26 Paradise LAGOON THE WORLD’S LARGEST ENCLOSED LAGOON Protected by a 1,600 km barrier reef and covering more than 24,000 km2 of crystal-clear waters, New Caledonia is home to the world’s largest enclosed lagoon and a UNESCO World Heritage site. A South Pacific jewel, it offers outstanding year-round conditions for swimming, sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving and water-based adventures. EXCEPTIONAL MARINE BIODIVERSITY A unique marine sanctuary, the lagoon is home to more than 15,000 recorded marine species, including over 2,500 species of fish, as well as sea turtles, dugongs, manta rays and humpback whales. Whether you’re a firsttime snorkeller or an experienced diver, every encounter reveals a vibrant underwater world unlike anywhere else. A PROTECTED NATURAL TREASURE To safeguard this extraordinary ecosystem, New Caledonia has established an extensive network of marine protected areas, including the vast Coral Sea Natural Park, one of the largest marine protected areas on Earth. Exploring these pristine waters means discovering an exceptional environment where conservation and unforgettable experiences go hand in hand. → UNESCO World Heritage: Since 2008, 6 reef & lagoon areas— including Ouvéa, the Entrecasteaux Atolls and the Southern Lagoon—have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for their Outstanding Universal Value. → Local Conservation: Provincial marine protected areas protect fragile ecosystems by carefully managing fishing, boating and tourism activities. → Coral Sea Natural Park: Established in 2014, the Coral Sea Natural Park spans 1.3 million km2, making it France’s largest marine protected area and one of the world’s largest. Together, these initiatives balance conservation with responsible tourism, ensuring this South Pacific treasure can be enjoyed for generations to come. MARINE PROTECTED AREAS PARC NATUREL DE LA MER DE CORAIL Coral Sea Natural Park LAGONS INSCRITS AU PATRIMOINE MONDIAL DE L’UNESCO UNESCO World Heritage lagoon Hunter Ma tew Ellet Île Walpole An igonia Île des Pins Grande Terre Banc de l’Orne Maré Lifou Ouvéa Beautemps -Beaupré Bélèp Atolls d’Entrecasteaux Plateau des Chesterield Plateau Bellona Fairway Banc de Landsdowne Récif Néreus Banc Nova Banc Argo Banc Kelso Banc Capel Astrolabe Pétrie Tiga UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LAGOONS
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