Skip to main content

Programme: BESTLIFE2030

Komo maite

Written by Yves on .

Traditional life on the atolls of the Tuamotu Archipelago did not rely solely on marine resources; terrestrial resources on the emerged coral crown were also utilised to ensure a continuous and diverse food supply. One of the most emblematic ancient practices was the use of cultivation pits (maite). A cultivation pit is an excavation dug by the community using pearl shell shovels to reach the top of the freshwater lens. The principle is to allow the planted crops to access freshwater through capillarity. The vegetation cover maintained above these maites helped limit evaporation, while fallen leaves and branches were collected to serve as compost. Birds nesting in large native trees also contributed fertiliser in the form of guano. Remnants of these pits still exist on many atolls, although the memory of their function has been largely forgotten. Rehabilitating the maite would enhance food security on these remote atolls while reviving traditional agricultural techniques through a nature-culture approach.

Duration: 24 months

Ecological restoration of a new area on the Te Mehani rahi plateau, Raiatea Island, French Polynesia

Written by Yves on .

The project aims to restore the exceptional vegetation and forest in a new high-altitude area among the least degraded zones of the Te Mehani rahi plateau on Raiatea Island and to partially reassess areas already managed since 2018. The control of invasive plants will be carried out using only manual removal and/or stump removal with a crowbar. The evolution of vegetation, the impact, and the effectiveness of management measures will be evaluated through an initial assessment of these headwaters, a mapping of native plants, the establishment of a new permanent plot, and monitoring a network of about twenty plots, along with permanent plots installed since 2018. Collateral damage related to removals and trampling within the project will be estimated by assessing areas of green waste and eroded zones. This project also aims to continue raising awareness about the necessity of protecting biodiversity through an annual event, public conferences, interventions, and workshops in schools.

Duration: 25 months

Rori Maohi

Written by Yves on .

The Polynesian sea cucumber farming project aims to develop an inclusive industry that offers a sustainable alternative to lagoon fishing, supporting the conservation of lagoons. It will focus on the lagoons of Tupai and Tahiti. This project addresses the need to protect sea cucumbers, particularly Holothuria fuscogilva and Holothuria whitmaei, which were listed under CITES in 2020 due to overfishing. The goal is to offer an alternative model to poaching in the Pacific by making this sustainable industry viable. In Tupai, the project aims to enhance the lagoon through sea cucumber farming. In Tahiti, farms are being developed in rahui zones, where a future fishermen’s cooperative will be trained. It proposes an innovative aquaculture model and examines the ecological benefits of this extensive farming. Experiments in Tupai and Tahiti will assess the impact of sea cucumber farming on the ecosystem (hydrology, sediments, micro- and macro-biodiversity, particularly coral development). This project represents an opportunity for lagoon conservation and sea cucumber protection in French Polynesia.

Duration: 31 months

Tetiaroa Atoll seabird restoration – Protecting oceanic biodiversity while building ecosystem resilience to climate impacts

Written by Yves on .

Tetiaroa Atoll is recognised as one of the most important seabird breeding sites in French Polynesia, hosting eleven breeding species, including three IUCN locally-threatened species. However, many additional seabird species are absent because of invasive rats that prey on eggs and chicks. With the eradication of rats and other invasive species from Tetiaroa, an important opportunity exists to restore lost seabird species through established seabird social attraction techniques, and provide an example for using this conservation approach on other islands. Restoration of seabirds is not only important for species conservation but also to strengthen the key roles seabirds play in atoll ecosystems. The Tetiaroa Atoll Restoration Programme (TARP) has been underway since 2018 and has removed invasive rats and yellow crazy ants and is now monitoring responses to these conservation interventions across terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The project proposes to use social attraction methods to re-establish populations of lost seabird species, starting with wedge-tailed shearwaters.

Duration: 36 months

Conservation of the Maraeti’a natural forest – restoration of plateau vegetation

Written by Yves on .

Maraeti’a is a small plateau of about twenty hectares located between 700 m and 800 m in altitude in Tahiti. It features an original and diverse natural forest, including numerous rare and protected endemic plant species listed on the IUCN Red List. However, the environment is heavily impacted by introduced animal species (pigs, rats, etc.) and plant species (Passiflora maliformis, Tecoma stans, Rubus rosifolius, etc.).

The programme aims to conserve the natural forest of the plateau and restore the heavily impacted areas in the medium to long term. In this context, the current project proposes the following actions over the period:

  • Continue managing invasive plants within the fenced area;
  • Set up an in-situ nursery to produce fast-growing indigenous or even endemic plants;
  • Plant these seedlings in heavily impacted areas to quickly restore vegetation cover;
  • Continue promoting natural seedling recruitment by managing invasive plants in less impacted areas;
  • Continue rat control operations across the plateau.

Duration: 24 months

The IMPACS Project: Knowledge and conservation of hawksbill turtles in the South Pacific

Written by Yves on .

This project aims to create a knowledge-sharing initiative on marine turtles (with a focus on hawksbill turtles) between two French territories in the South Pacific: Wallis and Futuna and French Polynesia. It also seeks to develop a joint scientific programme dedicated to the protection of hawksbill nesting sites. Globally classified as critically endangered, the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is protected under the laws in force in both territories. However, it still faces occasional poaching in these islands. The first objective of the project focuses on the collection and sharing of traditional, cultural, and scientific knowledge about marine turtles and their nesting sites. The second objective is to conduct a broad training and citizen science campaign to create a network of local observers. Then, the project will aim to formulate suitable and harmonised management and conservation measures for nesting marine turtles by collecting scientific information through the establishment of a network of trained referents across both territories.

Duration: 18 months

AIPANEMA – Artificial Intelligence and Passive Acoustics for NEw Management Actions

Written by Yves on .

The AIPANEMA project offers immediate support for the extension of marine reserves decided by the New Caledonian government (GNC) in October 2023. AIPANEMA aims to deploy a complementary monitoring solution over two years in these areas to continuously and systematically assess multiple components of their marine ecosystems. On the rise, passive acoustic monitoring coupled with Artificial Intelligence now allows for the simultaneous assessment of reef ecosystem dynamics and populations of whales and sea turtles frequenting these areas, while also measuring local pressures (noise pollution, illegal activities) affecting them. By analysing these dynamics, their interactions, and the effects of local and global pressures (thermal stress), the AIPANEMA project will produce unprecedented data and knowledge that will inform the development of innovative management actions. The results will feed into management strategy development throughout the project and lay the foundation for the sustainability and extension of the acoustic monitoring network in New Caledonian waters.

Duration: 33 months

Illuminated and concerted construction of island management (CONNECT’Îles)

Written by Yves on .

The CONNECT’Iles project aims to implement sustainable solutions to mitigate the impacts of human activities on heavily visited islets outside of reserve areas, where management actions are currently sporadic and non-permanent. Due to their location, these islets are in close proximity and easily accessible from the main launch sites in New Caledonia’s most populated areas. The CONNECT’Iles project aims to implement localised operational co-management to increase the resilience of islets to climate change, human pressures, and the impact of invasive alien species. This will involve establishing shared governance and assessing the vulnerability of the islets. The planned actions will focus on restoring islet vegetation, combating erosion, preserving and managing seabird nesting sites, implementing ecological monitoring, and conducting awareness campaigns.

Duration: 24 months

Ma’oCycling – Behavioral monitoring of sharks following the gradual cessation of fish by-product discharge from offshore fishing in French Polynesia

Written by Yves on .

French Polynesia is characterised by significant offshore fishing activities, which generate large quantities of fish by-products. 3 tonnes of fish waste per day are dumped at a specific location off the coast of Papeete. This consistent food source attracts predators to the dumping area, including many sharks. Several species gather in the zone, some of which are globally recognised as having concerning conservation statuses according to the IUCN Red List. Starting in 2025, a reduction and eventual cessation of these discharges is planned. This must be technically supported to ensure that the ecological and behavioural impacts of such a halt do not lead to significant consequences on the ecology of sharks involved in this aggregation and on the risk of shark bites to ocean users. This project will support French Polynesia in optimising the management of the phase-out of fish waste dumping practices, aiming to minimise environmental risks—particularly concerning tiger and silky sharks—and human safety concerns.

Duration: 24 months

Te Ma Tairoto :Implementation of a lagoon restoration plan through the removal of pollution caused by pearl farming waste

Written by Yves on .

Pearl farming, the second-largest economic sector in French Polynesia, is an activity deeply rooted in local culture, relying on the cultivation of pearl oysters. It takes place in the lagoons, particularly in the Tuamotu archipelago, using submerged structures on which the oysters grow. For over 40 years, these plastic structures have degraded, becoming unusable and often left in the lagoons due to the challenges of removing them from the water and the lack of enforcement of regulations. Today, the ecosystems in the pearl farming lagoons are dying due to thousands of tonnes of macro-waste, which degrade into microplastics and remain trapped in the lagoons. Researchers from the University of French Polynesia have shown that all species, including some protected ones, are threatened by this pollution, which endangers their ecological continuity and the sustainability of the black pearl resource itself. This project aims to partially clean the Takaroa lagoon by implementing an efficient and replicable mechanical method for waste collection.

Duration: 18 months

OceanIA

Written by Yves on .

OceanIA aims to reduce biodiversity loss due to collisions with cetaceans, which is the leading non-natural threat to these animals, by developing new technologies. It enhances the presence of marine mammal observers along the route between Tahiti and Moorea, further anticipating collision risks. The Oceania subpopulation of humpback whales, including those in French Polynesia, is listed as “endangered” by the IUCN. To mitigate collision risks, the project is developing a multimodal observation platform at two high-risk collision sites. This system will detect cetaceans and ships within a 2 to 3 km radius in real time using two cameras continuously transmitting images to an artificial intelligence system, which will automatically detect the presence of whales and ships. Captains will be alerted in real time to the presence of whales, thus preventing collisions. In addition to this system, awareness campaigns will be conducted to encourage the use of the WhaleAlert app by sea users and ship owners.

Duration: 20 months

Protect rare species and restore degraded ecosystems at Pic N’Ga de Kwényï (Isle of Pines)

Written by Yves on .

This project proposes to implement priority actions for the conservation of rare and threatened forest species and the ecological restoration of their ecosystems. In particular, this project focuses on the Isle of Pines (Kwényï), an island located in the south of New Caledonia, often recognized for its natural beauty and exceptional biodiversity, but where forests are declining due to fires, deforestation, and invasive species. In collaboration with customary authorities and local populations, this project aims to implement a series of coordinated, emblematic actions focused on the collection and propagation of rare and threatened species, as well as ecological restoration. It is planned to plant 2,000 seedlings of 12 specific species.

Duration: 24 months

CaledoClean

Forests in the city: Let’s cultivate nature

Written by Yves on .

The Nouméa Dry Forest Restoration Project aims to transform the city’s unused natural spaces into a rich botanical heritage, enhancing biodiversity while engaging the community in a participatory approach. The dry forests of New Caledonia are among the richest in native species and have the highest rates of endemism among the Pacific islands. In collaboration with the City of Nouméa, the project seeks to convert these underutilised areas into true ecological gems—urban refuges for the territory’s endemic forest. This project aims to plant 6,000 dry forest seedlings over two years, with 3,000 planted annually on these fallow plots located on land owned by the City of Nouméa. Awareness-raising actions will also be carried out, engaging local communities in the preservation of forests.

Duration: 24 months

I FEEL GOULD

Written by Yves on .

The Gould’s petrel Pterodroma leucoptera caledonica is a rare and threatened species classified as “vulnerable” according to IUCN criteria, and its population is in decline. Currently, only two colonies are being monitored, and conservation actions are still underdeveloped. In 2023, a new breeding colony was discovered. During their presence on land for their breeding cycle, predation by introduced species (e.g., rats, feral cats, pigs) represents one of the main threats to Gould’s petrel. I FEEL GOULD aims to gather new data to better understand the conservation status of Gould’s petrel and to protect existing breeding colonies by intensively combating introduced predators. Regular monitoring of breeding will be conducted at both sites to assess population status, determine reproductive success, and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation actions. This project also seeks to be a driving force for effective and concrete management that will ensure the long-term maintenance and protection of Gould’s petrel, benefiting the biodiversity of New Caledonia and local communities.

Duration: 24 months

Klein Bonaire: Building climate resilience through sustainable use and habitat restoration

Written by Yves on .

To protect and restore Klein Bonaire’s unique and fragile ecosystem, STINAPA is prioritising sustainable resource management, ecological restoration, and strengthened conservation efforts. By carefully monitoring natural resource use, STINAPA ensures that visitors can enjoy the island while minimising their environmental impact. This includes visitor impact assessments, strategic management practices, and outreach initiatives to promote awareness and responsible tourism.

Ecological restoration efforts are underway, incorporating reforestation and rewilding techniques to enhance habitat quality while controlling non-native species to support the growth of native flora and fauna. To further safeguard the island’s biodiversity, STINAPA will establish a watchtower at No Name Beach, ensuring a full-time ranger presence.

Through these initiatives, STINAPA remains dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of Klein Bonaire, fostering ecological resilience, and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.

Duration: 18 months

Syntropic Agroforestry Farming Pilot Project for Sint Eustatius

Written by Yves on .

The primary goal of this project is to alleviate the pressure on St. Eustatius’s natural environment caused by conventional grazing. It will introduce syntropic agroforestry techniques and establish a holistic, sustainable agricultural community that fosters biodiversity and enhances food security. Farmers will receive education and training from Curaçao-based Cijntje’s Organic Farm. Statiagov will allocate a 2,000 m² plot for a model farm on the island. The main target audience is the St. Eustatius Farmers’ Cooperative. No non-native species will be introduced into the island’s ecosystem, except for those that have been naturalised for hundreds of years.

Duration: 18 months

Marine Elasmobranch Nursery Area Assessment (MENAA): Establishing Sint Maarten’s coastal habitat and wetlands as a shark and ray nursery area

Written by Yves on .

This innovative project combines several research techniques to investigate how many, and in which ways, shark and ray species behave in the coastal waters of St Maarten. The information gathered in will be used to aid Sint Maarten’s government in effectively implementing the marine component of their Nature Policy Plan. At a transboundary level, it can facilitate the inclusion of Sint Maarten into the Yarari Sanctuary for marine mammals and sharks.

Duration: 18 months

Nature-based Solutions for sediment stabilisation and erosion control

Written by Yves on .

The proposed project addresses environmental degradation in the catchment areas of Lac Bay and Lagun, both significant bay areas on the east coast of Bonaire. Land degradation here is caused primarily by overgrazing by free-roaming goats and donkeys, and by land development. The resultant high erosion rates contribute to significant sedimentation in the backwaters of the mangroves, leading to the alarming loss of this vital ecosystem on the island. The project also includes coastal restoration through mangrove outplanting. Expansion of mangrove areas along the coast will provide a line of coastal defense and increase the habitat for coastal flora and fauna as well areas for fish to reproduce. Moreover, the expansion of the mangroves will increase the carbon sequestration capacity of the area.

Duration: 18 months

Species and habitat-based biodiversity restoration on Sint Maarten, Dutch West Indies

Written by Yves on .

This project will restore breeding habitat for Least Tern (Sternula antillarum) and Caribbean Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis occidentalis). Efforts focus on two sites. The first is the Fort Amsterdam protected area, which is a recognised Key Biodiversity Area and Important Bird Area. It is home to a pelican nesting colony. After the removal of invasive plant species, native tree and bush species will be planted. The second site is the Simpson Bay Lagoon where mangroves will be planted. This wetland is one of the largest inland lagoons in the Antilles and a crucial nursery for reefbased species, particularly the Mullet Pond section, a Key Biodiversity Area and Ramsar site. Within the Lagoon, a nesting platform will be established, including attraction devices, for a colony of Least Terns, which currently lacks a safe nesting space due to numerous hazards, including airplane strikes, habitat disturbance, and introduced predators.

Duration: 18 months

Optimize the production of juvenile Queen Conch of the Curaçao Queen Conch Hatchery

Written by Yves on .

The Curacao Queen Conch hatchery focuses on releasing cultured 1-year juveniles in selected areas, creating nursery grounds with dense populations. In the current Resembid project “Pilot outplanting cultured juveniles in Curacao and Bonaire”, it was planned to release up to 10,000 juveniles in 2023 and 2024. Programmes such as the Queen Conch Restoration programme on Bonaire are preparing to outplant 5,000 or more cultured Queen Conch per year in the depleted natural population of Lac Bay and 3 other suitable bays on the island. In this project the production of 1-year cultured juveniles will be optimised through designing new culture protocols and test these protocols in a scientific way.

Duration: 20 months

Combating Invasive Plants in Greenland/Kalaallit Nunaat – CIPKaN

Written by Yves on .

The project aims to persuade the Greenlandic Government to regulate the import of seeds and plants, preventing future issues with invasive species and protecting native vegetation. It supports the UN Global Biodiversity Agreement and the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030. The initiative will address invasive species like the Nootka Lupine through targeted removal efforts and engage the Nuuk community and schools.  

Key results include:

  • Reducing invasive plant populations without pesticides;
  • Raising awareness among Nuuk citizens and stakeholders about invasive species and the importance of protecting unique ecosystems;
  • Developing educational materials on the impacts of invasive plants;
  • Creating resources for schools; and
  • Organising a competition to propose Greenlandic names for unnamed plant species.

This multifaceted approach aims to foster community involvement and enhance environmental stewardship in Greenland.

Duration: 26 months 

Exploring biodiversity implications of bycatch in the West Greenland lumpfish fishery 

Written by Yves on .

Seabird bycatch is a global issue, particularly in gillnet fisheries, with over 400,000 birds caught annually. In the North Atlantic lumpfish fisheries, diving sea-ducks like common eiders, king eiders, and long-tailed ducks are frequently entangled. Greenland’s bycatch of common eiders is estimated between 10,000 and 20,000 annually, but accurate data is lacking.  

This project will quantify bycatch using research sampling and interviews with local fishers, providing the first nationwide estimates for the lumpfish fishery. It will assess the impact on seabirds, especially eiders and long-tailed ducks, as well as on mammals such as ring seals and harbor porpoises and fishes such as spotted wolffish and Atlantic halibut. Additionally, the project will establish a North Atlantic geographical baseline of trace elements from feathers to identify which common eider breeding stocks are impacted and propose management actions to reduce sea duck bycatch. 

Duration: 24 months

STOP Predators

Written by Yves on .

This project focuses on reducing the impact of invasive predators on seabird populations in Madeira. Using modern monitoring techniques, it aims to gather data on predator interactions and improve conservation efforts to protect endangered seabird species.   

Duration: 36 months 

Stream Ecosystem Recovery Using Potential Sentinel Species Cardamine Caldeirarum 

Written by Yves on .

This project focuses on the recovery of stream ecosystems in the Azores, using the endemic plant species Cardamine caldeirarum as a sentinel. It aims to assess current threats like habitat contamination and invasive species, using genetic tools to guide conservation strategies for these unique ecosystems.   

Duration: 36 months 

Conservation strategies for sharks and rays in the Canary Islands: A scientific approach and stakeholder review

Written by Yves on .

This project aims to develop conservation strategies for sharks and rays in the Canary Islands. It focuses on collecting data about these species, many of which are threatened or lack sufficient data for assessment. The project promotes stakeholder collaboration and public education to foster a better understanding of the role of sharks and rays in marine ecosystems.   

Duration: 36 months 

MARVEL – Madeira: Advancing in Regular Vigilance of the Environment and Legislative Compliance

Written by Yves on .

The MARVEL project in Madeira focuses on the protection of marine vertebrates, such as monk seals, cetaceans, sea turtles, and seabirds, through vigilant environmental monitoring and legislative enforcement. It builds on historical data to improve conservation strategies, engages local stakeholders, and educates the public about the importance of marine ecosystem protection.

Duration: 36 months 

Sign up to our newsletter

Subscribe