Sustainability & Ecotourism The Islands of Tahiti are blessed with an exceptional heritage of beautiful landscapes and rich wildlife. Its marine and terrestrial fauna makes French Polynesia a unique destination for nature lovers. Nature is central to Polynesian culture. Long seen as just a turquoise-colored postcard paradise, The Islands of Tahiti now stand out and shine for their natural assets and authentic cultural approach. Ecotourism is growing rapidly, enabling visitors to delight in the discovery of The Islands of Tahiti's natural treasures, while respecting and preserving that heritage.
Protecting the flora and fauna It is an ancient practice, yet very much rooted in Polynesian society. The rahui is a temporary, protective ban on fishing or harvesting, allowing time for species to grow. The people of Rapa (Austral Islands) and Maiao (Society Islands) were the first to reestablish a rahui, and Tahiti has followed. The environmental results are obvious, especially in the preservation of marine biodiversity. The Islands of Tahiti are one of the largest maritime areas in the world, and its entire 5,5 million square kilometers - 1,9 million square mile domain is a marine mammal sanctuary. Wildlife ecotourism is on the rise, and protecting the animals and guaranteeing their tranquility is essential. There are rules of approach and observation, in particular for the humpback whales who come to give birth in our waters during the austral winter. Information leaflets are provided for visitors for increased awareness.
Making sustainable development a priority Moorea
Te Mana o Te Moana established a turtle and cetacean watchdog committee. The non-profit society works to raise public awareness (in tourists, locals and schoolchildren) by providing better information on our local heritage and the dangers it faces. Te Mana o te Moana also runs the marine turtle care center at the InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa, which converted part of its private lagoon to welcome the turtles. For more information, visit www.temanaotemoana.org. Polynesian youth is increasingly involved in the drive to protect
Tips for an Eco-Friendly Visit
• Reduce the amount of coral damaging sunscreen in the environment by opting to wear UV protective clothing or by using “reef-friendly” sunscreen which does not contain ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate. • Avoid directly touching or feeding sensitive marine wildlife as this can be harmful to their health.
the natural heritage of The Islands of Tahiti. A group of young Polynesians, 18 to 20 years old, who live in Moorea and are passionate about the ocean, recently created a non-profit organization named Coral Gardeners, to raise awareness about the threats faced by the Moorea coral reef. They restore the coral through a conservation program: you can adopt a coral on coralgardeners.org, or go to Moorea and graft it yourself.
Tetiaroa
Hotels are getting more and more involved in ecotourism. The most innovative to date is The Brando, on the actor's private island of Tetiaroa. The hotel is built in locally sourced materials, powered by solar panels, has its own organic vegetable garden and a wildlife ecostation. The Brando also features the stateof-the-art technology already implemented at Bora Bora's InterContinental Resort & Thalasso Spa: Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC), which pipes cold deep-sea water into the resorts' AC system.
Tahiti
Dance, drums, legends, handicrafts and ancient rituals: the Arioi Cultural Center offers several cultural and traditional activities, unveiling the authentic Polynesia that lies beyond the islands' poetic beauty. Discovering the marine fauna, respecting the environment and transmitting the culture are at the core of the titi'raina. This traditional canoe was essential to Polynesians who sailed across the Pacific Ocean for centuries, watching the swell, the birds, the stars and clouds. Visitors can enjoy this authentic Polynesian experience in Tahiti's lagoon.
Leeward Islands
Hotels and resorts in the Leeward Islands continue their efforts in conservation of the environment; some examples include the innovative solar-powered catamaran, Okeanos Pearl, with daily sunset cruises on Bora Bora; Espace Bleu's Biorock Program at multiple properties to protect coral gardens; the Ecological Center and Turtle Sanctuary at Le Méridien Bora Bora; and guided lagoon tours by non-motorized sailing canoes in Bora Bora providing an immersive experience in Polynesian history.
Discovering the snorkel trails French Polynesia is 99% ocean. Cruise ships, canoes, sailboats… there are many ways to explore our waters. The Islands of Tahiti also promote snorkel trails, four trails – two in Tahiti, one in Bora Bora and one in Rangiroa – offer a unique tour of the lagoon and its biodiversity. Just put on your fins, mask and snorkel and enjoy an underwater adventure that is both awesome and informative. Educational signs in English and French provide information on that unique ecosystem. • Opt out of single-use plastic in the form of bags, plastic cups, straws or bottles when possible. • Adopt a coral or a sea turtle and support programs throughout The Islands of Tahiti that are dedicated to preserving the environment. • Join an eco-friendly tour at your resort to learn more about how you can help protect The Islands of Tahiti during your visit. 23
