Environmental Groups Oppose Over-the-Water Bungalow Expansion in Moorea

Strategic Insights -

Environmental groups in Moorea are rallying against plans by Sofitel to build 19 additional over-the-water bungalows on the island, citing concerns over the protection of the lagoon. The opposition is led by the Moorea Environment Federation, which has spent nearly 10 years developing a strict maritime operating plan to safeguard the lagoon. The hotel's general manager, Thierry Delahaye, argues that the proposed facilities meet all legal requirements, but the federation president, Christa Teihotu, insists that the new bungalows would infringe on protected zones.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Moorea Environment Federation, representing eight conservation associations, is leading the opposition to Sofitel's plan to build 19 over-the-water bungalows on Moorea.
  • The federation has spent nearly 10 years developing a maritime operating plan to protect the lagoon, which was recently passed into law by the Temaru government.
  • The plan includes strict regulations for construction in protected zones, but some concessions were granted to hotels allowing them to build 40% of their rooms in the lagoon.
  • Hotel Sofitel Ia Ora is proposing to add 19 new bungalows, increasing its total capacity from 110 to 129 bungalows, and is renovating its existing 20 over-the-water bungalows.
  • The environment federation plans to take the matter to court, citing concerns that the hotel's expansion would violate protected zones.
  • If the court rules in favor of the hotel, the people of Moorea may resort to direct action, according to federation president Christa Teihotu.

Statistics:

  • 19: The number of additional over-the-water bungalows proposed by Sofitel.
  • 10 years: The amount of time the Moorea Environment Federation has spent developing its maritime operating plan to protect the lagoon.
  • 40%: The percentage of hotel rooms allowed to be built in the lagoon under the concessions granted to hotels.
  • 129: The proposed total capacity of Hotel Sofitel Ia Ora with the addition of 19 new bungalows.
  • 20: The number of over-the-water bungalows being renovated by Hotel Sofitel Ia Ora.

Sources:

  • Pacific News (Pacnews)
  • Tahitipresse (via Asia Pulse)