85% of Polynesians surveyed believe that plastics and marine waste pose the greatest threat to our oceans.

92.6% are in favor of implementing a Rāhui to protect the ocean.

The preservation of Polynesia's marine heritage depends on sustainable management of the Pacific Ocean. This report by the Economic, Social, Environmental and Cultural Council (CESEC) aims to inform discussions at the 2025 Oceans Summit (UNOC 3), by highlighting the significant economic and cultural issues at stake, as well as the potential benefits of balanced protection of this unique maritime environment.

Te Moana Nui a Hiva symbolizes the Pacific Ocean surrounding the islands of French Polynesia and is considered an essential part of the region’s natural and cultural heritage. Covering 165.25 million km² (32% of the Earth's surface) and representing 50% of the world's ocean volume, this ocean is vital to Polynesia's identity and economy. It is home to 30,000 islands, is connected to other basins and includes the deepest point, Challenger Deep, which reaches 11,034 meters, well above Mount Everest’s 8,849 meters. Located in the South Pacific, French Polynesia plays a key role in climate regulation and marine ecosystem conservation.

With 119 islands scattered across an EEZ of 5 million km², French Polynesia represents almost 50% of the French EEZ, presenting a major geopolitical challenge. Its vast maritime area gives France a significant geostrategic role amid rising tensions in the Pacific, where major powers such as China, the United States and India are increasing their presence.

On the environmental front, the Pacific Ocean is seriously affected by plastic pollution, with 8 million tonnes of waste dumped every year contributing to the formation of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (1.6 million km²) and the South Pacific Garbage Vortex (2.6 million km²). These threats are exacerbated by climate change, particularly through rising sea levels, ocean acidification and intensifying cyclones, which threaten the 84 Polynesian atolls. In the face of these challenges, effective governance that integrates marine conservation, sustainable exploitation and the preservation of ancestral knowledge such as the Rāhui system is essential.

Nā te mau Tiaki moana e ha'amau i te Rāhui: the guardians of the Ocean will establish the Rāhui.

A holistic and collective vision is imperative. Only an intelligent combination of modernity and tradition, supported by enhanced regional and international cooperation, will enable us to create a development model that is both resilient and prosperous. By utilizing the identified levers today, we can ensure a harmonious future for present generations and those to come, where the richness of the oceans is compatible with economic viability and respect for natural balance.

We identified 8 priority areas : 

1. Integrate maritime education and the youth's commitment to preserving the oceans by strengthening Marine Education Areas (MEAs) and creating a Maritime high school (Lycée de la mer)

    

Education is essential for sustainable ocean management. MEAs raise young people's awareness of marine ecosystem preservation, while the establishment of a Maritime high school would offer specialized training in marine trades, integrating modern science and traditional Polynesian knowledge such as Rāhui. These initiatives reconcile innovation and cultural heritage to ensure responsible use of marine resources.

2. Ban drifting FADs in international waters

    

This ban, which is already in place in the Polynesian EEZ, should be extended to international waters to better protect biodiversity and reduce pollution. The aim is to ensure sustainable management of fishery resources and preserve marine ecosystems for future generations.

3. Implement integrated lagoon management and a "coastal" law in French Polynesia 

    

A "coastal" law would regulate coastal development and preserve marine resources through strict standards and Rāhui-inspired management. By organizing areas conflicted between use and protection of marine resources, and involving local communities, this model would reconcile both, allowing French Polynesia to set an example for balanced governance.

4. Accelerate exploration and scientific research of the seabed to enable informed management

    

Deep-sea exploration must be increased to improve our knowledge of, and protection of these areas. Increased international cooperation and in-depth studies would enable us to anticipate ecological and economic impacts of this activity. Clear governance of strategic resources would safeguard French Polynesia's sovereignty against external pressures.

5. Strengthen regional and international cooperation in marine management

    

Collaborative ocean management involves harmonizing standards and exchanging expertise to strengthen regional cooperation. Pooling surveillance and research resources, and sharing scientific data, will enable us to respond more effectively to the challenges posed by uncontrolled fishing, pollution and the unregulated exploitation of marine resources and the seabed.

6. Save the Pacific Ocean with Rāhui, a revolutionary tool

    

Rāhui is a traditional Polynesian management framework that offers an effective solution for regenerating marine resources thanks to its adaptable approach. Extending Rāhui across the Pacific would help preserve ecosystems threatened by overfishing and climate change. Recognized as a Marine Area "To Be Preserved", this method could become a global model that reconciles the protection of the oceans with their sustainable use.

7. Increase support for innovative and sustainable initiatives, such as Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC) and Ocean Thermal Energy (OTE).

    

The development of this technology relies on its integration into public infrastructure, financial incentives and enhanced scientific cooperation. By integrating these solutions into energy policies, French Polynesia could become a model of sustainable innovation, combining modernity, environmental preservation and energy autonomy.

8. Rapidly deploy projects focusing on climate challenge adaptation for island societies

    

It appears essential to anticipate the impact of marine heatwaves on ecosystems, island populations and key sectors such as fishing and aquaculture. This requires international mobilization, innovative financing and an appropriate regulatory framework that integrates ocean temperature monitoring, the regulation of maritime activities and the incorporation of ancestral knowledge for sustainable preservation.