Marine life in the Coral Sea includes 1,759 species of fish, 48 species of sharks, 28 species of marine mammals, 59 species of marine birds and 5 species of turtles. 

The broad concept of the Natural Park of the Coral Sea (PNMC) was gazetted in 2014 by the Government of New Caledonia and encompasses the entire 1,292,962 square kilometer exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of New Caledonia. It is home to 30% of the world’s last pristine reefs with some of the highest fish biomass and coral coverage recorded in the world. New Caledonia also has a rich cultural diversity with a population mix of different ethnic communities including the Indigenous Kanak (41.2% of the total population).  

Of all Caledonians, the Kanak people have the most profound cultural attachment to the island and the Coral Sea with a genealogy dating back to 3000 years. As a result of this deep connection, Kanak leaders are legitimate rightsholders and have expressed their intention to increase their participation in the management of the PNMC as well as their support for strengthened protections, with special attention placed on the seamounts, seabed, maritime corridors, and culturally important species. The Alliance is partnering with the Customary Senate of New Caledonia, the Kanak Customary Authorities College of the PNMC, and Conservation International New-Caledonia to help advance this ambition.  

With momentum building around more impactful Kanak engagement, our collaboration in New Caledonia aims to build the enabling conditions for greater Indigenous influence and decision-making authority. This will include strengthening the PNMC’s legal framework and anchoring Kanak cultural heritage and vision in the PNMC’s governance structure. The Alliance and our partners will help representatives of the Customary Authorities to develop the capacity to effectively participate in park management and have meaningful influences on the decisions that are being made. This will be supported by operational training and informed by increased community outreach and a dedicated science and traditional knowledge agenda. In addition to providing the initial funding to build that momentum, the Alliance will provide technical guidance on the creation of a long-term financing mechanism that will ensure they have the resources to continue providing leadership over the long term. 

Greater leadership of the Kanak Customary Authorities in the management of the PNMC will result in significant advances in the application of social principles and increase the resilience and durability of the PNMC for the benefit of all.