Polynesia: Teva Rohfritsch and TPAFP Join Forces to Revitalize Pearl Industry
By Sandrine, Saturday 8 August 2015 at 18:36 :: Marketing
French Polynesia's Minister of the Blue Economy, Teva Rohfritsch, met Thursday with representatives of the Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia (TPAFP), chaired by Aline Baldassari-Bernard, to assess the sector's current state and explore new development strategies.
Key Discussion Points
✔ Sector Assessment: Evaluating challenges and opportunities in pearl farming
✔ Regulatory Reform: Aligning on a proposed territorial pearl products law
✔ Sustainability Focus: Implementing stricter production controls to protect lagoon resources
TPAFP's Strategic Role
Since its creation in May 2014, the TPAFP has:
- United 4 Economic Interest Groups (GIEs)
- Represented pearl farmers' and traders' unions
- Advised authorities on market organization
- Advocated for professional accountability across the supply chain
Government Commitments
Teva Rohfritsch pledged to:
- Finalize new regulations by year-end
- Develop an action plan to revive this economic pillar
- Continue inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders
"This collaboration ensures our pearls remain synonymous with quality and sustainability," Baldassari-Bernard stated. The minister emphasized that the reforms aim to balance economic viability with ecological preservation—critical for an industry generating 85% of non-tourism exports.
Next Steps: Draft legislation will undergo sector-wide consultations before adoption.
(Context: Tahitian pearl exports fell 42% in early 2024, heightening urgency for structural reforms.)