French Polynesia Unveils World's Largest Marine Protected Zone
- On Monday at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, President Moetai Brotherson revealed plans to establish an extensive marine conservation zone in French Polynesia that will protect nearly 23 percent of its waters, making it one of the largest oceanic protected areas globally.
- This pledge resulted from years of local advocacy and aims to safeguard 1.1 million square kilometers of ocean by banning industrial fishing, mining, and all extractive activities in two major sanctuary zones.
- The designated highly protected areas will cover extensive marine regions, including a large zone adjacent to the Society Islands and another significant area surrounding the Gambier Islands, with additional zones established for artisanal fishing restricted to traditional line methods using vessels shorter than 12 meters.
- Brotherson highlighted that for French Polynesia, the ocean represents far more than just a geographical area—it embodies the foundation of the region’s life, culture, and identity. Meanwhile, Razan Al Mubarak commended the initiative, emphasizing that such dedication is crucial for promoting global ocean health.
- The initiative positions French Polynesia as a global leader in ocean conservation, with plans to establish more protected areas within a year, reflecting growing local and international commitments to marine biodiversity protection.
51 Articles
51 Articles


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