The government of New Caledonia last week officially created the world’s largest protected area, establishing a multi-use zone that at 1.3 million square kilometers is three times the size of Germany, reports Conservation International (CI).
The Natural Park of the Coral Sea (Le Parc Naturel de la Mer de Corail) covers all of New Caledonia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which is home to 4,500 square kilometers of coral reefs, 25 species of marine mammals, 48 shark species, 19 species of nesting birds and five species of marine turtles, according to CI. And because New Caledonia is governed by France, the commitment boosts the proportion of France’s national jurisdiction marine waters under protection from four percent to 16 percent.
The protected area is zoned for multiple types of use, including fishing under a management plan that aims for sustainability.
CI says the protected area will be integrated into the Pacific Oceanscape, an initiative by 16 Pacific Island nations and six territories to collaboratively manage nearly 40 million square kilometers, and the Big Ocean Network
“This is a monumental decision for New Caledonia and the entire Pacific,” said David Emmett, Senior Vice-President for Conservation International’s program in the Asia-Pacific, in a statement. “Such a measure exemplifies what other countries in the Pacific can do to fully invest in the long term health and productivity of their ocean resources.”
Selected photos of New Caledonia
A starfish on a beach in New Caledonia. © Conservation International/photo by Chelsea Woods
Pygmy seahorses in New Caledonia. The region’s unique underwater formations and geological diversity create habitat for an extraordinary number of species. Photo © Rodolphe Holler; caption courtesy of CI.
View from Mt. Panie, the highest point on New Caledonia’s main island. © Conservation International/photo by François Tron
A fisherman paddles his boat in New Caledonia. The island’s waters provide direct benefits for New Caledonia’s people, such as fish catch and income from tourists visiting the island’s scenic beaches. © Conservation International/photo by Lily Clarke
View from Mt. Panie, the highest point on New Caledonia’s main island. © Conservation International/photo by François Tron
Clownfish in New Caledonia. The waters within Le Parc Naturel de la Mer de Corail (Natural Park of the Coral Sea) were chosen for protection because of several outstanding features, including deep sediment basins, seamounts and coral reefs, which host an extraordinary number of species. Photo © Rodolphe Holler; caption courtesy of CI.
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