Sustaining ocean heritage in Rapa Nui depends on strong community leadership, traditional stewardship and access to reliable information that supports effective marine management.
Marine management in Rapa Nui is guided by Koro Nui o te Vaikava, the Council of the Sea, whose representatives are elected by the community to safeguard marine ecosystems and ensure the sustainable use of ocean resources.
Managing a remote and expansive marine territory presents significant challenges for a small island community. To strengthen oversight without compromising cultural values, Rapa Nui is using Marine Manager, an innovative technology portal developed by Global Fishing Watch in partnership with Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy. The portal enables managers and community stakeholders to visualize and analyze human activity at sea using satellite-based vessel tracking data and other information sources. It supports monitoring, control and surveillance efforts by helping identify industrial fishing activity operating around the island while supporting local coastal management.
Technology allows Rapa Nui to benefit from international cooperation while maintaining its commitment to artisanal fishing and sustainable development. By combining traditional knowledge with accessible monitoring tools, the community is strengthening governance of its marine protected area and preserving its ocean heritage.
Learn how the Rapa Nui people are protecting their ocean territory through community governance, sustainable fishing practices and the strategic use of monitoring technology.
