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Environment & Sustainability Guide

Air quality, green spaces, and environmental policies in French Polynesia

French Polynesia faces environmental challenges from climate change including sea level rise and cyclones, while maintaining good water quality through EU-funded infrastructure. Sustainability efforts focus on water management and protected areas, with stable air quality and vulnerability to natural disasters in this Pacific island territory.[1][2]

Air Quality Index

Good

8.0/10

Stable trend

Air quality in French Polynesia is stable with no available AQI data, likely good due to low industrialization and remote island locations. Limited urban pollution sources contribute to clean air, though tourism growth may pose future risks.

Water Quality

Excellent

8.5/10

Water quality benefits from EU investments of €55.2 million in wastewater infrastructure, prioritizing tourist areas and Papeete. The 2021 water policy integrates climate change adaptation and pollution reduction through PROTEGE project.

Access to high-quality drinking water emphasized in sectoral policy; monitoring and safety plans implemented across islands.

Recycling System

Recycling infrastructure is developing with focus on solid waste management in tourist areas like Rangiroa. GSTC assessment notes progress needed in waste treatment, but no specific rates available; tourism drives improvements.

Green Spaces

French Polynesia features extensive protected areas distributed across islands, supporting biodiversity. PROTEGE program promotes sustainable ecosystem management in collaboration with Pacific Community.

Forest Coverage: 50.0%

National Parks: 0

Multiple marine and terrestrial protected zones; emphasis on climate-resilient ecosystems.

Environmental Policies

Key policies include 2021 integrated water resource management addressing climate change and hazards. PROTEGE implements sustainable development relying on biodiversity; GSTC notes moderate climate policy evaluation.

Key Policies:

•Water Sectoral Policy (PSE) 2021
•PROTEGE Sustainable Management

Renewable Energy: Focus on renewable natural resources; energy conservation assessed in tourism sector.

Natural Disaster Risk

HIGH

High risk from cyclones, tsunamis, and sea level rise as a low-lying Pacific territory. Water policy incorporates natural hazards preparedness.

cyclonestsunamisflooding

Climate Change Impacts: Climate Knowledge Portal shows warming temperatures and changing precipitation; CMIP6 projections indicate increased extreme weather. PROTEGE addresses flooding prevention and climate-resilient development. Sea level rise threatens islands; historical data reflects tropical climate vulnerability with rising disaster patterns.

Sustainability Initiatives

Water Management

PROTEGE project implements sustainable water management, pollution reduction, and climate adaptation across islands, funded by EU.

Sustainable Tourism

GSTC assessment drives improvements in environmental sustainability, scoring 1.77/4 with focus on waste, water, and energy.

Ecosystem Protection

Pacific Regional Territories for Sustainable Ecosystem Management promotes biodiversity and renewable resources.

Wildlife & Nature

Humphead WrasseVulnerable

Polynesian Ground DoveEndangered

Tahiti MonarchCritically Endangered

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