A Pivotal Moment for French Polynesia’s Pearl Industry
Since 2007, the Pearl Farming Department has led the “Professionalization and Sustainability of Pearl Farming” project, funded by the 9th European Development Fund (EDF), which concludes in December 2010. To review its achievements, a final conference will be held on Wednesday, November 3, 2010, starting at 8:30 AM in the Presidential meeting hall, under the auspices of the Ministry of Maritime Resources.
This gathering will bring together key industry stakeholders: pearl farmers, institutional representatives, and sector professionals. Notable attendees include Minister of Maritime Resources Temauri Foster and members of the Pearl House (Maison de la Perle). The event will showcase the EDF project’s tangible outcomes, including:
- Mobile technical training programs
- International market analysis
- Scientific breakthroughs in pearl farming
1. Mobile Training: A Success Among Pearl Farmers
Over two years (April 2008 – June 2010), free, on-site training sessions were conducted directly at pearl farms. Ten expert trainers covered critical topics:
- Grafting techniques
- Tool fabrication
- Pearl grading
- Marketing strategies
- Financial management
- Diving safety
Funded by the EDF, these initiatives complemented the long-standing programs of the Pearl and Mother-of-Pearl Trade Center (CMNP) in Rangiroa, operational since 1990. The results speak for themselves:
✅ 641 training sessions conducted across 20 islands and atolls
✅ 96% satisfaction rate among participants (content & trainers)
✅ 92% demand for continued programs
2. Scientific Research: Optimizing Production Through Lagoon Studies
The project’s scientific arm focused on pearl lagoon hydrodynamics, with Ahe and Takaroa as primary research sites. Key breakthroughs include:
🌊 Digital current modeling based on bathymetric surveys and 2-year flow measurements
🐚 Larval dispersal studies improving spat collection predictability
🔬 Oyster nutrition analysis with growth & reproduction prediction models
A technical handbook summarizing these findings will be distributed to farmers during the conference.
3. International Market Strategy: Elevating Tahitian Pearls’ Value
Conducted by Italtrend Consulting, an in-depth market analysis assessed global trends and distribution channels. The final report (June 2010, Papeete) outlines a tailored marketing strategy aligned with evolving demand.
This essential guide will be reissued at the November 3 event, equipping farmers with competitive tools for global markets.
Looking Ahead: Sustainable Growth for Polynesia’s “Black Gold”
As the EDF project nears completion, its legacy is clear:
🔹 Empowered farmers through hands-on education
🔹 Science-backed production for higher yields
🔹 Data-driven marketing to secure Tahitian pearls’ luxury status
With stronger skills, smarter farming, and sharper market strategies, French Polynesia’s pearl sector is poised to reclaim its global prestige—proving that tradition and innovation can shine together.
“The future of our pearls lies in unity: between farmers, scientists, and policymakers.” — Pearl House Representative
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