1. Bora Bora is world-renowned for the exceptional beauty of its lagoon and the richness of its Polynesian heritage. How would you define Bora Bora’s unique identity on the international stage?
I consider myself fortunate to have been born on this island, an invisible gift from heaven. We have been given a magnificent lagoon, breathtaking landscapes and a living culture. As mayor, I feel responsible for managing this heritage and making it even more beautiful and more brilliant.
Thirty years ago, American journalists specializing in tourism asked me about my vision for Bora Bora. I told them that one day, destinations would no longer be ranked only by five-star hotels or restaurants, but by environmental quality, the purity of the air, the clarity of the water, the health of the natural surroundings. That was my vision then, and I believe we are moving closer to it today.
Many places in the world are beautiful, some may even be more spectacular than Bora Bora, but the real question is whether their leaders have prioritized environmental integrity. We started by ensuring access to drinking water for residents and visitors alike. Our lagoon is fully protected and recognized for its exceptional quality, clean, vibrant and alive.
There is also a historic bond between America and Bora Bora dating back to World War II, when American forces were stationed here. That period deeply marked our island and still explains why we welcome so many American visitors today. Our identity is rooted in beauty, history and culture, and in how we envision the future.
When I returned from my studies in France, I wanted to revive the solidarity and sense of community that shaped my childhood. We revitalized cultural traditions such as Heiva festivals and community gatherings. Development is necessary, our children need jobs and opportunities, but it must respect our nature, our environment and our identity. Development should carry our traditions forward, not suffocate them.
Today, our international reputation is built not only on scenery, but on environmental stewardship and cultural authenticity. And importantly, the population must benefit from this development. Without fully realizing it at first, we created a kind of circular social economy that integrates residents into economic progress.
2. Since returning to lead the municipality, how do you reconcile economic prosperity, environmental protection and the well-being of the local community?
I see myself as a bridge between the population and the economic world. I tell tourists and hoteliers: you are welcome here as friends. And I tell our residents: respect these visitors, because they help us provide water in every home, protect our lagoon and preserve our culture.
When we organize cultural events like Heiva, I remind our community that tourism helps us sustain these traditions. Visitors are not simply enjoying the island; they contribute to our well-being. At the same time, tourists are drawn to a population that is confident, proud and genuinely welcoming. That mutual respect is essential.
3. Bora Bora is often cited as a benchmark in luxury tourism. Why did you choose a high-value, low-density tourism model?
Our island is small. Mass tourism is simply not possible, nor desirable. Even when hotels are full, we host no more than about 2,000 tourists a day, compared with 11,000 residents. The population is not overwhelmed.
Luxury tourism allows us to create strong economic value without large numbers. A single overwater bungalow in a five-star resort generates approximately five jobs. That is significant for our youth.
We also require investors to respect our traditions. Hotels are built with natural materials like pandanus, which are worked by local artisans. Our iconic overwater bungalows are inspired by traditional Polynesian architecture, elevated structures that are ventilated, resilient to cyclones and adaptable to rising sea levels.
These pilings even create marine habitats. Coral grows around them, attracting fish and forming nurseries. In many ways, we have adapted ancestral knowledge to modern tourism. It is development rooted in heritage.
4. What measures are you implementing to protect the lagoon and coral ecosystems from tourism pressures and climate change?
Maritime concessions for overwater construction also function as protected areas. Fishing is prohibited in these zones, creating what we call a Rāhui, an ancestral protected area.
We are developing a municipal project to designate approximately 570 hectares of lagoon as a fully protected marine zone, no fishing, no navigation, allowing marine species and corals to regenerate freely.
We are also reviewing navigation practices. Engine noise affects marine ecosystems. As part of our energy transition, we aim to shift from fossil fuels to cleaner, quieter engines for lagoon transport. Our long-term goal is to make Bora Bora a zero-carbon island.
We are pioneers in Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC) systems and are exploring Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) to produce electricity. If we move toward full electrification, it must be powered by clean energy. Otherwise, it makes no sense.
5. Given Bora Bora’s dependence on international tourism, how do you strengthen economic resilience and avoid vulnerability to external shocks?
We limit growth deliberately. We have capped hotel development at 1,000 rooms; currently we are at about 700. We also restrict cruise ship arrivals to medium-sized vessels, with a maximum of 1,000 passengers per day.
We are not developing simply to grow. We seek balance and quality.
6. What role do local entrepreneurship and artisanal industries play in your sustainable development strategy?
They play a central role. Polynesians are incredibly skilled artisans. Coconut leaves, weaving, carving, these are remarkable expressions of identity. We want tourism products inspired by Polynesian craftsmanship. Nature and our people together create the environment visitors experience.
7. How is Bora Bora positioning itself as a model of insular resilience in the Pacific amid rising sea levels and climate challenges?
First, by eliminating fossil fuels and transitioning to cleaner energy sources, solar, ocean thermal energy, and potentially hydrogen. Ocean-based energy, in particular, can provide stable, continuous power comparable to fossil fuels.
Second, we must adapt urban planning. We should not build at sea level anymore. Construction must anticipate rising waters, storm surges and heavy rainfall. Rather than fighting nature, we adapt to it.
8. What are your infrastructure priorities in transport, water supply and digital connectivity?
Clean transport is essential, both lagoon and inter-island. One day, we hope hydrogen or other clean technologies will power even air transport, which currently emits significant carbon.
Energy transition will guide all infrastructure improvements. Clean power supports sustainable mobility and environmental protection.
9. The Vaitape redevelopment project is considered structural for the municipality. What are its objectives?
Vaitape will reinforce Bora Bora’s tourism identity. Currently, visitors feel the island’s vocation in the hotels, but not always in the town center.
The project will revolve around three pillars: luxury boutiques, a marina and a small luxury urban hotel, no more than 20 rooms. No skyscrapers. Nothing taller than the coconut trees. The architecture will be distinctly Polynesian.
It will complement, not compete with, the resorts. We also hope to attract young professionals who succeeded abroad to return and contribute to their island. Bora Bora can become the economic capital of French Polynesia, while respecting the administrative role of Papeete.
10. How do you preserve Polynesian identity while remaining a global icon?
By remaining authentically Polynesian. We do not transform ourselves into robots to please visitors. We welcome guests with our own kindness, our smiles, our humanity. Visitors appreciate authenticity more than imitation.
Development must also improve daily life, hygiene, safety, housing quality. Residents already benefit from water access and wastewater treatment, but we must continue improving living standards.
11. The United States, particularly California, is a strategic market. What message do you want to send to Los Angeles Times readers?
Our history with America dates back to World War II. That period opened Bora Bora to the world. Many islanders grew up speaking English because of that presence.
To Californian investors and travelers, I say: you are welcome here, as friends. Some American families have even become part of our island’s story across generations.
Bora Bora remains a welcoming island, one that honors its past while building a sustainable, resilient and culturally proud future.
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