Arue, August 18th, 2010 Tetiaroa Society is non-profit association created in May 2010, pursuant to Marlon Brando’s long-term vision for his island. Under the direction of Brando Enterprises, Pacific Beachcomber SC, Te Mana O te Moana and the institute of coral reefs of the Pacific. Marlon Brando’s original conservation vision was brought to fruition through Tetiaroa Society. The mission of Tetiaroa Society is to encourage and support the conservation of the Tetiaroa Island for future generations through educational programs, preservation and research. Each of these will be specifically focused on the island’s natural and cultural heritages, and its biodiversity having as a specific objective of sustainable development.
Named in tribute to The Royal Society of London which financed the first journey of James Cook and thus giving this name to the archipelago of the “Society Islands,” Tetiaroa Society will in particular manage a research center on the Tetiaroa Island which will welcome researchers and students from around the world.
An ambitious mission to preserve Tetiaroa
To fulfill its mission, Tetiaroa Society will focus on three main objectives:
Preservation will be encouraged by the implementation of projects focused on protection and restoration of the marine and terrestrial species of the Tetiaroa Island, as well as programs in connection with the conservation and study of the cultural sites of the Tetiaroa Island. All preservation projects will contain a long-term monitoring component;
Education by the creation of educational programs raising tourists, local populations and children’s awareness through cultural events, educational programs and supports of communication contributing to a better knowledge of the natural and cultural heritage of the Tetiaroa Island;
Research by logistic and financial support of research projects on the ecosystems and biodiversity of the Tetiaroa island, as well as research projects related to culture, renewable energies and innovative technologies allowing a wise management of natural resources.
All these objectives will be performed through partnerships with international researchers and world-renowned research entities. These objectives will also be achieved through scholarships such as the one granted today to Lewis Villierme-Puputauki. This young Polynesian student will leave shortly to pursue a Master’s degree in “Geo-environment” in France. He has already earned a Bachelor’s degree in history and geography from the University of French Polynesia. His project, financially supported by the Tetiaroa Society, consists of the realization of a commented bibliography which will cover a period from the early 19th century through today. The project will also include the creation of a Tetiaroa Island database. This work will also contribute to the writing of the island’s history.
The actions of Tetiaroa Society will be mainly financed by private funds. Brando Enterprises wished to be the first benefactor of this non-profit association and generously donated USD 100 000 to the Tetiaroa Society. The Pacific Beachcomber is also supporting Tetiaroa Society by building a research center which will be located on the motu Onetahi of Tetiaroa. The research center will welcome researchers, visitors and students on educational school field trips from local Polynesian schools wishing to discover the cultural and natural treasures of the Tetiaroa Island and to understand the stakes relating to a wise management of natural resources.
To raise awareness of the fragility of this ecosystem and the necessity of respecting rules to protect this island for future generations, Tetiaroa Society will also work on creating a charter of good conduct for the island. Tetiaroa Society hopes that such a charter can be followed and respected by all persons going on the Tetiaroa Island for scientific purposes but also for recreational purposes.
Governance of Tetiaroa Society
Tetiaroa Society is chaired by Mrs. Cécile Gaspar, veterinary doctor, chairman of Te Mana O te Moana (spirit of the ocean), a Polynesian association particularly involved in the protection of marine turtles, which works on the protection of marine environment in French Polynesia and raising public awareness in the stakes relating to the protection of marine biodiversity. Te Mana O te Moana is a founding member of Tetiaroa Society
Its vice-president is Mr. Teihotu Brando, the chairman of SA Frangipani, a company having its head office in French Polynesia and which owns the Tetiaroa Island. Teihotu is the son of Marlon Brando and he has spent most of his life living on the island. SA Frangipani is a founding member of Tetiaroa Society.
Its secretary is Mr. Richard Bailey, CEO of Pacific Beachcomber, which owns six hotels in French Polynesia, four under the Intercontinental brand and two under the Maitai brand, as well as the luxury cruise ship m/s Paul Gauguin operated in French Polynesia. Pacific Beachcomber is currently developing an ambitious and innovative eco-hotel on the island of Tetiaroa called The Brando, the construction of which is already significantly advanced. Pacific Beachcomber is a founding member of Tetiaroa Society.
Its treasurer, Mr. Serge Planes is the executive director of the institute of coral reefs of the Pacific (IRCP) based within the CRIOBE (Centre de Recherches Insulaires et Observatoire de l’Environnement – Insular Research Center and Environment Observatory), in Moorea whose mission articulates around the study and the conservation of coral reefs. IRCP is a founding member of Tetiaroa Society.
The operational management of the Tetiaroa Society is conducted by Mrs. Hinano Bagnis, PhD, who after having held varied positions in the public and private sector, wished to put her skills and her experience for the benefit of this ambitious project.
