A beautiful escape into nature with AOA

Our expedition begin with cloudy skies... Our destination? The western shore of Tahiti, specifically Mataiea. Alongside a small group, we prepare for a special meeting... With sneakers on and water bottles full, we started out on a unique hike. We take a meandering, steep trail to the Mou'aroa Valley. Upon arrival, we are greeted by the shade of a giant mango tree, where we meet the excellent team from Aoa Polynesian Forest. Our guides Mathieu and Elodie, dressed entirely in khaki, appear to have stepped right out of an Indiana Jones film. 

Aoa Polynesian Forest is an organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and preservation of Polynesia's woods, which span more than 250 hectares. Their diligent study has allowed them to identify more than 103 species on the site. What are their objectives? To make the distinction between endemic and invasive species, and then take specific measures to eradicate the latter. In doing so, they preserve native species' natural habitats while minimizing the detrimental influence of invasive species on the local ecology. 

Their goal for the day? To make us sweat! Above all, they want to introduce us to their project and the famous Banyan.

We start our trek into the lush woodland, led by Mathieu and Elodie. Can you recognize the kingfisher song? Mathieu undoubtedly can, and we can discern its exceptionally high-pitched tune by listening closely. A wide range of animals thrive in our deep forests, bringing them to life... Although it takes us over thirty minutes to get to the valley's entrance, my hiking team's enthusiasm and sense of humor make the trip seem to go by faster. It could not be better that we are giving up our computers in exchange for some fresh air and some muddy legs!

Discussing the value of their work, Mathieu shows us examples of invasive species including parachute lianas, Miconias, and Gabonese tulip trees. Introduced to Polynesia during the 1950s, these species represent an important threat to the diversity of the natural environment. The indigenous species' ability to survive can be jeopardized, natural water and nutrient cycles can be upset, and animal habitats can be changed.    

For this reason, the AOA team is dedicated to establishing fruit trees and returning native flora to French Polynesia, like apape and mara. You could be fortunate enough to eat some seasonal fruit if you decide to explore this instructive forest as well!

We finally got a view of the well-known Banyan with its unusual appearance after a one-hour stroll. Its aerial roots appear to hold up the weight of its branches, reaching over 5 meters in height and 4 meters in width. Many banyans, which are revered in Polynesia, have been discovered close to marae (sacred places in French Polynesia). It looks like the one in front of us is over a hundred years old. Why is it unique? Its remarkable shape comes from the fact that it grows atop another tree. If we are fortunate enough to get a close-up look at it, it will be because of the AOA team, who have done an amazing job revitalizing it. It was surrounded by greenery and had become entangled in parachute vines, which kept it from getting sunlight or oxygen.

This massive tree, a true symbol of the association, represents the influence of their labor on the natural world.

On the walk back, the rain invites itself in, bringing the air down to a somewhat colder temperature and increasing cloud cover. In addition to taking in the beauty of nature, we can identify the ferns Élodie blew throughout the ascent. Indeed, you may learn a lot even in the middle of the jungle!
Raincoats belong to the more foresighted! Mathieu also urges us to return quickly since there is a feast waiting for us! 

It is now time to work after a sumptuous lunch and a well-earned rest! Shall I say, "our hands in the pot" instead? We're not scared to get our hands filthy here at Moana Voyages! Each of us received a shovel, a pair of gloves, and a cocoa plant from Mathieu. We now have the responsibility of planting a fruit tree of our own to add to the association's plantation. Would you like to have a cocoa tree named after you? 

Above all, the AOA experience offers a chance to develop ecological consciousness. recognizing the effects of human activity on the environment, including the spread of exotic species and the threats they pose to the biodiversity of the area. In order to protect the surrounding flora and animals for future generations, it is equally crucial that we educate ourselves about them. We cordially encourage you to explore the educational forest and spend some time getting to know the surrounding natural world. Why not seek for additional information on the Aoa Polynesian Forest page?