GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – Pacifique announces the launch of the Pacifique Expedition 2026–2030, a multi-year circumnavigation through the world’s tropical belt. This will be not only a scientific expedition, but also an adventure in search of our roots around the world, in the company of Corto Maltese. This quest for our roots is a dual exploration: a scientific approach at the heart of the biological foundations of our coastal ecosystems, and a human journey to rediscover the fundamental drivers of resilience and solidarity that unite us.

PILLAR 1: RESEARCH IN EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES AND PSYCHOLOGY (YOUTH AT SEA)

In collaboration with the University of Geneva (FPSE & CISA) and the University of Toulouse, this team studies the mechanisms of resilience and skills development. The Jeunes en Mer program offers a “floating refuge” for vulnerable young people. The ship’s environment provides a structured setting to study four major areas: learning regulation, socio-emotional dynamics, meaning-making, and the development of autonomy. A rigorous protocol involving interviews, observations, tests, and portable physiological recordings will make it possible to understand the phenomena studied in depth.

PILLAR 2: RESEARCH ON MANGROVES AND ECOSYSTEMS

In collaboration with the F.-A. Forel Institute (UNIGE), the scientific mandate addresses the urgent crisis of mangrove loss. Although these forests are vital carbon sinks, the IUCN’s 2024 Red List indicates that 50% of them are threatened with collapse. This project establishes an evolving, replicable model to safeguard these ecosystems through ecological assessment, carbon quantification, ecosystem mapping with local communities, and the creation of an open-access (open-source) database to support global conservation policy.

TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

The expedition uses the PlanktoScope for automated imaging of plankton and microplastics. As part of a unique educational application, participants in the Jeunes en Mer program will use this tool, providing direct primary data to scientific archives and turning their curiosity into validated research.

THE SHIP AND THE ITINERARY

The Fleur de Passion, a former German Navy vessel from 1941 converted for science and education, will follow the “Green Belt” route:

  • 2026: Atlantic crossing to Brazil via The Gambia.
  • 2027: Panama Canal and the Pacific (from the Galápagos to New Caledonia).
  • 2028: The “Coral Triangle” and Asia (Indonesia, Vietnam).
  • 2029: Indian Ocean (Maldives, Kenya, Madagascar) to the Cape.
  • 2030: Return via the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

 

CULTURE AND THE SPIRIT OF CORTO MALTESE

In partnership with CONG SA, the legendary sailor Corto Maltese will serve as “spiritual captain.” Writer Marco Steiner and Patrizia Zanotti will join the first legs of the journey to develop a new novel for Rizzoli, updating Hugo Pratt’s legacy to address the environmental and cultural challenges of the 21st century through a poetic travel narrative.

PRESENTATION CONFERENCE

To discover the expedition’s vision and hear from our experts, you can watch the press conference held on March 3, 2026 at the Swiss Press Club (Geneva).

KEY PLAYERS

The Pacifique Expedition 2026–2030 is driven by a unique synergy between field experts, academic researchers, and cultural stakeholders:

PACIFIQUE

  • Pietro Godenzi, Director – pietro@pacifique.ch
  • Stéphane Olmos, “Jeunes en Mer” Coordinator – stephane.olmos@pacifique.ch
  • Cédric Legendre, Communications & Scientific Projects (PlanktoScope) – cedric.legendre@pacifique.ch
  • Corine Dykmans, Head of Fundraising & Events – corine.dykmans@pacifique.ch
  • Catia Rizzo, Accounting & Administrative Manager – catia.rizzo@pacifique.ch
  • Alberto Maria Mazza, Communications & Public Relations – alberto@pacifique.ch

FPSE, UNIGE & University of Toulouse

  • Céline Girardet, Lecturer and Researcher – celine.girardet@unige.ch
  • Lucie Mottier Lopez, Full Professor – lucie.mottier@unige.ch
  • Didier Maurice Grandjean, Full Professor – didier.grandjean@unige.ch
  • Dominique Broussal, University Professor – dominique.broussal@univ-tlse2.fr

F.-A. Forel Department, UNIGE

  • Daniel McGinnis, Associate Professor – daniel.mcginnis@unige.ch
  • Cesar Ordonez, Postdoctoral Researcher – cesar.ordonez@unige.ch
  • Anja Hajdukovic, PhD Candidate – anja.hajdukovic@unige.ch
  • Mathilde Dugenne, Assistant Professor – mathilde.dugenne@unige.ch

CONG SA

  • Patrizia Zanotti, Director – pzanotti@cong-pratt.com
  • Marco Steiner, Writer

FURTHER INFORMATION AND EXPEDITION UPDATES

Find the full project and team profiles on our official website