An heir to the last queen of Nuku Hiva in French Polynesia's Marquesas Islands has asked the French president Emmanuel Macron not to endorse the archipelago's bid to become another of France's UNESCO World Heritage site.
Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands. Bay of Nuku Hiva. Photo: Copyright: sorincolac / 123RF Stock Photo
Last year, French Polynesia's government tabled a revised bid in Paris, hoping now it would get a boost with today's first ever visit by a French president.
However, the heir Charles Nakeaetou has written to Mr Macron, saying the archeological sites were tapu and therefore protected against any type of financial exploitation.
He said the local culture prohibited access to some sites, and as landowners the people of the Marquesas knew how to protect its places and values.
Mr Nakeaetou, who is in his 60s, said he also questioned how such sites could be added to France's heritage, suggesting the bid was a political move by the area's mayors.
Two years ago, Mr Macron decided against endorsing a bid to make the 'ori tahiti traditional dance part of UNESCO's World Heritage.
Four years ago, Taputapuatea marae on Raiatea was given World Heritage status.