Réunion is an island in French Polynesia that is renowned for its clear waters and beautiful ocean vistas. Its status as a French Overseas Territory makes it one of the furthest regions of the European Union from Europe and is one of the best destinations in the world for peaceful and quiet vacations. It is also home to a variety of native rare species, including many varieties of fish and tropical birds.
Réunion was first visited by outside sailors in the 12th century, most likely from nearby Malaysia, but in the 16th was visited by the Portuguese. France took control of the island in the 17th century, and the island was originally named “L’île de Bourbon”, for the Bourbon kings of France. The name was changed following the French Revolution. Since then, Réunion has been a part of France that has catered to European and other tourists looking to explore South Asia and Oceania.
A variety of wildlife unique to Réunion have inhabited the island and its surrounding waters, but environmental degradation has led to some of these rare species going extinct. The local authorities have tried to place restrictions on fishing and some watersports in order to rehabilitate areas where endangered fish have been harmed by human activity.