En 1ère ligne is a documentary series that highlights the initiatives and struggles of nine whistleblowers from each of the overseas territories. In Polynesia, Jason Man Sang, an environmental activist, realized that it was urgent to change behavior in terms of the environment.
With its 118 islands in the heart of the South Pacific and a maritime area as large as Europe, French Polynesia is at the forefront of ocean conservation. With 5.5 million km2, Polynesia accounts for half of French maritime domain and is the second largest sea area in the South Pacific. Its waters, of exceptional biodiversity, are essential for the territory and its economy.
To stem the acceleration of these phenomena, Polynesia is trying to adapt. Its president, Édouard Fritch, announced in February 2022 the launch of the project “Pacific Blue Great Wall“, a marine protected area of 500,000 km2 in the Austral Islands, finalized by 2030. Concrete measures are expected from this announcement by local actors already engaged in the conservation of their marine ecosystem.
More than 800 crustacean species, 170 coral species, 11 dolphin species and about 400 algae species are protected thanks to the EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone). But, over the past thirty years, urbanization, overfishing and pollution have all been threats to the archipelago. Initiatives are driven by the population and local actors to combat these risks.
Some municipalities have decided to restore this ancestral practice that had fallen into disuse for decades. Intended to establish temporarily closed areas to promote the regeneration of marine life, this ancestral mode of Polynesian fishing has experienced a resurgence in recent years to inspire the gigantic rahui of the big blue wall. Today there are about twenty Rahui in the whole archipelago.
In 20 years the territory has lost 20% of its corals and 15% more are likely to be lost in the next two decades. The battle against coral bleaching and the proliferation of brown algae turbinaria is not won. Thanks to the establishment of the coral gardens, hope is reborn. Coral branches taken, cut and transplanted show encouraging results.
- The protection of whales and sea turtles
Polynesian waters have been classified as a marine sanctuary for whales since 2002. A new tourist activity, “whale watching”, or close-up observation of whales, is developing with consequences that are still poorly understood. Vigilance is more important than ever to biologist Charlotte Esposito and her association Oceania working for the protection of its large aquatic mammals.
Another protected species, sea turtles, however, is seeing its population decrease. Cécile Gaspar, veterinarian and founder of Power of the sea, takes care of sick or injured sea turtles in a dedicated place. Poaching, plastic pollution and the nuisance of boats are the biggest risks to the animals.
Like many Polynesians, Jason Man Sang, an environmental activist, understood that it was urgent to change behavior in terms of the environment. His attachment to his territory prompted this trainer in agroecology and permaculture, president of the association plastic bag girl and Vice-President of the Federation of Environmental Protection Associations Naho’s life, to found an eco-place in 2022 to develop and share responsible practices. For several months, a film crew accompanied him in his daily struggle.
A co-production: France Télévisions, WEAD, Own production
Realization: Christophe Maillet
Duration : 26 minutes – 2022
