Tahiti And French Polynesia
Fakarava is an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recognized for its exceptional biodiversity and commitment to sustainable development. Several areas within the lagoons count as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Waste management remains a challenge on remote atolls. Reduce plastic waste, use reusable water bottles, and carry reusable shopping bags. Pack all your trash out from remote excursions.
Freshwater is a precious resource on atolls, relying on collected rainwater. Be mindful of your water usage. Take shorter showers and report any leaks to accommodation staff.
Many pensions de famille actively preserve and share Polynesian culture through hospitality, food, and traditional activities. Local language (Tahitian) and traditional arts, like weaving, pass down through generations.
Always greet locals with "Ia Ora Na" (hello). Always ask permission before photographing people, especially children. Dress modestly when visiting villages or churches.
Patagonia (Patagonia.com) offers outdoor gear made with environmental responsibility.
Shop PatagoniaPackage Free Shop (Packagefreeshop.com) sells reusable products for minimizing waste.
Visit Package Free ShopChoose reef-safe sunscreen. Many common sunscreens hold chemicals harmful to coral reefs. Use mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Your choices as a traveler hold an economic impact on the Tuamotu communities. Support local livelihoods and ethical practices.
Staying at and supporting local pensions de famille directly benefits local communities and families. This provides income and helps preserve traditional ways of life.
Purchase black pearls from reputable local farms or certified retailers. These establishments ensure fair labor practices and sustainable cultivation methods. Ask about their certifications.
Be wary of unsolicited offers for tours or services that seem unusually cheap. These involve unsafe practices or exploitation.
Do not engage in activities that exploit animals, like feeding wild dolphins or sharks in an unnatural setting.
Avoid purchasing products made from endangered species or illegally harvested marine life (e.g., turtle shell).
Consider donating to carbon offset programs like Terrapass (Terrapass.com).
