As a boy, Teva Victor experienced the kind of childhood that most people can only dream of: growing up on a pair of tropical islands in French Polynesia, Haapiti Rahi and Haapiti Iti. The only child of the famed Polar explorer Paul-Emile Victor and his wife Collette, from a young age he was raised surrounded by nature in one of the most beautiful places on earth. He shares his unique perspective on his father, his islands, and the future of French Polynesia.

Q: Your father was an exceptionally well-travelled man, so it says much about Bora Bora that he chose to retire there. What qualities did he love most about the country?

Teva: My dad has indeed traveled the world extensively, but he always had two dreams since he was a little boy: Greenland and the Inuit, and Polynesia and the Polynesians. And he lived his dreams through. After having spent most of his life in the Polar regions, he finally decided to settle in Polynesia, where he had already gone a few times, of course. Obviously, I know that what made my dad decide to settle on Bora Bora rather than an other island was the overwhelming beauty of the lagoon, and the unique and spectacular central mountain that makes it so photogenic and world renowned today.

But it was also the people that had and still have that nonchalant friendly attitude towards life and each other. There is a certain rhythm that fits well with the weather, and with the state of mind. It is a perfect place for calm and peace, and unplugging from the fast pace lifestyle he had before. Yet it is also the perfect place where he could be inspired to write his books, draw and paint, and read.

Q: When one thinks of growing up on a tropical island, it gives quite an idyllic impression- very natural and free. Are there any aspects of your childhood on the islands that might be surprising to readers?

Teva: I am sure there are quite a few… It is true that it is a unique way of growing up. School was on the mainland, and so my parents would drive me to the bus pick up…by boat of course. Once the school was over, I only had a few minutes to get back on the bus and wait for my dad or mom to come back to get me. But the fun part began then: I would almost always water ski on my way back home. That was a great way to finish the working hours!

Even though most of my friends were my animals; dogs, cats, rabbits, pigeons, goats, fish, etc., I can only attribute this to be the reflection of my parents and my own liking, and not necessarily living on the island. The lifestyle and attitudes of the parents of course reflect on the type of experiences the child will also have. Obviously my parents settled there to be out of the system, and be on their own time schedule. And so was I, and grew up with that attitude. I am today still very close to nature and animals, but have also learned to socialize, although it is still not quite my strength. I guess it all comes down to creating a balance.

Q: French Polynesia is renowned for being one of the last unspoiled paradises on earth. Are there any ecological challenges you see affecting the country in the coming years?

Teva: Certainly. All islands seem to have the same problems: balancing size and resources. People in island countries all want all the things they see on TV, yet do not have the size of land to support this level of consumption, or the knowledge to integrate it smoothly and efficiently. For example: importing new products might improve some aspects of quality of life, but on the other hand, it generally leaves a lot left over- in a word, trash.

The island of Bora Bora has a great entrepreneurial Mayor: Mr G. Tong Sang, who is at this time also the President of the country. He has put into place great things like a common sewage pipeline and modern water filtration systems. His installation of this needed infrastructure has also created the potential for recycling water for watering plants and lawns for hotels.

Yet there will always be more to do. The thing that I think most important is waste management. Governments of small islands nations like French Polynesia could use environmental legislation to encourage companies to use returnable, reusable bottles rather than disposable ones. The cleaning process can be done wisely to minimize pollution, and this would create less visible waste and help keep the country beautiful. Recycling programs could be systemized and applied to other types of consumable products in order to minimize refuse in general. On a small and self-contained island country, this is the largest challenge: finding long term ways to manage waste.

Q: In areas like the South Pacific, there are often concerns about the impact of growing international tourism on local ways of life. Do you feel that the native Polynesian culture is being preserved despite increased modernization?

Teva: Yes, although the real Polynesian “culture” of religious practices and lifestyle has been long gone, really since the settlement of European colonies and introduction of Western religions. Yet, French Polynesians still do have the strength of speaking their own language. The first language is French, but the majority of the locals speak Tahitian more than French amongst themselves. Language is a major way to pass aspects of cultures down generations.

It may be counter-intuitive, but tourism today actually helps maintain other aspects of Polynesian culture. Polynesian people have a carefree attitude and are jovial, friendly, spontaneous, and therefore also follow the flow pretty well. This means that they do have a tendency of just not worrying about maintaining their culture; not paying attention to the past, and more living the present, therefore not sustaining their roots. But through tourism, they are motivated to show what makes them unique and different, and so will do local dances, will study to find old ways of doing things, etc. It is a motivator, I find.

Q: These little islands where you grew up are now offered for sale, which must be very emotional for you. What would you ideally like to see in the future for Haapiti Rahi and Iti?

Teva: It is indeed emotional. I have lived wonderful moments with my wife on these islands. We have constructed everything on these two particular islands; we gave birth to our son there, and have invested a lot of love, making it today the paradise it is. Now we are ready to live other dreams elsewhere. Of course we do have an ideal vision for this place… and here it is:

I don’t see a major complex of dozens of over-water bungalows, but more a project that emphasizes the uniqueness of the site. It is a private island on a small scale, and therefore, it would fit perfectly for a luxurious private retreat.

There are two islands, so on the main developed island that faces Bora Bora, there could be built one main villa. I imagine this would have all the modern comforts: dining area, living area, royal suite, TV lounge, and whatever else one could think of in a luxurious villa on a tropical private island. A few guest villas could also be added, where the owner (or owner of the moment through renting) would be able to receive his/her friends.

The second island could be structured exclusively for the technical side: the electrical generator, the kitchen, maintenance area, housekeeping area, personnel dock, etc. A small bridge could be built between the two islands making the service quick and professional through a mini golf car. This set up would allow the main island to totally and fully be concentrated on luxury, leisure and fun. No sign whatsoever of any work, not even a kitchen!

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