The president of the French overseas territory of French Polynesia has suggested an alternative venue for the 2024 Olympics surf competition after plans for a gigantic tower at a planned venue in Tahiti site caused uproar. Surfers are due to catch the first waves of the Paris Games in nine months in Tahiti, some 15,000 kilometres (9,300 miles) from the French capital, but a plan to build a giant tower in a legendary surf spot is sparking resistance.

The organisers of the 2024 Games want to erect a 14-metre (46-foot) aluminium structure in the water for judges to better assess the competition. Local associations have led protests against the tower, saying its installation would damage corals beyond repair.

Several hundred people recently joined a peaceful protest at the site near the village of Teahupoo –- one of the world's most famous surfing areas and the designated Olympic venue. An online petition against the project has attracted close to 150,000 signatures.

Moetai Brotherson, President of French Polynesia -- which comprises more than 100 islands including Tahiti -- told AFP on Tuesday that he shared the environmental concerns, and suggested a different spot for the competition, without the need for a tower. While less well-known than the original venue, the site at Taharuu Beach on Tahiti's west coast was more accessible and already had all the necessary infrastructure on land, he said on the sidelines of a Pacific islands forum on the Cook Islands.

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Taharuu had been in the running previously but, Brotherson said, "that choice wasn't possible at the time". However, he said, "given the stakes and the protests today, perhaps we could revisit that option". He said drilling for the tower's foundations would not be possible without "breaking corals".

Brotherson, who supports independence from France,&nbsp;took up his post in the wake of elections this year won by pro-independence forces who want to negotiate a referendum with Paris on the archipelago's status. French Polynesia is one of several French overseas territories that span the Caribbean and the Pacific and give Paris a global footprint unmatched by any other European nation.

Surfing made its bow as an Olympic sport at the Covid-delayed Tokyo Games, when it was held on Tsurigasaki Beach on mainland Japan, and France was keen to keep it on the roster. France's Atlantic coast hosts some of Europe's most famous surfing beaches and local officials had been hopeful of hosting the event.

When Tahiti was announced, dignitaries in coastal resorts like Biarritz were unimpressed –- not least because of the cost and the carbon emissions involved in putting a chunk of the Olympics on in the South Pacific. The tower alone is expected to cost around 4.4 million euros ($4.7 million).

The president of the French overseas territory of French Polynesia has suggested an alternative venue for the 2024 Olympics surf competition after plans for a gigantic tower at a planned venue in Tahiti site caused uproar.

The president of the French overseas territory of French Polynesia has suggested an alternative venue for the 2024 Olympics surf competition after plans for a gigantic tower at a planned venue in Tahiti site caused uproar. Surfers are due to catch the first waves of the Paris Games in nine months in Tahiti, some 15,000 kilometres (9,300 miles) from the French capital, but a plan to build a giant tower in a legendary surf spot is sparking resistance. The organisers of the 2024 Games want to erect a 14-metre (46-foot) aluminium structure in the water for judges to better assess the competition. Local associations have led protests against the tower, saying its installation would damage corals beyond repair. Several hundred people recently joined a peaceful protest at the site near the village of Teahupoo –- one of the world's most famous surfing areas and the designated Olympic venue. An online petition against the project has attracted close to 150,000 signatures. Moetai Brotherson, President of French Polynesia -- which comprises more than 100 islands including Tahiti -- told AFP on Tuesday that he shared the environmental concerns, and suggested a different spot for the competition, without the need for a tower. While less well-known than the original venue, the site at Taharuu Beach on Tahiti's west coast was more accessible and already had all the necessary infrastructure on land, he said on the sidelines of a Pacific islands forum on the Cook Islands. Also Read: Two-time major winner Minjee Lee and her brother Min Woo target unique sweep of dual gender at Aus Open Taharuu had been in the running previously but, Brotherson said, "that choice wasn't possible at the time". However, he said, "given the stakes and the protests today, perhaps we could revisit that option". He said drilling for the tower's foundations would not be possible without "breaking corals". Brotherson, who supports independence from France, took up his post in the wake of elections this year won by pro-independence forces who want to negotiate a referendum with Paris on the archipelago's status. French Polynesia is one of several French overseas territories that span the Caribbean and the Pacific and give Paris a global footprint unmatched by any other European nation. Surfing made its bow as an Olympic sport at the Covid-delayed Tokyo Games, when it was held on Tsurigasaki Beach on mainland Japan, and France was keen to keep it on the roster. France's Atlantic coast hosts some of Europe's most famous surfing beaches and local officials had been hopeful of hosting the event. When Tahiti was announced, dignitaries in coastal resorts like Biarritz were unimpressed –- not least because of the cost and the carbon emissions involved in putting a chunk of the Olympics on in the South Pacific. The tower alone is expected to cost around 4.4 million euros ($4.7 million).

President of French Polynesia suggests different venue for surf competition at 2024 Olympics

Tim Shaddock, an Australian sailor who was stranded in the Pacific Ocean with his dog and survived by only eating raw fish and drinking rainwater for months has been rescued and is in a stable condition, doctors said.&nbsp;

51-year-old&nbsp;Shaddock, hailing from Sydney had embarked upon a 6,000 km-long (3,728-mile) trip to French Polynesia from Mexico's La Paz alongside his dog Bella in April. However, a few weeks after the start of the journey, their boat was caught in a ferocious storm. Although the duo&nbsp;survived the rough weather, the boat was irreparably damaged, leaving them stranded in the middle of nowhere.&nbsp;

Having spent two months out in nothingness, they were finally rescued by a trawler last week when a helicopter spotted them. The doctors on the tuna trawler, upon examining&nbsp;Shaddock, said he had "normal vital signs".&nbsp;

<h2>I want to rest: Shaddock</h2>

After the rescue, a smiling Shaddock, wearing a blood pressure monitor on his arm said he wanted to rest, having been alone all this time.&nbsp;

"I have been through a very difficult ordeal at sea. I'm just needing rest and good food because I have been alone at sea a long time," he told 9News, adding, "Otherwise I'm in very good health."

Shaddock&nbsp;said the fishing gear he bought with him helped him survive while sheltering under the boat's canopy helped avoid sunburn.&nbsp;

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<h2>Luck and skill&nbsp;</h2>

Ocean survival experts said&nbsp;Shaddock's survival was a combination of luck and skill.&nbsp;

"It's a combination of luck and skill.&nbsp;And also knowing for example, as Tim did, that during the heat of the day, you need to protect yourself because the last thing you want when you're in danger of becoming dehydrated is to be sweating,"&nbsp;Professor Mike Tipton, an ocean survival expert told the publication.&nbsp;

Tipton added that having Bella on board may have helped Shaddock brave two months on the boat.&nbsp;

"I think that may have well made the difference. You're living very much from day to day and you have to have a very positive mental attitude in order to get through this kind of ordeal and not give up."

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&nbsp;

Shaddock beating death against the odds might not be his biggest win to date. Two decades ago, he was diagnosed with stage four bowler cancer. But since then, he has managed to make the most out of his life.&nbsp;

“I gradually found myself applying more and more health ideas that I discovered in my travels and before you knew it, I was still alive despite the lapse of time and things were getting better each moment,” Shaddock told&nbsp;The Raw Food Kitchen blog.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Tim Shaddock, an Australian sailor who was stranded in the Pacific Ocean with his dog and survived by only eating raw fish and drinking rainwater for months has been rescued and is in a stable condition, doctors said.

Tim Shaddock, an Australian sailor who was stranded in the Pacific Ocean with his dog and survived by only eating raw fish and drinking rainwater for months has been rescued and is in a stable condition, doctors said. 51-year-old Shaddock, hailing from Sydney had embarked upon a 6,000 km-long (3,728-mile) trip to French Polynesia from Mexico's La Paz alongside his dog Bella in April. However, a few weeks after the start of the journey, their boat was caught in a ferocious storm. Although the duo survived the rough weather, the boat was irreparably damaged, leaving them stranded in the middle of nowhere. Having spent two months out in nothingness, they were finally rescued by a trawler last week when a helicopter spotted them. The doctors on the tuna trawler, upon examining Shaddock, said he had "normal vital signs". I want to rest: Shaddock After the rescue, a smiling Shaddock, wearing a blood pressure monitor on his arm said he wanted to rest, having been alone all this time. "I have been through a very difficult ordeal at sea. I'm just needing rest and good food because I have been alone at sea a long time," he told 9News, adding, "Otherwise I'm in very good health." Shaddock said the fishing gear he bought with him helped him survive while sheltering under the boat's canopy helped avoid sunburn. Also read | How discovery of explicit material on a phone in Sydney led to rescue of 16 abused children in Philippines Luck and skill Ocean survival experts said Shaddock's survival was a combination of luck and skill. "It's a combination of luck and skill. And also knowing for example, as Tim did, that during the heat of the day, you need to protect yourself because the last thing you want when you're in danger of becoming dehydrated is to be sweating," Professor Mike Tipton, an ocean survival expert told the publication. Tipton added that having Bella on board may have helped Shaddock brave two months on the boat. "I think that may have well made the difference. You're living very much from day to day and you have to have a very positive mental attitude in order to get through this kind of ordeal and not give up." Watch | Colombia Amazon miracle: Father of two survivors speak on ordeal × Shaddock beating death against the odds might not be his biggest win to date. Two decades ago, he was diagnosed with stage four bowler cancer. But since then, he has managed to make the most out of his life. “I gradually found myself applying more and more health ideas that I discovered in my travels and before you knew it, I was still alive despite the lapse of time and things were getting better each moment,” Shaddock told The Raw Food Kitchen blog. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Australian man and dog rescued after being stranded for months in Pacific Ocean

French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that Paris owed "a debt" to French Polynesia over nuclear tests conducted in the South Pacific territory between 1966 and 1996, but stopped short of apologising.

"I accept responsibility and I want truth and transparency together with you," Macron said in a speech to Polynesian officials during his first official trip to the territory, adding that there should be better compensation for victims of the tests.

"The nation owes a debt to French Polynesia. This debt is from having conducted these tests, in particular those between 1966 and 1974. Nobody can claim that they were clean."

The legacy of French testing in the territory remains a source of deep resentment and is seen as evidence of racist colonial attitudes that disregarded the lives of locals.

The tests were conducted&nbsp;from 1966 to 1996 as France developed nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

Officials denied any cover-up of radiation exposure earlier this month after French investigative website Disclose reported in March that the impact from the fallout was far more extensive than authorities had acknowledged, citing declassified French military documents.

Macron echoed the sentiments in his remarks on Tuesday.

"I want to tell you clearly that the military who carried them out did not lie to you. They took the same risks... There were no lies, there were risks that weren't calculated, including by the military."

"I think it's true that we would not have done the same tests in La Creuse or in Brittany," he said, referring to regions inside mainland France.

"We did them here because it was further away, lost in middle of the Pacific," he said.

But Macron said he nonetheless "fully" stood behind France's post-war ambition to acquire nuclear arms, including for the defence of French Polynesia.

France conducted its first successful atomic bomb test in 1960, making it the world's fourth nuclear power after the US, the Soviet Union and Britain. &nbsp;

Calls for apology 
Ahead of Macron's four-day visit, residents in the sprawling archipelago of more than 100 islands located midway between Mexico and Australia had been hoping that Macron would apologise and announce compensation for radiation victims.

Only 63 Polynesian civilians have been compensated for radiation exposure since the tests ended in 1996, Disclose said, estimating that more than 100,000 people may have been contaminated in total, with leukaemia, lymphoma and other cancers rife.

"We're expecting an apology from the president," Auguste Uebe-Carlson, head of the 193 Association of victims of nuclear tests, said ahead of Macron's visit.

"Just as he has recognised as a crime the colonisation that took place in Algeria, we also expect him to declare that it was criminal and that it is a form of colonisation linked to nuclear power here in the Pacific."

Meeting Macron on Tuesday on the island of Moorea, Lena Lenormand, the vice president of the association, renewed the call.

"There are urgent demands, people who are suffering. We're asking you to own what the state did to these Polynesian people, for an apology and real support," she told Macron.

"We can't help but think that you are at the end of your term, so words are one thing, but afterwards, what will be done concretely?" she told Macron.

In response, Macron said he was "committed to changing things" regarding compensation.

"I've heard you, and I've heard what you are asking of me, and you will see my response."&nbsp;

In his speech, Macron said that since his election in 2017, there has been progress in compensation claims, but he admitted that it was not enough and said the deadline for filing claims would be extended.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that Paris owed "a debt" to French Polynesia over nuclear tests conducted in the South Pacific territory between 1966 and 1996, but stopped short of apologising.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that Paris owed "a debt" to French Polynesia over nuclear tests conducted in the South Pacific territory between 1966 and 1996, but stopped short of apologising. "I accept responsibility and I want truth and transparency together with you," Macron said in a speech to Polynesian officials during his first official trip to the territory, adding that there should be better compensation for victims of the tests. "The nation owes a debt to French Polynesia. This debt is from having conducted these tests, in particular those between 1966 and 1974. Nobody can claim that they were clean." The legacy of French testing in the territory remains a source of deep resentment and is seen as evidence of racist colonial attitudes that disregarded the lives of locals. The tests were conducted from 1966 to 1996 as France developed nuclear weapons. Officials denied any cover-up of radiation exposure earlier this month after French investigative website Disclose reported in March that the impact from the fallout was far more extensive than authorities had acknowledged, citing declassified French military documents. Macron echoed the sentiments in his remarks on Tuesday. "I want to tell you clearly that the military who carried them out did not lie to you. They took the same risks... There were no lies, there were risks that weren't calculated, including by the military." "I think it's true that we would not have done the same tests in La Creuse or in Brittany," he said, referring to regions inside mainland France. "We did them here because it was further away, lost in middle of the Pacific," he said. But Macron said he nonetheless "fully" stood behind France's post-war ambition to acquire nuclear arms, including for the defence of French Polynesia. France conducted its first successful atomic bomb test in 1960, making it the world's fourth nuclear power after the US, the Soviet Union and Britain. Calls for apology Ahead of Macron's four-day visit, residents in the sprawling archipelago of more than 100 islands located midway between Mexico and Australia had been hoping that Macron would apologise and announce compensation for radiation victims. Only 63 Polynesian civilians have been compensated for radiation exposure since the tests ended in 1996, Disclose said, estimating that more than 100,000 people may have been contaminated in total, with leukaemia, lymphoma and other cancers rife. "We're expecting an apology from the president," Auguste Uebe-Carlson, head of the 193 Association of victims of nuclear tests, said ahead of Macron's visit. "Just as he has recognised as a crime the colonisation that took place in Algeria, we also expect him to declare that it was criminal and that it is a form of colonisation linked to nuclear power here in the Pacific." Meeting Macron on Tuesday on the island of Moorea, Lena Lenormand, the vice president of the association, renewed the call. "There are urgent demands, people who are suffering. We're asking you to own what the state did to these Polynesian people, for an apology and real support," she told Macron. "We can't help but think that you are at the end of your term, so words are one thing, but afterwards, what will be done concretely?" she told Macron. In response, Macron said he was "committed to changing things" regarding compensation. "I've heard you, and I've heard what you are asking of me, and you will see my response." In his speech, Macron said that since his election in 2017, there has been progress in compensation claims, but he admitted that it was not enough and said the deadline for filing claims would be extended.

France owes French Polynesia 'a debt' over nuclear tests: Macron

As French President Emmanuel Macron kicked off his first official trip to French Polynesia, he faced pressure to apologise for devastating impact of decades of nuclear testing.

Macron plans to address legacy of nuclear testing from 1966 to 1996 during his four day visit. He is also likely to discuss South Pacific territory's strategic role and threat posed by global warming.

Residents in the sprawling archipelago of more than 100 islands located midway between Mexico and Australia are hoping Macron apologises and confirms compensation for radiation victims.&nbsp;

The tests remain a source of deep resentment, seen as evidence of racist colonial attitudes that disregarded the lives of islanders.

After touching down Saturday, Macron, whose 2020 trip was postponed due to the pandemic, met hospital workers fighting Covid-19 in the semi-autonomous territory where many are wary of vaccines.

"I want to send a very strong message to call on everyone to get vaccinated," he said, adding: "When you're vaccinated, you're protected and you hardly spread the virus, or at least much less."

As French President Emmanuel Macron kicked off his first official trip to French Polynesia, he faced pressure to apologise for devastating impact of decades of nuclear testing.

As French President Emmanuel Macron kicked off his first official trip to French Polynesia, he faced pressure to apologise for devastating impact of decades of nuclear testing. Macron plans to address legacy of nuclear testing from 1966 to 1996 during his four day visit. He is also likely to discuss South Pacific territory's strategic role and threat posed by global warming. Residents in the sprawling archipelago of more than 100 islands located midway between Mexico and Australia are hoping Macron apologises and confirms compensation for radiation victims. The tests remain a source of deep resentment, seen as evidence of racist colonial attitudes that disregarded the lives of islanders. After touching down Saturday, Macron, whose 2020 trip was postponed due to the pandemic, met hospital workers fighting Covid-19 in the semi-autonomous territory where many are wary of vaccines. "I want to send a very strong message to call on everyone to get vaccinated," he said, adding: "When you're vaccinated, you're protected and you hardly spread the virus, or at least much less."

Macron under pressure to apologise for nuclear tests in French Polynesia

After a declassified French defence report indicated the government hidden&nbsp;impact of nuclear testing in French Polynesia between 1966-1996, the French government held a round table meeting to discuss the issue.

A report by an online site Disclose revealed&nbsp;that radiation levels were allegedly two to ten times higher than estimated by France’s Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) in 2006 as it studied the radiation effects in Aldébaran in 1966, Encelade in 1971&nbsp;and Centaure in 1974.

Watch:

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According to the report, the Polynesian population was badly hit by the radiation caused by the Centaure bomb testing in July 1974 with almost the entire population badly hit.

According to Disclose, at least 63 Polynesian civilians have received compensation for the radiation exposure.

The meeting was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron. The French president called for a frank discussion on the subject amid allegations by Disclose. However, MP Moetai Brotherson who represents Polynesia refused to attend the event unless the government apologised.

The head of the region Edouard Fritch however welcomed Macron's move.

Disclose in its report had said that at least 11,000 victims allegedly received radiation doses in excess of 5 millisieverts which included 600 children under the age of 15 in Tahiti, Tureia and Gambier Islands.

France had reportedly carried out 193 nuclear tests between 1960 and 1996 on the atolls of Fangataufa and Mururoa.

The "Moruroa files" which was compiled in a two year-long investigation after interviewing several people in France and French Polynesia found that the military did not take preventive evacuation while conducting the tests, according to the declassified report&nbsp;

The investigation revealed that people living in Mangareva island in the Gambier archipelago had developed breast and thyroid cancer after the tests were conducted.

(With inputs from Agencies)

After a declassified French defence report indicated the government hidden impact of nuclear testing in French Polynesia between 1966-1996, the French government held a round table meeting to discuss the issue.

After a declassified French defence report indicated the government hidden impact of nuclear testing in French Polynesia between 1966-1996, the French government held a round table meeting to discuss the issue. A report by an online site Disclose revealed that radiation levels were allegedly two to ten times higher than estimated by France’s Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) in 2006 as it studied the radiation effects in Aldébaran in 1966, Encelade in 1971 and Centaure in 1974. Watch: According to the report, the Polynesian population was badly hit by the radiation caused by the Centaure bomb testing in July 1974 with almost the entire population badly hit. According to Disclose, at least 63 Polynesian civilians have received compensation for the radiation exposure. The meeting was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron. The French president called for a frank discussion on the subject amid allegations by Disclose. However, MP Moetai Brotherson who represents Polynesia refused to attend the event unless the government apologised. The head of the region Edouard Fritch however welcomed Macron's move. Disclose in its report had said that at least 11,000 victims allegedly received radiation doses in excess of 5 millisieverts which included 600 children under the age of 15 in Tahiti, Tureia and Gambier Islands. France had reportedly carried out 193 nuclear tests between 1960 and 1996 on the atolls of Fangataufa and Mururoa. The "Moruroa files" which was compiled in a two year-long investigation after interviewing several people in France and French Polynesia found that the military did not take preventive evacuation while conducting the tests, according to the declassified report The investigation revealed that people living in Mangareva island in the Gambier archipelago had developed breast and thyroid cancer after the tests were conducted. (With inputs from Agencies)

France holds discussion on nuclear testing in French Polynesia over declassified report

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