One of the world's largest marine reserves is set to be established in the waters around Easter Island, with management handed to the local indigenous community, reports infohub.kz.
The protected area, covering more than 270,000 square miles of ocean, will be known as Te Moana Tapu a Hotu Matuʻa. A key feature of the project is that the reserve will be managed by the indigenous Rapanui people. A newly created marine council will give the indigenous community six seats, while officials from Chile, which owns the island, will hold five.
The initiative is funded by the Packard Foundation. The council's work will include ecological patrols, scientific monitoring, and educational programs that blend ancient traditions with modern research methods.
Earlier, scientists suggested that these protected waters may be breeding grounds for several whale species, including blue and fin whales. The project has already been recognized with the international Blue Park Award 2026 for meeting high standards of ocean protection.