Abstract
An Aquathon was organized on November 20 and 21, 2019 in Abidjan (Ivory Coast) on the theme of plastic waste in the ocean. Thirty participants from 18 public and private bodies experimented with the collaborative tools and methods of open innovation to propose solutions. Results showed that plastic waste must be eliminated, and can be transformed and recycled to improve the environment and protect life and biodiversity. Four prototype solutions were collectively identified and proposed: i) a process for reducing plastic discharges into the environment, ii) recovery of plastic waste using local means, iii) job creation by sorting plastic waste and, iv) a tool for monitoring the biogeochemical quality of water. These solutions now require in depth investigation with manufacturers, consumers and innovation laboratories in view of their successful implementation.