The Future of Conservation in Polynesia

Abstract

Polynesia is a part of the world where tourism, especially focused on rich coral reefs, is an important part of the economy. But from the viewpoint of both tourism and conservation biology, it is one of the most threatened areas of the world. Here the ethical issues are somewhat different. How long can this dependence continue and at what cost? What is the ethical planning course for the Region?s national governments, not just in Polynesia, but throughout the Pacific? Like the general activities on the islands, tourism is heavily dependent on petroleum, both for bringing tourists and supplies and for maintaining them. Thus, the very industry that contributes so importantly to Polynesia?s economic viability also contributes significantly to human-induced global warming. As a region, Polynesia is particularly threatened by the accelerating impacts of global warming. Virtually all the islands are threatened by sea level rise, the atolls by inundation, and the high islands by flooding of infrastructure that is concentrated in low coastal areas. There are also the risks of increased and more intense tropical storms, as well as the risks to ocean ecosystems from rising temperatures and the increased acidification of ocean waters.