Conserving the exceptional biodiversity of New Caledonia, a sanctuary for rare and endemic species

The destruction and fragmentation of the habitats (70% of the original habitats have disappeared) and the proliferation of invading species, underscore the program to assess and review the conservation status of several groups of living organisms: birds, reptiles and dry forest plants, installed by Conservation International (CI), which has been active in New Caledonia since 1996.

Guided by a rigorous scientific approach, this global entity and biodiversity leader, is fighting to conserve the planet's living heritage and to demonstrate that human societies can live in harmony with nature.

A necessary scientific component for drawing up a global strategy for conservation and sustainable management of natural resources

The creation of a database on rare and endangered species will help identify the Key Biodiversity Areas, and then determine the conservation strategy to be pursued.
The data will be shared with the scientific community and decision makers, and then released to the overall public in summary form.

Thanks to this program, in the amount of 125,000 €, recommended by the Development Scheme for this French South Pacific territory, new targets for the conservation of the island's unique biodiversity and the sustainable development of the population can be achieved. These tools will also be invaluable as decision aids in planning infrastructure projects and mining operations (New Caledonia is the world's 3^rd ranking producer of nickel) and will help rethink the network of protected areas, alongside the local authorities.

To complete this mission, CI will work together with the territory's five public authorities, local and international research institutions, and well known environmental associations.