4 million dollars for the protection of the fenua lagoons

18/09/2025

French Polynesia is receiving significant financial support to strengthen the protection of its lagoons. The Bezos Earth Fund has granted $4 million as part of the regional initiative Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity. Supported by the leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum, the program aims to assist countries and territories in the region in their efforts to preserve the oceans.

These funds will help support the creation and management of new marine protected areas - MPAs - as well as regulated fishing zones - RFZs -. These measures were announced during the Third United Nations Ocean Conference - UNOC3 - and have already been approved by the Assembly of French Polynesia.

The statement specifies that "these funds will not be conditional on the adoption of new regulatory measures," but are intended to support the implementation of decisions already adopted and soon to be confirmed by the Council of Ministers.

For the government, this international support recognizes "the commitment of the Polynesian people to ocean preservation and the development of a sustainable blue economy." It also confirms the path chosen by the country, which aims to protect biodiversity while promoting traditional knowledge and responsible use of marine resources.

This recognition also highlights "our blue economy, driven by our responsible and integrated fisheries, our nature-friendly tourism, as well as our innovative projects in the field of marine energy."

For French Polynesia, this funding also sends a signal to the entire region. The fenua intends to assert itself as a "leading territory of the Pacific" in protecting marine environments and addressing the threats facing ocean biodiversity.