For the people of Wallis, the ocean is more than a source of life—it is a legacy to protect. Across Wallis and the wider Polynesian triangle, the ocean, Moananui, is revered as a living entity, carrying mana (esteem), power, and spiritual significance, not simply a physical space.

In 2023, this respect for the sea was formalized with the creation of a Customary Marine Protected Area (AMPC) in the northeastern lagoon. Designed as a sanctuary for marine biodiversity and a safeguard for coastal fisheries, the initiative was led by Faiva Tautai, an association of professional fishers, together with the Fisheries Service of the Direction des Services de l’Agriculture (DAF), the Projet Régional Océanien des Territoires pour la Gestion durable des Écosystèmes (PROTEGE) Programme, local communities, and Mata’otama College. Their bond with the ocean ran deeper than nets and tides—transforming ancestral knowledge into modern conservation practice. The AMPC was not just a boundary drawn in the lagoon; it was a pact between generations to protect marine biodiversity and ensure long‑term sustainability.

This effort also connects to tourism, ensuring bathing waters remain of high quality and supporting the growth of green tourism around Wallis’ lagoon, a major draw for visitors.

By September 2024, the pact came alive in new ways. Faiva Tautai invited students from Mata’otama College to the lagoon, turning its waters into a living classroom. Fishers and scientists stood side by side, teaching sustainable fishing practices, reef monitoring, and the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

The AMPC has since become a symbol of community participation—where tradition, science, and education converge. For fishers, it honours the guardianship of their ancestors. For students, it is an invitation to become the next generation of protectors.

ENDS

Source: Wallis et Futuna Tourisme

Photo Credits: La mer notre source de vie – Wallis & Futuna