"There's waterfalls and a river coming down from the mountains and we got a nice bay, facing the most beautiful wave in the world," Tahurai says.
Known for its surf break, Teahupo'o is home to among the most breathtaking and dangerous waves in the world and will host the 2024 Olympic surfing event. Yet the decision has prompted concern from the village's 1,500 residents over the risk of environmental damage to the ocean and surrounding areas.
Some are worried about how the island in the South Pacific will cope with the influx of people and infrastructure required for the event. The judges' viewing tower - to be built in the water - may need to hold up to seven times the number of people as in other professional surfing events held in Teahupo'o. Plans to accommodate the competitors on cruise ships stationed off the coast have also prompted concerns over pollution and harm to the reef.
Like many other residents, Tahurai is excited about having an Olympic event in his village but is "scared" about what may happen to the "little piece of paradise".
"I'd go to war to keep this place the way it is. We gotta keep Teahupo'o Teahupo'o," he says. "We're not doing it for us, we're doing it for the next generation."
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin July 01, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin July 01, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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