THE FORGOTTEN COAST, JUST LIKE THE REST OF NEW CALEDONIA, BOASTS AN EXCEPTIONAL BIODIVERSITY
© David Massemin / Biosphoto

RESTORATION OF ECOLOGICAL CONTINUITY ON THE FORGOTTEN COAST

A section of the south-east coast on New Caledonia’s Grande Terre island, is home to an exceptional biodiversity. 80% of the region’s Araucaria can be found here. It is called the “Forgotten Coast” because there is no access road!
Forgotten? Sadly, not by everyone! 

The area’s extraordinary biological diversity is seriously endangered. 
 
Mining activities, combined with numerous fires and an excessive number of deer, have destroyed a large part of the forest. Today, the forest has become fragmented. Opportunities for seed and pollen dispersal and the movement of animals between residual patches of forest have been severely reduced.
 
The Franklinia Foundation, Albert II of Monaco Foundation and New Caledonia’s South Province, are supporting Noé in its ambitious project to restore ecological continuity along the Forgotten Coast, working together with members of tribes living on the edge of the region.
 
But it is a difficult task. More than 1,000 plant species in this forest are endemic, which means they only exist within New Caledonia. Needless to say, they are not very well known amongst the international scientific community. In such circumstances, any attempts at conservation and restoration must initially involve a knowledge gathering phase. This was achieved through a project to assess the distribution and dynamics of stands of Araucaria along the Forgotten Coast.

 
So now, it’s time for action!

Five species of mining maquis ( maquis minier), capable of withstanding the challenging conditions caused by forest degradation, are currently being cultivated in three nurseries, managed entirely by tribe members. After 18 months of growth, they can be used to help restore high priority areas. And biodiversity has not been overlooked! The seeds of thirty other species will be collected in the next few months and used to enrich the plantations.

Do you want to find out more about this project or offer your support?