Education

ITE education platform — Discovering the marine animals of Polynesia

ITE (Te 'itera'a i te mau animara) is a free online education platform introducing the emblematic marine animals of French Polynesia, launched on 8 June 2025 with a first module on sea turtles.

Education

Description

ITE (pronounced ee-tay, for Te ‘itera’a i te mau animara) is a free online education platform built by Te mana o te moana to introduce the emblematic marine animals of French Polynesia. This inventive project was launched for World Oceans Day, on 8 June 2025, with a first module on sea turtles. ITE is an immersive journey into Polynesian waters — to learn, to marvel… and to act together for a sustainable marine future.

The coral reefs of French Polynesia, to explore on the ITE platform
The coral reefs of French Polynesia, to explore on the ITE platform

A playful, interactive teaching tool, free and open to all

ITE was designed to pass on knowledge in an appealing and inclusive way, from age 8 upwards, wherever you happen to be. Inspired by the MOOC format (Massive Open Online Course), the platform lets you explore marine species, their biology, their habitats and the threats they face, while offering concrete ways to act for their protection. Two tracks are available, covering anatomy, species, life cycle, threats and protection measures:

  • For children aged 8 to 14: an illustrated, playful and interactive track suited to younger learners.
  • For ages 15 and up: a track enriched with scientific content and further resources, to deepen knowledge and become an active participant in marine protection.

Wide distribution for fair access to knowledge

ITE was conceived to guarantee equal access to environmental education, particularly in the remote archipelagos of French Polynesia. With the support of the Directorate-General for Education and Teaching (DGEE), the platform will be integrated into schools and distributed through the territory’s community and social organisations.

A three-year project to showcase the marine life of the fenua

ITE is part of an ambitious multi-year vision, with several modules to come:

  • Sea turtles — available since June 2025
  • Coral — due in 2026
  • Cetaceans — due in 2026
  • Sharks — due in 2026

Partners

Partner logos: High Commission of the Republic in French Polynesia, Fonds pour le Développement de la Vie Associative, Environment Department of French Polynesia, Directorate-General for Education and Teaching, French Office for Biodiversity, Te Me Um, Banque de France, Banque de Polynésie, IFRECOR and Te mana o te moana