IUCN Champions Marine Conservation Across Asia at Global Ocean Conferences – International Union for Conservation of Nature

French Polynesia Establishes World’s Largest Marine Protected Area Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The government of French Polynesia has announced the creation of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) encompassing its entire Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), making it the largest MPA globally. This initiative strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.

Scope and Classification of the Marine Protected Area

1. Size and Coverage
   • The new MPA covers nearly 5 million square kilometers (1.9 million square miles) of French Polynesia’s waters.
   • Approximately 20% of this area will be designated as Class I and Class II MPAs, following International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) standards.
2. Protection Classes
   • Class I (Fully Protected): All tourist activities and extractive practices such as commercial fishing, dredging, and deep-sea mining are prohibited. Removal of marine life is only allowed for scientific research or invasive species control, with exemptions for indigenous artisanal fishing conducted in accordance with cultural traditions.
   • Class II (Highly Protected): Similar restrictions on extraction apply, but sustainable marine tourism is permitted.

Management and Conservation Goals

• MPA management will focus on conservation with clearly defined goals, objectives, and boundaries.
• A comprehensive management plan will address the necessary resources to ensure effective protection.
• These measures align with IUCN standards and contribute to achieving SDG 14 by promoting sustainable use and protection of marine ecosystems.

Announcement and Leadership

The announcement was made by French Polynesia’s President, Moetai Brotherson, during the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France. This initiative builds upon the 2018 classification of French Polynesia’s EEZ as a Marine Managed Area.

President’s Statement and Cultural Significance

“We have been managing this EEZ wisely for centuries, using the techniques passed down from our ancestors. Now, we take a bold step to align with international IUCN standards,” stated President Brotherson.

“The ocean represents more than territory; it is a source of life, culture, and identity. Strengthening protection of the Tainui Atea marine managed area and establishing future MPAs in the Austral, Marquesas, Gambier, and Society Islands asserts ecological sovereignty and creates biodiversity sanctuaries for current and future generations.”

Details of Protected Zones

• Fully protected artisanal fishing zones will extend:
  • 15 nautical miles (28 km) from the Austral, Marquesas, and Gambier islands
  • Up to 30 nautical miles from the Society Islands
• The fully protected area covers 186,000 square kilometers (72,000 square miles).
• Combined with highly protected areas, the total coverage reaches 1,086,000 square kilometers (420,000 square miles), approximately twice the size of France.

Global Impact and Recognition

Dr. Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General, praised the initiative as an extraordinary achievement contributing significantly to global ocean protection and SDG 14. She emphasized that French Polynesia’s prioritization of biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and future generations sets a new standard for marine conservation leadership.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 14 (Life Below Water): The MPA promotes sustainable use and conservation of marine resources, protecting biodiversity and ecosystems.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Healthy marine ecosystems contribute to climate regulation and resilience against climate change impacts.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): Protection of marine biodiversity supports interconnected terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The initiative exemplifies collaboration between local communities, indigenous knowledge holders, and international conservation organizations.

Conclusion

French Polynesia’s establishment of the world’s largest Marine Protected Area represents a landmark commitment to sustainable ocean management and biodiversity conservation. By integrating traditional knowledge with international conservation standards, this initiative advances multiple Sustainable Development Goals and serves as a model for small island territories worldwide.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article focuses on the creation of the largest Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the world, which directly relates to conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • By protecting marine biodiversity and ecosystems, the initiative contributes to climate resilience and mitigation efforts.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The protection of indigenous artisanal fishing practices and cultural traditions links to sustainable use and conservation of terrestrial ecosystems and cultural heritage.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The restrictions on extractive activities such as commercial fishing, dredging, and deep-sea mining promote sustainable resource use.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The collaboration with international bodies like the IUCN and participation in the UN Ocean Conference reflect global partnerships.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
   • Target 14.5: By 2020, conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 14.5: Proportion of total marine area protected within national jurisdiction.
   • The article mentions the MPA covering almost 5 million square kilometres, approximately one-fifth of the EEZ, which can be measured against this indicator.
2. Indicator for SDG 14.2: Coverage of protected areas in relation to marine biodiversity.
   • The classification into Class I (fully protected) and Class II (highly protected) zones with specific restrictions supports monitoring biodiversity conservation.
3. Indicator for SDG 12.2: Sustainable management of natural resources.
   • The prohibition of commercial fishing, dredging, and mining in fully protected areas implies monitoring extractive activities.
4. Indicator for SDG 17.16: Number of international partnerships and agreements.
   • The collaboration with IUCN and participation in the UN Ocean Conference indicate active partnerships.
5. Implied Indicators:
   • Monitoring of artisanal fishing activities in accordance with cultural traditions.
   • Assessment of biodiversity sanctuaries’ effectiveness over time.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: divemagazine.com