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05/10/2025
Following the announcements made by Moetai Brotherson in Nice during the United Nations Ocean Conference - UNOC -, a ministerial delegation traveled to Rikitea in the Gambier Islands to support the establishment of a vast marine protected area. The objective is to reconcile environmental protection with sustainable development for the populations of the archipelago.
Upon their arrival at the Rikitea wharf, members of the delegation were welcomed to the sound of tari parau and by the smiles of residents who had gathered to greet them.
Several working workshops then structured the discussions. They helped clarify the protection and monitoring mechanisms for the future marine protected area, which is expected to cover nearly 650,000 km² around the entire Gambier archipelago.
"More than 90% of the population wants stronger protection of the oceans. The observation is clear: today we see a decline in resources and fewer species than we used to see before. There is also a strong desire, particularly in the archipelagos, to keep young people here and to build sustainable development," explains Romain Chancelier, technical advisor in charge of environmental affairs.
For the government of French Polynesia, consultation with local stakeholders is an essential step. It allows decision-makers to rely on precise local knowledge and the realities of the archipelago. Ultimately, the objective is to establish a consultation committee bringing together all stakeholders.
"The population must participate and make their ideas heard. We have a global vision of what is happening across the archipelago, but we also need to engage with the different sectors concerned in order to address the details of the challenges," emphasizes Pierre Paiamara, representative of the administrative service for public support.
Alexis Crescence, municipal councilor in Rikitea, shares the same view. "It is important for the population to have a voice. This is a crucial issue for the future of our children, especially for fishing but also for the agricultural sector."
For Minister Taivini Teai, the visit also made it possible to gather observations and expectations from residents, particularly regarding the species that should be protected.
"We discussed the evolution of the Gambier Islands, comparing the situation today with that of the past: sharks, whales, corals, birds. The objective is also to understand what the population wishes to highlight in order to promote the natural resources of the archipelago," he explains.
In order to continue this consultation process and finalize the project, Taivini Teai plans to return to Rikitea in November.