World famous break Teahupo’o to host the 2024 competition but residents are fearful of damage to the pristine environment
For Henry Tahurai, the ocean has always been part of the rhythm of life. The 31-year-old father grew up fishing, diving and surfing where he lives in Teahupo’o, next to the famed surf break in Tahiti.
“There’s waterfalls and a river coming down from the mountains and going through [our] village, and we got a nice bay, facing the most beautiful wave in the world,” Tahurai says.
Known for its big barrels and proximity to the reef, Teahupo’o is among the most breathtaking and dangerous waves in the world. Part of French Polynesia, it will host the 2024 Olympic surfing event as organisers say they want to spread the Games across France. Yet the decision has prompted concern from the town’s 1,500 residents over the risk of environmental damage to the ocean and surrounding areas, parts of which are protected.
Some are worried about how the island in the South Pacific will cope with the influx of people and infrastructure required for the event. The judges’ viewing tower – to be built in the water – may need to hold up to seven times the number of people as in other pro-surfing events held in Teahupo’o. Plans to accommodate the competitors on cruise ships stationed off the coast have also prompted concerns over pollution and harm to the reef.
Like many other residents, Tahurai feels excited about having an Olympic event in his town but says he was initially “scared” over what may happen to the “little piece of paradise”.
“I’d go to war to keep this place the way it is … We gotta keep Teahupo’o Teahupo’o,” Tahurai says. “We’re not doing it for us, we’re doing it for the next generation.”
‘We want to be respectful’
The village of Teahupo’o is a modest collection of family homes, with a few
guesthouses and one or two small snacks – local-style eateries. Many live past the end of the island’s main road and can access their homes only on foot or by boat.
Teahupo’o mayor, Roniu Poaru, says that as Olympic preparations continue, the “wishes of our population are paramount”.
“Our population accepts the Olympic Games, but that comes with conditions … the goal is to preserve our environment.”
Initially, there were proposals for big projects such as an Olympic village in Teahupo’o, as well as a bridge over the river, which would allow vehicles access to the site. A hotel renovation project was also on the cards. Many residents, however, were staunchly opposed to the plans.
“I wasn’t against the Olympics being held here in Teahupo’o, but I was against all the buildings they wanted to build,” says Cindy Otcenasek, president of the environmental defence association Vai Ara o Teahupo’o.
For the past year, residents and environmental groups worked together to oppose the constructions. They went to local media to raise awareness, which was met with support.
After months of meetings between residents, government and the Olympic organising committee in Tahiti, it was agreed that any new infrastructure in Teahupo’o would be kept to a minimum. The Olympic committee says it is working with residents to develop the site for the event, to be held in July next year.
“We have really tried to adapt to the site and to the environment in the interests of the population of Teahupo’o, even though this has caused a lot of logistical difficulties … but we really want to be respectful,” says Barbara Martins-Nio, general manager of the 2024 Paris Olympic committee, based in Tahiti and in charge of the surfing event.
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As the Games draw closer, the people of Teahupo’o remain excited about the event but protective of their homeland.
“The Olympics are welcome here,” Tahurai says, “but leave this place as beautiful as it was when you saw it for the first time.”