The Federation at the Global Breadfruit Summit in Hawai‘i!
Kailua-Kona (Hawai‘i) – September 22–24, 2026. The Tāhei ’Autī ia Mo’orea Federation is reaching an important new milestone in its international outreach. Represented by Léon Harehoe and Philippe Couraud, the federation is taking part this week in the Global Breadfruit Summit 2026, held at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa on the Big Island of Hawai‘i.
This major international event brings together researchers, farmers, cultural practitioners, chefs and representatives from across the Pacific (Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, the Cook Islands, Micronesia, the Caribbean, Hawai‘i and beyond) to address a crucial issue: the preservation, cultivation and promotion of the breadfruit tree (‘uru / ’ūlu).
A strong voice for French Polynesia and Mo’orea
Throughout the three-day summit, our two delegates are proudly representing Mo’orea and sharing the vision championed by Tāhei ’Autī ia Mo’orea:
Tuesday, September 22: During the opening session dedicated to the history and genetic diversity of breadfruit, Philippe Couraud delivered a presentation entitled “Breadfruit Diversity: Community-Led Conservation and Repatriation in Mo’orea, French Polynesia.”
Thursday, September 24: Philippe Couraud is also taking part in the global panel on the status and governance of breadfruit, providing an overview of the breadfruit sector in French Polynesia.
The Opunohu Conservation Orchard: An Outstanding Biocultural Project
The federation’s presentation highlights an ambitious project initiated in the heart of the Opunohu agricultural estate.
The beginnings of the project (2018): At the initiative of Léon Harehoe and the association Tau pi’i taumata fe’e fa’atupu hau, the first breadfruit orchard was established on the Mara’amu plateau. This project marked the beginning of the Fa’a’apu discovery trail.
Taken over by Tāhei ’Autī (2022): In 2022, the federation took over the management and further development of the discovery trail and the Fare Aru biocultural accommodation project.
Today: The Opunohu orchard already boasts 58 planted breadfruit varieties, thanks to donations from local individuals and support from the Department of Agriculture (DAG). Around eight additional varieties, recently brought back from Raiatea, will soon enrich the collection.
By bringing the federation’s voice all the way to Hawai‘i, Léon Harehoe and Philippe Couraud remind us that protecting Mo’orea also means sharing knowledge and reconnecting with our cultural roots and food heritage.
Their active participation in this international summit demonstrates the vitality of Tāhei ’Autī ia Mo’orea and strengthens our determination to make the Opunohu Valley a model of biocultural preservation and food sovereignty for future generations.
Māuruuru roa to Léon and Philippe for their commitment and for showcasing our heritage in Hawai‘i!