Get outside and breathe! To celebrate the International Minute of Smells (MIO), Madininair is partnering with ATMO Normandie to invite everyone—whether alone or in a group—to participate in this year’s event. This year’s theme? Olfactory heritage—a part of a region’s identity, bridging environmental health and sensory awareness. Whether you’re on the “Island of Flowers” or elsewhere in France, join us for this year’s MIO.
How can I participate?
On June 10, a new edition of the International Minute of Smells (MIO) will take place. The event has been organized since 2024 by ATMO Normandie—the equivalent of Madininair in Martinique—with the goal of raising public awareness about the importance of the air we breathe. «The 2026 MIO is an invitation to reflect on the smells associated with our experiences and … our region,» the organizers explain in a social media post.
The idea is simple: on Wednesday, June 10, at 10:06 a.m., «go outside and let your nose explore the world!» explains ATMO Normandie. «As soon as you smell something, let the scent wash over you.» Then, write down your impressions on a 10×15 cm piece of paper—it can be an emotion, a sensation, or a feeling associated with the smells. On the back of the paper, «write your first name, age, and the location where you made the observation.» Finally, send the paper to ATMO Normandie at the following address: 3 place de la Pomme d’Or, 76000 Rouen, France.
What is Martinique's olfactory heritage?
Whether in metropolitan France, the overseas territories, or around the world, the International Smell Minute is open to all participants who wish to advocate for air quality, as each year the International Smell Minute provides an opportunity to shine a spotlight on an important cause.
Last year, in 2025, the organizers wanted to highlight a topic related to environmental health: anosmia in children—that is, a disorder characterized by the loss of the sense of smell. This year, the focus is on olfactory heritage, described as «a fragrant element of our environment that we believe is important to highlight and even preserve,» according to the organizers.
On the occasion of the International Smell Minute, it’s worth noting the nationwide rollout of the Signalair platform. Whether in Martinique or Normandy, anyone can help track factors related to perceived air quality by submitting a report on the platform: https://www.signalair.eu/fr/
