TETIAROA SOCIETY

The Vision of Marlon Brando Shared with the World

Inspired by the late Marlon Brando’s vision to preserve sanctuaries for future generations and raise awareness of the fragility of our environment, the Tetiaroa Society emerged through a collaborative venture involving the Marlon Brando Estate and Pacific Beachcomber, the owner of The Brando. United in their efforts, these entities engage deeply with the local populace to ensure the island’s protection and longevity for generations yet to come.

Through education, conservation and science, Tetiaroa Society fosters initiatives that allow humankind and nature to peacefully coexist and prosper together.

A tax-exempt 501(c)(3) U.S. nonprofit organization, the Society conducts its work through relationships with leading research institutions from around the world, then applies those learnings in real-world settings on Tetiaroa and beyond.

The Ecostation is a hub where scientists from around the world conduct research into sustainable practices, which are implemented on Tetiaroa and taught globally to improve our relationship with nature.

Other research is broad and varied, yet focuses on some of the most pressing issues of our time from global warming and ocean acidification to mosquito control, which targets one of the most dangerous vectors of disease in the world.

conservation program

Preserving nature,
wildlife and culture

Tetiaroa Society is dedicated to preserving the precious biodiversity of Tetiaroa. The flagship program Tetiaroa Atoll Restoration Program (TARP) is actively ridding the island of invasive species and tracking the changes as the island ecosystems recover.

Among the species having a detrimental impact on wildlife and flora, rats and yellow crazy ants have already been the subject of several eradication campaigns.

This long-term program includes plans to develop the island as a sanctuary and use it to reintroduce and re-establish endangered native species, such as sea turtles and seabirds, which themselves play a crucial role in the health of coral reefs.

An innovative project, conducted in collaboration with the Louis Mallardé Institute in Tahiti, is also focused on controlling mosquito reproduction, well-known vectors of severe viral diseases, thus ensuring that Onetahi is entirely free from these harmful insects.

A strong cultural heritage program is also actively recording traditional knowledge related to the island and protecting the archaeological sites.

Te mana o te moana

The Brando nurtures an important partnership with Te mana o te moana, an association dedicated to turtle conservation and rehabilitation for 20 years with the authorization of the Direction of the environment of French Polynesia.

2023-2024 season  has been one of the busiest and most encouraging years since Te mana o te moana started green sea turtle monitoring in 2007. Biologists have recorded over 1400 turtle tracks on the atoll, 76 females identified and about 500 nests this season. Over 3400 hatchings have been observed on Onetahi motu, where The Brando is located, and over 40,000 hatchlings have emerged on Tetiaroa atoll, based on data collected from patiently counting all the eggshells.

Their dedication to marine conservation is inspiring, providing a life-changing experience for all who join them. Come and experience night observation with Te mana o te moana biologists during the turtle season!

Blue Climate Initiative

Leading a global effort to protect the oceans

The Blue Climate Initiative is a global effort to bring together scientists, community groups, entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, and influencers to protect the ocean and accelerate ocean-related strategies to address the climate crisis and other pressing environmental issues.

This major global initiative, sponsored by Tetiaroa Society, harnesses ocean-based strategies to combat some of Earth’s most pressing problems. The Blue Climate Initiative has been selected as one of the first flagship programs of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

Visit the BCI site