France

Lagoons of New Caledonia

WHS Score 3.53 Votes 15 Average 4.07

The Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems contain coral reef ecosystems with great species diversity and a high level of endemism.

The six tropical lagoons and reefs show a wide range of coral diversity and reef forms, with additional features from mangroves to seagrasses. They are home to a large population of endangered dugongs and are an important nesting site for the Green Sea Turtle.

Community Perspective: Clyde visited 4 out of 6 locations in 10 days, and enjoyed the coral rock islands, the aerial views and the crystal clear lagoons.

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Site Info

Official Information
Full Name
The Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems (ID: 1115)
Country
France
Status
Inscribed 2008 Site history
History of Lagoons of New Caledonia
WHS Type
Natural
Criteria
  • vii
  • ix
  • x
Links
UNESCO
whc.unesco.org
All Links
UNESCO.org
Related Resources
News Article
  • Aug. 30, 2023 theguardian.com — Outcry in New Caledonia over shark culls and net plans despite attacks
  • Jan. 27, 2019 straitstimes.com — New Caledonia passes new rules to protect coral reefs
  • Oct. 7, 2013 nwf.org — Scorn and praise for protection of New Caledonia
  • April 6, 2009 rnzi.com — Acid leak kills thousands of fish in world heritage status lagoon in New Caledonia

Community Information

  • Community Category
  • Natural landscape: Marine and Coastal
Travel Information
No travel information
Recent Connections
View all (29) .
Connections of Lagoons of New Caledonia
Individual People
Geography
Trivia
Ecology
World Heritage Process
Constructions
WHS on Other Lists
Timeline
  • Holocene
    Process of reef formation started in the Pleistocene, lagoons of today became water-filled during the Holocene.

    See www.google.co.uk

News
theguardian.com 08/30/2023
Outcry in New Caledonia over shark…
straitstimes.com 01/27/2019
New Caledonia passes new rules to …
nwf.org 10/07/2013
Scorn and praise for protection of…
Recent Visitors
Reserved for members.

Community Reviews

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First published: 26/01/18.

Clyde

Lagoons Of New Caledonia

Lagoons of New Caledonia (Inscribed)

Lagoons of New Caledonia by Clyde

I visited this WHS in December 2017. Of the 6 different locations which make up this WHS in the South Pacific archipelago and overseas French territory of New Caledonia, I visited 4 locations, namely the Zone Côtière Ouest and the Zone Côtière Nord-Est from the main island of Grand Terre, the Grand Lagon Sud from the main island of Grand Terre and from the Isle of Pines to the southeast and the Atoll d’Ouvéa et Beautemps-Beaupré from the island of Ouvea.

In Noumea, on the Grand Terre, I rented a car to cover at least 3 locations out of the 4 which can be explored directly from the main island. The Grand Terre is 400km in length with mountain ranges and 5 peaks which are over 1500m, so driving from one place to the next requires a considerable amount of time but is quite easy especially from Noumea to La Foa or to Bourail. At each location I visited there were UNESCO inscription boards and maps depicting each of the 6 inscribed locations. The highlight on the Grand Terre were the crystal clear lagoons around the pretty mangrove islands which are inhabited by dugongs. Several action plans are in place to preserve these wonderful lagoons which are easily accessible by driving to the Plage de Ouano and following the Sentier des Trois Baies.

From Noumea, taxis and public transport are not a reliable means of transport so factor this when visiting and allow enough time before departure even if most …

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First published: 24/11/14.

John Booth

Lagoons Of New Caledonia

Lagoons of New Caledonia (Inscribed)

Lagoons of New Caledonia by john booth

Seeing the Lagoons and Reefs around New Caledonia involved viewing from the air, from vantage points on land, from the comfort of a cruising vessel and up close beneath the waves.

The island of Ouvea in the Loyalty Group was best viewed from the air on the flight from Noumea. But once on the island the opportunity to use the pristine beaches as means of access to the shallow reefs was irresistable.

To reach the Isle of Pines I flew from Noumea across the southern reefs. Once on the island I transferred to a cruiser and travelled around the reefs and offshore islands. The colours were spectacular.

I drove up the West Coast of the Grand Ile stopping at Bourail to visit the coast in the vicinity of the 'Roche Percee'. After visiting more reefs around Kone I traversed the mountains to the opposite coast.

I spent several days exploring the East Coast, a pristine coastal landscape extendimg from Pouebo south to Poindimie. Every bay and estuary provided a different vista.

Time prevented me from reaching the Grand Northern Lagoon and the atolls of Entrecasteaux.

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