Traditional Polynesian conservation methods are being used to revive local ecosystems and protect natural resources in Tahiti, including near the Paris Olympics surfing venue. Called rahui, the practice temporarily restricts or bans the harvesting of essential resources in a designated area.
Kauli Vaast, of France, leaps over a wave during the second round of the 2024 Summer Olympics surfing competition Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Teahupo’o, Tahiti . With fishing being a vital part of the ways of Polynesian life, local leader Dominique Tehei, 51, and his fellow community members knew they needed to find a way to restore the ecosystem. They decided there was a customary Polynesian practice that could help them do it: creating a rahui.
While the most common form of rahui is a no-fishing zone placed in a lagoon or offshore — like a marine reserve — rahui have also been established in local creeks and rivers in the form of planting taro crops to capture sediment from agriculture or other development before it flows into the ocean and harmfully settles onto reefs.
Going home to home, Tehei said they were able to convince villagers to allow certain sections of the reef and surrounding areas to be closed for two years at a time, leaving other sections still open for fishing activities.Members from the Rahui Forum and Resource Center visit and discuss with communities across Tahiti to help learn why they want to establish a rahui, then connect them with local nongovernmental organizations and community leaders who can help with the establishment process.
Environmental Conservation Tahiti Olympic Games Climate And Environment Associated Press S French Polynesia A Paris I Sports Science Climate
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