CRIOBE

Historically, the Insular Research Center and Environment Observatory (CRIOBE) stems from the establishment of a Practical School of High Studies (EPHE) station as early as 1971 in Polynesia, especially on Moorea Island.

Initially based in the Tiahura area, the former unit moved to the Opunohu Bay following an agreement with the French Polynesia territory in 1981.

The EPHE, Practical School of High Studies is under the administrative supervision of the national education Ministry. It has the public educational establishment with scientific, cultural and professional status (EPSCP) and is called to contribute teaching scientific knowledge and progress through applied and fundamental research.

Since its establishment in 1971, the essence of the coralline reefs work was to integrate long term ecosystem tracking notions in a resilience context facing natural and anthropic impacts. This is why nowadays, the CRIOBE flaunts the longest temporal series regarding coralline ecosystem follow-up in the Pacific.

Concurrently, 800 publications, 250 reports and 100 thesis or degree originated from the center in a dynamics which is still going on. Organizer of many international seminars which took place in Polynesia, the CRIOBE served as the main infrastructure in 1985 during the international convention on coralline reefs gathering more than 700 participants.

Quickly recognized by the Marine Stations National Network and being the only overseas territories station, the CRIOBE began a big structural modification with the CNRS recognition in 2006. It became a services mixed unit 2978, joint guardianship with EPHE and CNRS.

In 2007, the CRIOBE has been acknowledged, through its environment monitoring action under the INSU Universe Sciences National Institute label.

Moreover, a collaboration agreement has been signed between CNRS, EPHE and the French Polynesian Territory for a cooperation in research and development field related to the coralline reefs.