on conservation efforts. Whether it’s restoring coral reefs, planting mangroves, or protecting fragile ecosystems like St. Brandon, your support makes a difference!

Learn more

Our Sponsors & Partners at Odysseo Foundation

Let’s Protect the Ocean, Together

Every visit to Odysseo supports our foundation’s mission. But your involvement—whether through learning, donating, or partnering—helps us go even further. Let’s make Mauritius a leading voice in marine conservation, one project at a time.

Become a Volunteer
Make a Donation
Let’s Protect the Ocean, Together