Double the size of Texas and triple the size of Germany, New
Caledonia’s recently established Le Parc Naturel de la Mer De Corail (The
Natural Park of the Coral Sea), has been named the world’s largest marine park.
Established just two weeks ago, it is the largest existing protected area --
both on land and sea -- at a staggering 1,300,000sqkm.
Besides its massive size, the oceanic sanctuary in the South
Pacific is home to a vast array of marine life, hosting 48 different shark
species, 25 mammal species, 19 nesting bird species and five sea turtle
species, including the endangered green turtle. Its ocean floors are
illuminated with more than 1.1 million acres of the vibrant coral reefs that
give the sea its name, and its waters provide 3,000 tons of fish to New
Caledonia’s inhabitants.
New Caledonia is no stranger to record-breaking sites.
Located about 3,000km east of Australia, the remote French territory is home to
the Grand Lagon Sud, the world’s biggest lagoon and a Unesco World Heritage
Site, as well as to the world’s second largest double-barrier reef, after the
one in Australia.
From www.bbc.com
But besides these awe-inspiring locations, New Caledonia
also has some of the richest biodiversity on Earth, which is why its government
and conservation experts are taking measures to protect the natural treasure
before there is a serious threat.
Currently, illegal fishing is the only concern, but
potential increases in ship traffic from Queensland, Australia, and the
continuance of deep-sea oil mining could harm the aquatic park in the future.
Over the next three years, the park will be separated into zones, some of which
will be open to economic activities like fishing and tourist activities like
snorkeling and swimming.
The park’s preservation marks a historic moment in marine
conservation and adds another wondrous site to New Caledonia, making this the
perfect time to plan your next South Pacific adventure.
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