I could start by telling you that Tetiaroa is an extraordinary place, but you already know that. Instead, I’m going to thank all of you who have taken action to preserve everything that makes Tetiaroa so extraordinary. Your support protects the natural and cultural heritage of Tetiaroa and enables us to explore innovative approaches that can be applied across the globe.
We have a lot to celebrate from 2018. We completed long-term projects, like our Lagoon Replenishment Program. We also embarked on new projects, like our Seabird Ecology Program to better understand their population and behavior. Our scientific partners continued work protecting sea turtles, studying shark ecology, and tackling ocean acidification. Our Education Program had its best year yet—over 200 children visited Tetiaroa to learn about the island’s traditional culture, native plants and animals, and the sustainable practices being implemented at The Brando Resort.
I’m also excited to announce that we successfully removed invasive rats from Motu Reiono, one of small reef islands on Tetiaroa! Invasive rats present on the motu devour seabird eggs and chicks, baby turtles, plants, and crabs. We are planning for the restoration of Motu Rimatuu next, where we will be testing ground-breaking technologies that can be applied worldwide.
We will continue to build on our success until we’ve fully restored every motu on Tetiaroa Atoll. Once free from invasive rats, Tetiaroa will be an incomparable sanctuary for endangered native flora and fauna where they can thrive. You can help us achieve that vision.
Please consider a donation to Tetiaroa Society this month to help us reach our goal of $350,000 by December 31 to advance our work restoring Tetiaroa. Your gift protects a South Pacific jewel, and truly helps build a more sustainable world.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday from the island of Tetiaroa to your home.
Frank Murphy
Executive Director
