French Polynesia's lands minister Tearii Alpha has dismissed claims that plans are afoot for floating islands to be built in the lagoon of Atimaono in the south ofTahiti.
A concept for the floating island project in French Polynesia Photo: Supplied
French Polynesia's housing minister, Tearii Alpha Photo: AFP
However, an Institute spokesperson in Tahiti Marc Collins has confirmed that studies have identified possible sites, including Atimaono.
Mr Collins says the decision will rest with the government.
He says to build floating islands, the lagoon needs to have a certain minimum depth and their location is linked to access to good internet connections, which he says aren't available in some outer islands.
The project is being resisted by some local people including the former mayor Valentina Cross, who accused Mr Alpha of failing to consult the local community.
Earlier, the government spokesman Jean Christophe Bouissou said the government had made no decision and would only formulate one once studies have been completed.
A year ago, he signed an agreement to explore the idea with the Seasteading Institute, which is also backed by Paypal founder and New Zealand billionaire Peter Thiel.
