French Polynesia Creates World's Largest Marine Protected Area

In one of the most significant conservation achievements of 2025, French Polynesia established the Tainui Atea marine protected area, covering an astonishing 1.1 million square kilometers of ocean — making it the world's largest MPA. The waters of French Polynesia are renowned for their extraordinary biodiversity, home to coral reefs, sharks, whales, and countless marine species.

The designation represents a landmark moment for ocean conservation, as scientists have long advocated for protecting at least 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. The Tainui Atea MPA brings the global community significantly closer to that goal. Local communities and Indigenous groups played a central role in advocating for the protection, ensuring that traditional knowledge and sustainable fishing practices are integrated into the management plan.

“1 million square kilometers of ocean — making it the world's largest MPA.”