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Seven More Atolls Protected
By Islomaniac | February 22, 2007
UNESCO always seems to be doing great wok protecting culturally and environmentally important places. It’s great to see that they haven’t forgotten about the small island micro nations either. I feel that people often think that if an island is protected it is automatically “roped off” from society. Although I am sure this is sometimes the case, most of the time this designation makes the island more accessible and more enjoyable to the general public. In addition, it ensures that it is preserved for future generations.
A Tuamotu atoll
Author Unknown
Tahiti Presse
The Tuamotu atoll of Fakarava is among seven atolls that have been grouped together as part of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) global network. Apparently they have expanded the Tairo Biosphere Reserve to include 7 new atolls. I feel that people often think that once an island is protected it can no longer be enjoyed. In fact the opposite is true, an island is more enjoyable when its uniqueness is preserved.
The designation represents “a complete revision” of the Tuamotu atoll of Tairo Biosphere Reserve obtained in 1977 from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
“The reserve now encompasses a group of seven atolls: Aratika, Fakarava, Kauehi, Niau, Raraka, Taiaro and Toau,” a UNESCO communiqué reports. “Most of these atolls are inhabited and local communities were heavily involved in designing its zonation, which reflects their perceptions and takes into account local rules governing access and use of resources.”
French Polynesia President Oscar Temaru’s Council of Ministers meeting on Nov. 15 took note of the UNESCO announcement, expressing its delight with the designation that “mobilized . . . elected officials, administrative services and the population.”
Laurent Darcy, managing director of HMS-Maitai Hotels, reacted by saying, “This is great news for the atoll (Fakarava) and its tourism, and we are very proud to have had Le Maitai Dream involved in the process. And we intend to relay even more actively this source of opportunity for everyone.
“Le Maitai Team, and particularly our people on Fakarava, want to thank Tahiti Tourisme for its continuous and enthusiastic support of Maitai Hotels. That helped us face the challenge of putting Fakarava on the map of our Hidden Paradises.”
Fakarava is the second largest atoll after Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Archipelago. It is a 70-minute Air Tahiti flight from Papeete.
The widest pass through a protective coral reef in French Polynesia has made Fakarava a “Mecca” of scuba diving. The 800-meter (875-yard) wide Ngarue pass is located a short distance from the atoll’s airport on the northern coast.
The 30-bungalow Le Maitai Dream Fakarava is located at the southern tip of the atoll. HMS-Maitai Hotels also operates the 74-room Le Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora in the Leeward Islands.
The UNESCO program has pioneered the practice worldwide of sustainable development on a scientific basis for more than 30 years. Fakarava is one of 25 new sites added to the global network during the 19th MAB International Coordinating Council held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris in late October.
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