How Tahiti is using cultural heritage to drive ocean conservation and sustainable tourism

Guardians of the blue: ocean, culture and conservation in Tahiti

In Polynesian culture, ancestors who protect their descendants are called tūpuna, meaning the the ocean is not just a resource, it’s family. In this film, former Environment Minister Heremoana Maamaatuaiahutapu shares how traditional knowledge and cultural heritage are shaping sustainable ocean stewardship in Tahiti. From ancient practices like Rāhui, which manages fishing to allow ecosystems to recover, to the creation of a marine protected area the size of Europe, Tahiti’s approach to tourism is rooted in respect, reciprocity, and resilience.

We also meet local tour operator Maui of Corallina Tours, who shows how conservation efforts are boosting marine biodiversity and business. With responsible tourism practices in place, visitors can now encounter thriving populations of dolphins, rays, sharks, and whales while ensuring minimal impact on their fragile habitats. The film is a vivid reminder that when culture and conservation go hand-in-hand, communities flourish, and nature endures.

This model of marine ecotourism highlights the importance of placing Indigenous leadership at the heart of sustainability efforts. Guided by ancestral knowledge and science alike, Tahiti offers an example of how ocean-based tourism can regenerate rather than deplete the environment.

As climate challenges escalate, Tahiti’s commitment to protecting its moana (ocean) offers hope and direction for island nations worldwide. It’s a powerful call to value the ocean not as a commodity, but as kin — and to ensure its survival for future generations through thoughtful, respectful travel.