On World Ocean Day, The Islands Of Tahiti Show That Conservation And Tourism Go Hand In Hand

LifestyleTravelOn World Ocean Day, The Islands Of Tahiti Show That Conservation And Tourism Go Hand In HandByBrianna Randall,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Brianna Randall writes about the intersection of travel and science.Follow AuthorJun 08, 2026, 08:15am EDTJun 08, 2026, 11:14am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Lagoon and coral reef in Tahiti, French Polynesia. De Agostini via Getty ImagesAs I snorkeled in the turquoise lagoon off the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia, I marveled at the colorful swirl of life before me. A pair of eagle rays glided past. An immense ball of bait attracted jacks, barracuda and reeftip sharks. Butterfly fish and unicorn fish darted inches from my mask, gathering around bright coral baumies.The waters around French Polynesia’s 118 islands and atolls are my favorite place to explore underwater. This is because the country has done an admirable job of protecting its marine resources, including banning seabed exploitation and shark fishing, as well as creating Marine Protected Areas rooted in local Indigenous knowledge.By caring for its oceans, the Islands of Tahiti have enhanced their appeal for visitors. As we celebrate World Ocean Day, French Polynesia can serve as a model for successfully merging resource conservation with sustainable tourism.“Our ocean is our identity,” said Vaihere Lissant, CEO of Tahiti Tourisme in a recent press release. “By protecting this heritage, we enrich travelers’ experiences and secure lasting benefits for our islands.”Largest Marine Protected Area On Earth: French PolynesiaFrench Polynesia has the largest Marine Protected Area in the world. Called Tainui Atea, the protected zone spans nearly 5 million square kilometers, an area larger than the European Union. It was established in 2018 and reinforced in 2025, safeguarding a vast expanse of ocean that serves as ha...