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.”
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