French Polynesia Establishes World's Largest Marine Protected Area

French Polynesia has established the world's largest marine protected area, part of a wave of new wildlife sanctuaries created in 2025, Positive News reported. The vast protected zone encompasses some of the most biodiverse ocean waters on the planet.

The announcement came alongside similar conservation victories worldwide. Australia, Colombia, Greece, Portugal, and São Tomé and Príncipe were among the nations creating new marine reserves. Spain alone approved six new protected marine sites.

“The vast protected zone encompasses some of the most biodiverse ocean waters on the planet.”

Australia also made headlines by pledging to protect the 26,000 sq km Exmouth Gulf, home to the country's largest concentration of dugongs and a vital stop-off point for humpback whales. The state of New South Wales set boundaries for its Great Koala national park at 4,600 sq km. Nations have agreed to protect 30% of the planet by 2030, and these new reserves represent significant progress toward that goal.