In this interview, Manuel Ducrocq, Head of the Coral Sea Natural Park, discusses New Caledonia's strong commitment to protecting its maritime area. This French territory in the Pacific has established a marine protected area covering its entire Exclusive Economic Zone, reflecting a clear ambition to reconcile ecosystem conservation with sustainable use.
The interview highlights the park’s exceptional ecological wealth — coral reefs among the most pristine in the world, seamounts, atolls, and emblematic biodiversity — as well as the cultural significance of these environments, particularly for the Kanak people. It also addresses governance challenges, sustainable development goals, and the ongoing process of listing the park on the IUCN Green List, with the support of the Agence française de développement.
