In French Polynesia, the rāhui is an inviolable law that suspends all human activity on a stretch of land or sea, giving nature time to regenerate and abundance to return. Confronted with the threats facing the lagoons, a new generation is now turning to this ancestral tradition.
In Bora Bora, where tourism exerts strong pressure, the rāhui could be a way to reduce the environmental impact – provided everyone accepts giving up part of the lagoon… The practice has already proven effective in Tautira, where the fish have now returned. But reopening the fishing grounds means finding new balances. How can the lagoon be shared without depleting it once again?
Each rāhui is therefore built step by step through discussions and compromises, bringing together residents, tourism operators, fishers, young activists, as well as political, cultural, and religious leaders. Their interests may diverge, but all share a common need: to ensure the lagoon’s sustainability.
Direction: Mélissa Constantinovitch & Thomas Yzèbe
Production: Stories&Co & Cosmopolitis Productions for France Télévisions