An enchanting group of islands in the South Pacific that is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity. Comprised of 118 islands and atolls spread over five archipelagos, French Polynesia offers a paradise of turquoise lagoons, verdant mountains, and vibrant coral reefs. Located about halfway between California and Australia, French Polynesia spans an area as large as Europe, although its landmass is relatively small.

The islands are primarily volcanic in origin, featuring high mountain peaks, lush valleys, and clear blue waters. The climate is tropical, with a warm and humid atmosphere tempered by gentle trade winds. This environment supports a diverse array of plant and animal life, making French Polynesia a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Four pillars elaborated:

Land Management

French Polynesia has established a network of protected areas to conserve its unique marine and terrestrial biodiversity. This includes Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) set up since 1971 for better marine area management, Educational Managed Marine Areas (EMMAs) managed by primary school pupils, and sites recognized by UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere program, such as the Fakarava atolls. The Moorea lagoon is recognized under the RAMSAR convention for its wetlands, and marine sanctuaries protect marine mammals and sharks across national waters.

Management of these areas involves ecological, cultural, and socio-economic considerations, with partnerships between the government, local communities, and international organizations. Large-scale MPAs in the Marquesas and Austral Islands demonstrate ongoing commitment to marine conservation. These efforts are crucial for protecting marine life, including coral reefs, fish species, and marine mammals, while preserving natural heritage for future generations. Traditional community-based management measures, like Rahui, are also still in use for resource management.

Threats to Biodiversity

French Polynesia’s biodiversity faces several significant threats, including invasive species that outcompete native species and disrupt ecosystems, habitat alteration and loss due to urbanization and deforestation, over-exploitation of natural resources through overfishing and unsustainable agriculture, and the impacts of global climate change and sea-level rise on coral reefs and endemic species. Additional threats include ocean acidification and coral bleaching, marine pollution from plastic waste, and coastal development that destroys natural habitats.

Capacity and Governance

The government of French Polynesia is actively addressing the biodiversity crisis through several key initiatives. Plans are in place to seek UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation for the Austral Islands by 2023, aiming to protect ocean life while allowing sustainable activities in this biodiverse and endemic-rich archipelago. There is also a revival of Rahui, a traditional conservation practice that temporarily closes off natural areas to allow ecosystems to regenerate, notably advancing plans for a marine protected area covering about 500,000 km² (193,051 mi²) in the Austral Islands.

Additionally, scientific studies support the establishment of large, fully protected marine reserves to boost ocean health, conserve biodiversity, and safeguard traditional cultures linked to the sea. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to protect French Polynesia’s unique ecosystems and cultural heritage, ensuring sustainable resource use and the well-being of future generations, reflecting a commitment to local and global environmental stewardship.

Future Trends

French Polynesia’s Future Biodiversity Plan 2030 aims to protect and restore the country’s rich biodiversity by 2030. Key elements of the plan include creating a marine sanctuary covering half a million square kilometers in the South Pacific by 2030, investing in conservation efforts with increased funding, including restoring 50,000 hectares (500 km²) of wetlands by 2026, and strengthening information systems to monitor biodiversity and track progress towards the plan’s goals.

Biodiversity

French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France located in the South Pacific, is renowned for its stunning biodiversity and diverse ecosystems spread across its 118 islands and atolls. The terrestrial ecosystems, particularly on larger islands like Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea, are characterized by lush tropical rainforests and volcanic mountains. These forests are home to various plant species, including many endemic orchids, ferns, and hardwood trees. The islands support unique wildlife, such as the Tahiti monarch, an endemic bird species, and the Polynesian tree snail. The mountainous regions provide habitats for various endemic plants and animals adapted to these specific environments.

French Polynesia’s marine biodiversity is particularly impressive, with some of the most pristine and diverse coral reefs in the world. The coral reefs surrounding the islands and atolls are teeming with life, including numerous species of corals, colorful fish, and invertebrates. Notable marine species include the humpback whale, green sea turtle, manta rays, and various species of sharks. The lagoons and reefs also support many mollusks, crustaceans, and marine plants, making the region a hotspot for marine biodiversity.

In the table below are the number of known species in several main groups, how many of these species are Threatened with extinction, and how many of them are Endemic (unique to French Polynesia only):