French Polynesia unveils largest Marine Protected Area in the world

French Polynesia has taken a major step in ocean conservation with the designation of Tainui Atea as the largest Marine Protected Area (MPA) on the planet, reinforcing the destination’s positioning as a leader in sustainable tourism across the South Pacific.

Located at the heart of the Pacific, French Polynesia is home to one of the richest marine environments on Earth. To safeguard this natural capital, authorities created Tainui Atea in 2018 as a managed marine area spanning nearly the entirety of its Exclusive Economic Zone—close to five million square kilometers.

A significant milestone was reached in 2025 during the United Nations Ocean Conference 2025, when Tainui Atea was officially recognized as a Marine Protected Area, making it the largest of its kind globally.

This upgraded status strengthens long-term efforts to preserve marine biodiversity, protect fragile ecosystems, and ensure the sustainability of ocean resources that local communities depend on.

The designation is backed by a series of concrete protection measures. These include a ban on seabed mining to safeguard largely unexplored deep-sea habitats, a prohibition on drifting Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), and enhanced resource management policies. Together, these actions aim to protect iconic Pacific species while maintaining the ecological balance of the ocean.

Tainui Atea also aligns with broader global conservation frameworks such as the BBNJ Agreement, which enables the creation of marine protected areas in international waters—an important step forward in safeguarding biodiversity beyond national boundaries.

Management of the vast protected zone is guided by a long-term plan covering 2023 to 2037. Governance involves multiple stakeholders, including the French Polynesian government, the French state, fishing communities, and environmental and cultural organizations. The group meets annually to assess progress and define priorities, ensuring coordinated and sustainable oversight.

At the same time, a network of localized Marine Protected Areas is being developed within Tainui Atea, tailored to the specific characteristics of each archipelago. These include initiatives in the Gambier, Society, Austral, and Marquesas islands, where conservation measures are closely linked to traditional practices, lagoon preservation, and local fisheries.

Together, these efforts underscore French Polynesia’s commitment to protecting its marine environment while supporting responsible tourism.

Tainui Atea is part of what is collectively known asThe Islands of Tahiti. The destination comprises 118 islands and atolls across five archipelagos. Long celebrated for their natural beauty and cultural heritage, the islands continue to balance environmental stewardship with immersive visitor experiences.