Nu'u Moana: understanding coastal change in Mahina and supporting adaptation

In French Polynesia, the effects of climate change on coastlines are becoming increasingly visible. In Mahina, in Matavai Bay and around Pointe Vénus, residents have been observing for several years the modification of the coastline, the gradual disappearance of certain beaches, the appearance or displacement of sandbanks, as well as the intensification of high swell episodes.

To better understand these changes and identify suitable development solutions, the Nu'u Moana - "Together, with the ocean" is currently supporting the commune and local residents in a project to observe, map and gather local knowledge.
This work combines coastal specialists and local residents, who play a key role in interpreting changes over the decades.

In recent weeks, several Polynesian media have relayed this work, reflecting the importance of the issue for inhabitants and institutions alike.
📰 What the press is saying
📺 TNTV - Field report from Mahina
The report shows the gradual transformation of the beach and gives a voice to residents who worry about the future of their homes and what they will pass on to their children.
"The great beach of the 90s is just a memory now."
"The house is no longer livable... in a few years, we'll have to leave."

👉 https://www.tntvnews.pf/polynesie/environnement/une-veste-etude-pour-tenter-de-sadapter-a-lerosion-du-littoral-polynesien/
📻 Polynésie La 1ère
The media outlet points out that coastline evolution varies from one area to another, pointing out that adaptation will have to be thought out on a case-by-case basis.
"The beach no longer breathes. The natural cycles don't balance like they used to."

👉 https://la1ere.franceinfo.fr/polynesie/tahiti/polynesie-francaise/mahina-face-a-l-erosion-quand-la-mer-grignote-le-littoral-1633577.html
📝 Tahiti Infos
The article highlights the memory of the inhabitants, essential for understanding the evolution of the coastline over several decades.
"What will we pass on to our children if the beach continues to recede?"

👉 https://www.tahiti-infos.com/Montee-des-eaux-dans-la-baie-de-Matavai-la-population-appelee-a-temoigner_a233467.html
We are delighted to see that the subject is arousing the interest of the local press, making it possible to highlight the observations of local residents and the collective efforts being made in Mahina.
We warmly thank the media, the commune and the residents for the quality of their contributions, exchanges and testimonials.