Tetiaroa Atoll serves as a living laboratory for the protection of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and improving climate resilience throughout French Polynesia.

After landing in Tahiti, it takes just a short 20-minute plane ride to experience the isolated paradise of Tetiaroa Atoll, famously known for its incredible biodiversity. The atoll is made up of 12 islets or motus, which host a diverse array of wildlife, including critical nesting habitat for French Polynesia’s seabirds and Endangered Green Sea Turtles. Beyond the tropical forests and sandy beaches lies one of the world’s most secluded and near-pristine coral reef ecosystems.

Still, invasive species and climate change threaten the native wildlife, putting these once pristine ecosystems at risk along with atolls across the region. As part of the Tetiaroa Atoll Habitat Protection Program, Tetiaroa Society and Island Conservation are carrying out a major conservation intervention on Tetiaroa, French Polynesia. The program aims to ensure seabird populations are secure and establish Tetiaroa as a sanctuary for seabirds, Green Sea Turtles, coconut crabs, other native invertebrates, and endangered, regionally endemic bird species.

Following the successful removal of invasive rats from Tetiaroa’s Reiono Island in 2018, Island Conservation and Tetiaroa Society are working together to remove invasive rats from the entire atoll.

Dozens of scientists are involved with this project to gather evidence to document the connection between invasive species removal and its impact on the marine ecosystem.  Protecting the vibrant ecosystem is expected to enhance the diversity and resiliency of the nearshore coral reefs, which has implications for food security and the economic growth in a region that is deeply connected to marine health. The project will also educate the public about the benefits of invasive species removal, explains Penny Becker, Island Conservation’s Regional Executive Director for the U.S. and Southwest Pacific,

As a hotspot of ecotourism, Tetiaroa presents a unique opportunity to educate travelers on how island conservation efforts can help curb the extinction crisis and support healthy oceans.”

Over the next few years, we expect to see both the coral reef and terrestrial ecosystems thriving following the removal of invasive rats, ensuring its health now and into the future.