Tetiaroa is an atoll located 53 kilometers north of Tahiti, which is made up of thirteen motus (islets). The Tetiaroa Society Ecostation is located on Motu Onetahi, which is accessible via boat, airplane, or helicopter. The Brando’s facilities, and therefore those researchers and others who are coming to Tetiaroa to use the Ecostation must keep The Brando’s guest in mind when staying on Tetiaroa.
Tetiaroa Society (“TS”) is a nonprofit scientific and cultural organization committed to protecting Tetiaroa’s natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural richness. It desires to create scientific and educational opportunities to examine and learn about Tetiaroa, and raise public awareness regarding environmental, cultural, and historical matters.
The Ecostation was built by Pacific Beachcomber, the owner of The Brando, to create a place for research, conservation and education relating to the protection, preservation, and wise management of tropical atolls and for research and education relating to sustainability and the Polynesian culture. Researchers and other users of the Ecostation are an essential link in TS’s programs on the island.
Tetiaroa holds a special place in the hearts of the Tahitian People. The island was once a retreat for members of the royal family. The island is home to important archaeological sites, known as marae. These sacred sites are under strict protection by the French Polynesian government. It is important that researchers who come to work at the Ecostation recognize and respect the cultural, scientific, and educational significance of Tetiaroa.