TIAHURA, Tahiti — A revival of traditional Polynesian conservation practices is gaining momentum as local communities strive to protect their marine ecosystems, particularly near the venue for the upcoming Paris Olympics surfing events. These conservation measures, known as rahui, involve temporarily restricting or outright banning the harvesting of marine resources within designated areas. Such initiatives have become increasingly relevant as fishers, like those mentioned by community leader Dominique Tehei, have observed declining fish sizes and population numbers over the years. Fishing continues to be fundamental to Polynesian culture and economy, making the need for sustainable practices more pressing.
The rahui systems embody community-led conservation efforts, legally recognized under the French Polynesia environmental code since 2016. This approach emphasizes local governance and management, enabling communities to determine how they can best heal and sustain their natural resources with support from researchers and environmental scientists. Hunter Lenihan, co-director of the Rahui Forum and Resource Center based on the nearby island of Moorea, highlighted the historical significance of the rahui tradition. He pointed out its origins among Polynesian islands, including Hawaii and New Zealand. After being suppressed during colonial periods, rahui practices have enjoyed revival over the last decade.
Typically, rahui may involve the establishment of marine reserves to protect specific locations from fishing. These areas might be restricted solely to certain fishing methods or allowed to be fished during specific seasons. Between seasons, fishers can be encouraged to utilize sustainable fishing techniques. For example, only line or spear fishing might be permitted, as opposed to netting methods often associated with overfishing. Community leaders like Tehei also note the adaptive flexibility of rahui legislation, permitting various fishing activities based on local ecosystem needs. Some zones might even ban fishing entirely to shelter marine life from human interference.
Efforts to implement rahui have faced challenges, especially when proposing closures to resource areas like coral reefs. Tehei recalls the skepticism expressed by villagers about sacrificing immediate access to fishing during difficult times. For many, fishing is not just about food; it represents livelihood and economic support. Yet, through persistent dialogue and by emphasizing long-term sustainability, local leaders managed to gain widespread acceptance for rahui as well as instilling optimism for future resource recovery.
Community training sessions incentivized by government initiatives and collaborations with NGOs have empowered sustainable resource management. Billboards and educational campaigns have made the rahui concept more accessible, ensuring community members understand the regulations, including penalties for violations. A significant majority—90% of residents—report support for the rahui system, significantly surpassing backing for traditional protected marine areas. Despite the surge of interest and legislative support, Tehei cautions against the idea of rahui being infallible. There remain formidable obstacles, including monitoring and enforcement challenges, particularly during night periods when compliance is harder to assure.
Reopening rahui zones too quickly has also sometimes led to renewed overfishing. A challenging narrative unfolded when, after reopening one rahui, the area saw about 30 fishing boats descending within three weeks—a scenario labeled as disastrous by Tehei. These instances underline the precarious balance between managing community needs and ecological recovery timelines.
Today, there are numerous rahui across Tahiti, including prominent areas like Teahupo'o, which is set to host Olympic competitions. They not only play roles as ecological safeguards but also contribute to cultural identity by fostering communal ties around shared environmental stewardship. Unquestionably, sentiment about the ocean’s importance is voiced through Tehei's words, "For Tahitian people, the ocean is everything. People want to keep it healthy and prosperous." This attitude, alongside the revival of rahui, represents noteworthy progress for both ecological conservation and cultural preservation around Tahiti's bountiful waters.
