Construction of Aluminium Tower in Tahiti for Olympic Surf Event Temporarily Halted Due to Coral Damage by Barge
Aluminium tower construction in Tahiti for Olympic surf event halted after barge damages coral Environmental groups express concern over the ecological impact of preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic surfing competition
The International Surf Association welcomes the decision to halt the construction of aluminum towers for the Paris 2024 Olympic surfing event in Tahiti, French Polynesia. Surfers have raised concerns about the environmental impact of the preparations for the competition. Teahupoo, Tahiti, known as one of the best surf spots in the world, is home to World Surf League (WSL) tour competitions, where a wooden structure is traditionally used and later removed.
The plans to build an aluminum tower for 40 people to judge and televise the competition at the Olympics have faced opposition from locals and pro surfers. In November, organizers announced that they had modified the original design to make it more moderate, reducing the weight of the tower from 14 tonnes to nine tonnes. However, foundations still need to be drilled.
The government has received over 181,000 signatures on a petition from residents and visitors of Teahupoo urging for a reconsideration of the tower, platform drilling, and underwater pipelines for the surfing competition.
Jack Robinson, an Australian surfer, showcases his skills as he rides a wave during the men's final of the Tahiti World Surf League (WSL) professional competition. This event also serves as a surfing test event for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, taking place at Teahupo'o in Tahiti, French Polynesia, on August 16, 2023. (Image credit: Jerome Brouillet/AFP/Getty Images/File)
The controversy surrounding the structure persists, as a video posted by Save Teahupoo Reef on Saturday showed a barge, used in the construction of the tower, stuck on the reef, and evidence of broken coral. The ISA expressed sadness and surprise at the damage caused to the coral reef at Teahupoo by a test conducted by the French Polynesian government, leading to a decision to pause all further testing and preparations in order to learn from the incident.
The ISA is pleased with the decision and has called for increased discussions to explore all possible alternatives.
Surfer Kanoa Igarashi was among those who voiced concern about the construction of the aluminum tower, taking to Instagram to say, "After watching yesterday's video, I've come to realize the extent of the damage caused by this new tower."
Igarashi expressed disappointment in the lack of consideration for the local environment during the two-day event, and doubted that the local community would benefit much in the future. He also shared his view that the Olympics should leave the community in a better state than before, and hoped for a solution to the current situation.
Meanwhile, 11-time world champion Kelly Slater has expressed his disapproval of the updated platform plans, stating that it "makes no sense to require such a massive tower for a two-day event." In a statement to CNN, the World Surf League expressed concern about the damage to the Teahupoo reef resulting from the construction of a new tower for the 2024 Olympics.
Environmental groups voice concern
"It remains crucial for organizers to actively involve and heed the input of the local community when considering their choices regarding the Olympic competition at this legendary wave," the statement from the World Surf League emphasized.
Campaigners and community members have expressed ongoing worries about the potential environmental impact of the new structure. Astrid Drollet, secretary of the Vai Ara O Teahupoo association, which is advocating for the preservation of the Teahupoo Reef, informed CNN that the current wooden tower "has been in operation for 20 years and is meticulously maintained."
"Why is Paris 2024 and French Polynesia not utilizing this tower for the four days of competition? It could cause significant environmental damage," stated a spokesperson. Coral reef ecologist and CEO of Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, Alexandra Dempsey, expressed concern that the tower could harm the coral formation that makes Tahiti a prime location for professional surfing.
"The local communities have a deep passion and strong cultural connection to the ocean, especially the reef systems that contribute to the wave action in the area. The perfect wave is a natural result of the millions of years of natural formation of the reef," she explained to CNN Sport.
"Damaging the reef not only harms the ecology, but also disrupts the structure that has been creating the wonderful waves that make the site so special. The potential consequences of harming the reef system are uncertain," she added.
French Polynesia is home to more than 1,000 fish species and 150 coral species, as reported by Tahiti's tourism board. The corals, facing threats from climate change and increasing tourism, are under strict protection. CNN has contacted Paris 2024 organizers, the International Olympic Committee, and the French Polynesian government for their comments.
