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As the 30th anniversary of Rapa Nui National Park’s inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site approaches, the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, Esther Kuisch Laroche, conducted her first official visit to the island on 13 and 14 November 2024.

This visit, focused on assessing the conservation status of the World Heritage Site and preparing for the commemoration of this significant anniversary, underscored the island’s cultural and natural richness, as well as the challenges and commitments required to preserve its unique heritage for future generations.

During her visit, the UNESCO Director met with Rapa Nui’s mayor, Pedro Edmunds Paoa, to discuss the challenges and opportunities for the sustainable management of the island’s heritage. One of the key topics addressed was the urgent need to protect the Rapa Nui language, which is at risk of disappearing, particularly among younger generations.

She also visited the Toki Rapa Nui Music School, led by renowned pianist and cultural advocate Mahani Teave. There, she learned about the initiatives aimed at preserving Rapa Nui’s traditions and promoting environmental education through the arts. One of the school’s pillars is sustainability, reflected in the construction of its development centre, designed using the innovative Earthship Biotecture technique, which incorporates recycled materials such as tyres, bottles, and cans.

In the evening, she attended a dinner with members of the Rapa Nui Chamber of Commerce, including Edgard Hereveri, Sebastián Paoa, Conny Martín, and Alejandro Atán. During the gathering, discussions centred on sustainable tourism strategies, seeking to balance economic development with the conservation of the island’s cultural and archaeological values.

On the second day, the agenda included a visit to Rapa Nui National Park, where she met with Ariki Tepano, Director of the Ma’u Henua community, responsible for the park’s management and maintenance.

While on-site, the UNESCO Director observed the state of conservation of the island’s archaeological and natural heritage and discussed restoration and protection priorities in collaboration with the local community. These include the moai damaged by the 2022 fires and the restoration of the Orongo Ceremonial Village, located in the southwest of Rano Kau volcano.

This village once hosted tribal leaders during spring, when the Tangata Manu ritual took place—a religious ceremony dedicated to the creator god Make Make and the Birdman cult. This competition involved retrieving the first egg of the manutara bird, a sacred symbol of renewal and power.

In December 1995, Rapa Nui National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognising its outstanding cultural and natural value. The 30th anniversary of this milestone in 2025 will serve as an opportunity to highlight Rapa Nui’s significance and its contribution to humanity’s shared heritage.

±«±··¡³§°ä°¿â€™s Director for Latin America and the Caribbean reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the island and emphasised the importance of strengthening collective efforts to ensure the sustainability of this unique legacy:

"Rapa Nui is much more than a place of extraordinary beauty and cultural richness. It is a living testament to the resilience of its people, the deep connection between communities and their environment, and the importance of preserving these wonders for future generations. This anniversary will be an opportunity to reflect and work together to safeguard its legacy," stated Esther Kuisch Laroche.

With this renewed commitment, UNESCO will continue supporting initiatives for conservation, sustainability, and inclusive development in this Polynesian treasure of Chile, reaffirming its place as a symbol of World Heritage.