French Polynesia

The waters around French Polynesia, a French overseas territory in the South Pacific Ocean, make up the world’s largest contiguous exclusive economic zone.

At 5 million square kilometers (1.9 million square miles), the territory’s waters span an area as large as the landmass of the European Union. These vast and healthy waters are home to 21 species of sharks and an exceptional coral reef system that supports 176 coral and 1,024 fish species.

The mayors and communities of the Austral Islands, one of the five archipelagoes that make up French Polynesia, invited the Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy team to collaborate on efforts to designate a large-scale marine reserve in their waters.

In June 2020, French Polynesia’s Council of Ministers announced its intention to seek a biosphere reserve designation from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization for the Austral archipelago by 2023. The council’s action reflects strong local support for establishing robust marine protections and if successful, could result in the creation of the largest biosphere reserve in the world.

Separately, Marquesas mayors have been working since 2012 to safeguard their waters. With support from local communities and Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy, they formally proposed a 430,000 square kilometer (166,000 square mile) marine reserve to the central government in June 2018. This reserve would include an area for artisanal fishing to encourage economic development on the islands.

Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy works closely with scientists, fishermen, environmental organizations, and local communities on marine protection scenarios in line with traditional Polynesian culture and community values.