Local Research Efforts

UPF - Université de la Polynésie Française (University of French Polynesia)

A public institution of higher education and research located in Tahiti, the University of French Polynesia offers a diversified multidisciplinary training and carries out research missions for the scientific, technological, and cultural development of French Polynesia. For environmental research efforts, see here.

Gump Station, UC Berkley

Field laboratory station advancing the frontiers of biocomplexity research and sustainability science through operational, technological, and informational support for programs on the island of Moorea, French Polynesia.

CRIOBE - Centre de Recherches Insulaires et Observatoire de l’Environnement (Center for Island Research and Environmental Observatory)

CRIOBE is one of France’s preeminent laboratories for the study of coral reef ecosystems whose activities span multiple disciplines : ecology, conservation biology, genetics, chemistry, and anthropology. Its laboratories are spread across two main campuses : the University of Perpignan (UPVD) in the south of France and the CRIOBE research station located on the island of Moorea, French Polynesia.

Local Conservation, Stewardship, and Science Education Efforts

Te Pu 'Atiti'a

“A local community-based organization dedicated to documenting, promoting, and preserving Polynesia’s biocultural heritage. Since 2004, it has pursued programs  focused on marine and terrestrial biodiversity, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), culture, conservation and the relationship between human societies and natural ecosystems.” 

Atitia Center, located on the Gump Station campus, is run by Te Pu 'Atiti'a

Reva Atea

“Reva atea is a non-profit association whose main objective is the transmission of cultural, scientific and environmental values through the development of educational programs. Our programs are flexible, and cover various subjects ranging from the terrestrial environment to the marine ecosystem. The idea is to open our eyes to the environment around us, observe to better understand, take part in projects and act together.”

Tetiaroa Society

"The mission of Tetiaroa Society is to ensure island and coastal communities have a future as rich as their past - strengthening their resilience to global change, by restoring their ecosystems, and preserving their cultures. Grounded in experience and action on Tetiaroa, our vision is to weave enlightened values, traditional wisdom, and scientific understanding into a new fabric for our common island home."

Te Mana o te Moana

Implements programs for the protection and monitoring of marine wildlife including cetaceans, turtles, fish, and corals.

Te Ora Naho

The Federation of Associations for the Protection of the Environment (Fédération des Associations de Protection de l’Environnement) brings together local associations with a shared purpose of protecting the natural environment of French Polynesia. 

Oceania

A non-profit for studying and protecting cetaceans in French Polynesia.

Mata Tohora

The Association for the Protection of Marine Mammals of Polynesia is a scientific and education outreach program for marine mammals.

To'a Nu'uroa

The To’a Nu’uroa project is the winner of the ReCorEA call by the French Office for Biodiversity and administered by Tamari’i Pointe des Pêcheurs to improve the coral cover of the Puna’auia reefs following bleaching, coral mortality, and spread of algae (Turbinaria). 

Moorea Research Library

Collates research conducted by foreign researchers so that it is accessible to everyone!

Association Coral Gardeners

Coral Gardeners grow and plant resilient corals to restore dying reefs and bring life back to the ocean.

Note: These are just a few examples of the many local conservation efforts. Please reach out to moderators with additional information (i.e. to add resources, opportunities for collaboration, and more!)

International Conservation Efforts

There are a number of international conservation efforts on the islands of Tahiti and Moorea that include but are not limited to the Nature Conservancy, Tropical Conservation Consortium, Seacology, IUCN, reefcheck, WiseOceans, and Island Conservation. Please see their websites for information regarding their French Polynesia based conservation work.