The preparations for Mission Spiritus – Oman are well underway, thanks to the exceptional support of Mohamd Zadjali, Hussain Al Hassni, and Yousuf from Outward Bound Oman during an in-country visit last week by Expedition Team member – Billy Perham. Their deep knowledge and experience in desert operations have been critical in ensuring the expedition’s readiness for its start in January 2025.
Key Highlights:
- Route Validation: The recce team traversed over 1,000km, including crossing the vast Empty Quarter, to validate the expedition route. This journey involved mapping all waypoints critical for sand collection, identifying key locations, and marking campsites to optimise the mission’s success.
- Environmental Assessment: Terrain and environmental conditions were thoroughly evaluated to ensure the selection of suitable clothing and equipment necessary for the harsh desert environment.
- Operational Planning: The logistical and operational frameworks for the mission were confirmed, addressing transportation, resource management, and safety considerations.
Mission Spiritus – Oman is the second of a series of seven ground breaking science-focused expeditions. These missions aim to gather data on the presence and distribution of micro and nano plastics in some of the planet’s most remote and ecologically sensitive regions. This research, led by Dr. Maureen Raymo and Dr. Beizhan Yan from Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, seeks to provide critical evidence for addressing the growing plastic pollution crisis.
Objectives:
- Collect micro and nano plastic samples: Sampling from strategic desert locations to expand understanding of plastic dispersal patterns.
- Drive impactful solutions: Utilising research insights to influence policy and practical measures against environmental plastic contamination.
Mission Spiritus is committed to sparking transformative change in the fight against one of today’s most pressing environmental issues, aligning rigorous scientific investigation with actionable solutions.
The January expedition is poised to mark another significant step in this vital global endeavour.
