The Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia (TPAFP) has launched a new campaign under the theme “The Tahitian Cultured Pearl, the First Jewel of Polynesians,” aimed at (re)introducing this unique treasure to the local population.
This initiative is part of a major legislative reform adopted in July 2017, designed to revitalize French Polynesia’s pearl industry.
For years, the pearl sector had been facing a crisis that demanded a complete overhaul of its legal framework to better address industry challenges. The law enacted in July 2017 was crafted to regulate professional activities related to pearl and mother-of-pearl production and trade. Its primary goal is to ensure sustainable resource management while protecting the environment—a critical concern for the future of this industry.
Aline Baldassari, President of the Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia, emphasizes the importance of this reform, which she considers an essential response to industry professionals’ demands and market fluctuations. The reform also seeks to streamline administrative processes, previously seen as a hindrance by pearl farmers.
The law, passed in July 2017 and supplemented by 12 decrees through September 2018, introduces several key measures to structure the pearl industry. These include:
- Mandatory production volume declarations
- Professional licenses for each trade
- Required reporting of stock levels, purchases, and sales
- Technical approval for nucleus imports to ensure quality and compliance
Other notable provisions:
- Mandatory oyster detachment before transfer
- Production quotas and ecological management caps
- New nacre thickness evaluation for cultured pearls to guarantee quality
- Establishment of a Pearl Farming Council and local management committees to strengthen sector governance
While the full benefits of this reform may take two to three years to materialize, it marks a true revolution for the industry. The goal is to revive the pearl sector and enhance the international reputation of Tahitian pearls. Its success hinges on industry professionals’ adaptability and the full commitment of all stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability and prosperity of this vital economic pillar for French Polynesia.
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