THE ENVIRONMENTAL MISSION

We, the peoples of the Pacific, have something valuable to contribute to the rest of the world.

That something, it is our knowledge of nature.

It comes from our ancestors, and with it, we will save the ocean.

 

Tulano Toloa, Master Navigator and Master Fisherman, Tokelau Islands (Northern Samoa)

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The Pacific, which Polynesians call MOANA NUI, the “Great Ocean”, like all the other seas and oceans on the planet, is suffering from pollution, overfishing, ecosystem degradation and global warming.

Many scientists and traditional knowledge holders are convinced that ancestral knowledge can, as in the past, save the oceans.

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Facing this climatic and environmental emergency, MOANA NUI has set itself 3 missions:

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1- COLLECT TRADITIONAL SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT KNOWLEDGES

During the MOANA NUI expedition, we will collect and disseminate the original ecological knowledge of the Pacific Peoples, inventors of the first “ecological transition” in world history.

A Tahuna, traditional ecological knowledge bearer, Samoa islands.

2-  TEST THESE KNOWLEDGES ON MOANA NUI ECO-SITES  – NEW CALEDONIA, FIJI, FRENCH POLYNESIA –

in order to demonstrate and update these ancestral knowledges of sustainable ocean management, thanks to a collaboration between traditional knowledges’ bearers and scientific teams.

These eco-sites will be places of exchange between science and tradition, as well as places of life, and will be true laboratories for ecological transition, promoting the development of sustainable practices for oceans, islands and coastal areas.

The MOANA NUI eco-sites will be platforms for meetings, studies, awareness raising and dissemination of good traditional environmental management practices.

… IN ORDER TO DEVELOP MARINE AND LAND PROTECTED AREAS

Apply these traditional Pacific knowledges to the heart of Marine and Land Protected Areas, to foster their development.

The MOANA NUI project will serve as an example at the international level, as it will highlight traditional knowledges that needs to be understood and implemented for the sustainable management of marine protected areas.

 

Philippe CURY – Director of Research IRD

President of the Scientific Committee – Oceanographic Institute of Monaco

Member of the Scientific Committee MOANA NUI

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3-  RAISE AWARENESS LOCALLY, during the expedition and at each stopover, in partnership with the scientific and educational authorities of the islands, territories and countries visited…

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…AN GLOBALLY, via a documentary series, a feature fictional movie, but also via web, TV and press information channels as well as conferences, events and exhibitions: see the sections MEDIA IMPACT and CULTURAL ISSUE.