Paris 2024 Organisers Face Dispute Over Tahiti Surfing Site; Alternate Venue Suggested Amid Environmental Concerns

Locals protest against $5 million tower construction on the famous Teahupo'o reef, fearing it will cause irreversible damage to corals; French Polynesia president suggests relocation to more accessible Taharuu Beach.

Paris 2024 Olympic Organisers persist with their decision to host the surfing competition at Tahiti's Teahupo'o site despite increasing local opposition over environmental damage concerns tied to the construction of a large aluminium tower on the coral reef.
The proposed construction plan, costed at around $5 million, involves building a 14-metre (45 foot) tower with amenities like toilets, air-conditioning and space for 40 people, aimed at meeting safety standards.
An online petition demanding the cancellation of the tower construction plans has accrued nearly 150,000 signatures citing irreversible damage to the coral reef from the tower and an 800-metre service channel through the reef.
French Polynesia's President, Moetai Brotherson, proposes moving the Olympic surfing events to Taharuu beach on Tahiti's West coast, which he states would avoid the current issues and has pre-existing infrastructure, being more accessible than the current location.
Despite the controversy, Paris 2024 organisers reaffirm their priority to find a consensus-driven solution and plan to continue discussions with all stakeholders, the Polynesian government, environmental associations, and local residents to ensure the best possible conditions for the surfing events at the Teahupo'o site.