French Polynesia | 2024 | Music

Choral singing for the corals

Polynesia lies at the heart of the ocean, and the ocean lies at the heart of Polynesian life. But the effects of climate change and pollution now threaten the marine ecosystems that give the archipelago its beauty. By involving middle-school students, artists, and marine resource experts, this initiative led by the Punauuia Middle School, together with the artist collective Les Ambassadeurs de l’Environnement and the association Tama No Te Tairoto, aims to encourage the protection of corals and oceans through music and dance. The outcome of this project is a music video inspired by traditional Polynesian arts, broadcast on the Première TV channel.

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Choral singing for the corals

An environment weakened by pollution and climate change

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Composed of 118 islands, French Polynesia depends closely on the ocean for its economy and its culture. However, coral reefs—essential to marine biodiversity and food security—are severely threatened by climate warming and pollution. Coral bleaching leads to a decline in fish resources, putting local communities at risk. Moreover, raising awareness of marine issues is crucial to inspire younger generations to protect their environment and adopt sustainable behaviours.

Artist
Tane Teanini, Moana Barth and Tamara Barth, Minos

Partners
Punauuia Middle School, Ambassadeurs de l’Environnement, Tama No Te Tairoto Association, Marine Resources Directorate (DRM), Educational Marine Area Managers (AME)

Participants
45 students from Punauuia Middle School, their teachers and supervisors

Agency
AFD French Polynesia

Art and science serving education

middle-school students involved in the creation process

educational and artistic workshops focused on marine issues

musical video clip completed and broadcast internationally (UNOC)

Led by the Punauuia Middle School, in collaboration with the artist collective Les Ambassadeurs de l’Environnement, the association Tama No Te Tairoto (which means “Children of the Lagoon,” engaged in protecting reef–lagoon ecosystems), and the Marine Resources Directorate (DRM), this project engages 45 middle-school students in an educational and creative approach. Through five pedagogical workshops, the students explore the importance of corals and marine resources before co-creating a song, music, and choreography inspired by these themes.

The final piece, recorded as a video clip, was presented at several local events and shared internationally, including at the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC). By combining tradition, art, and scientific understanding, this initiative aims to make Polynesian youth ambassadors for ocean protection.