Could Paris Olympics Harm Nature? Deep Dive into the Historic Surfing Venue’s Environmental Impact

Teahupo’o was one of the most pristine and serene beaches of volcanic origin in the entire world. That is, of course, before the place became known to humans and surfers began to flock to the waves for its indescribable beauty. As the Olympics 2024 knocks on the door, Teahupo’o holds a very special place in the scheme of things. However, a possible footfall of thousands per day for a week has the locals and environmentalists thinking. 

What if the Olympics disrupt the natural ecosystem of Teahupo’o? Will it affect the corals, and in turn, make life difficult for the residents? Well, the answer is not very simple. To take an expansive look into the matter, let’s dive in below. 

Surfing hotspot raises an eyebrow in Teahupo’o

For the surfers, Teahupo’o would be the residence during the course of the Olympics. However, while the prospect of the isolated island experiencing a financial boom is exciting, the larger picture has enough reasons to be worried about. According to environmental activists, drilling activities in the lagoon expose the risk of attracting a type of microscopic algae named ciguatera. These organisms are harmful to the fish and can even affect humans through the infected fish. 

Another concern for the locals is the fear of coral reef cracking. These cracks, seemingly small, can have a big impact on changing the nature of the waves, which can be disastrous. These fears were heightened recently when construction operations damaged part of a coral reef, invoking a huge backlash against the Olympic Committee. 

As per the Associated Press, the senior event manager of the games, Barbara Martins-Nio, commented in a disappointed tone, “It was awful for us…Tahitians have this special relationship with nature, with their lands, and it was like a bomb for us.” However, as serious as the situation is turning out at Teahupo’o, the Olympic committee has taken significant measures to comply with the eco-friendliness of the spot. 

Restructured planning the way to go at Teahupo’o for Paris Olympics 2024

Looking at the environmental concerns, the Olympic Committee scrapped its initial blueprint. It included the building of new housings, paving modern roadways, and a judging tower made from aluminum, drilled into the reef. To avoid further backlash, the committee has now opted for 98% of housing to be within the residences of the locals. 

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As for the athletes, they would be accommodated inside a cruise ship, stationed near the shore. The size of the judges’ tower has been reduced drastically, and the team is looking to minimize new construction as much as possible. With that being said, only time will tell whether the untainted waters of Teahupo’o withstand the glory of the Olympics or will fizzle in its gargantuan propensity.

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