Since 1996, Conservation International has worked alongside Indigenous communities, government agencies, researchers and local partners to protect New Caledonia's extraordinary biodiversity while supporting sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience.
Home to one of the world's largest coral reef and lagoon systems, New Caledonia is a global biodiversity hotspot where ancient forests, extensive mangroves and the Coral Sea support an extraordinary diversity of life. More than 3,720 plant species are found here—74% found nowhere else on Earth—while the surrounding ocean provides critical habitat for whales, sharks, turtles, seabirds and globally significant tuna fisheries. For the Kanak people, these lands and waters are inseparable from cultural identity, customary stewardship and community wellbeing.
Our work combines Indigenous knowledge with scientific research to protect marine and terrestrial ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience and ensure nature continues to benefit people for generations to come.
Our Focus
Supporting Kanak Representation Indigenous Leadership
Conservation International works closely with Indigenous communities and customary authorities to elevate Kanak leadership in conservation governance. We have supported the development of the Kanak Vision of the Ocean, which recognises the deep spiritual, cultural and ecological connections between Kanak people and the ocean—from coastal reefs to the deep sea.
The vision promotes governance that brings together traditional knowledge, science and policy changes to protect marine ecosystems while safeguarding cultural heritage and the environment.
Ocean Protection and Coastal Resilience
Conservation International helped establish the Natural Park of the Coral Sea in 2014, one of the world’s largest marine protected areas. We continue to work with the Government of New Caledonia, Kanak communities and partners to strengthen ocean management through science, Indigenous knowledge and marine planning, while supporting expanded protection and sustainable use of marine resources.
We also support sustainable fisheries and blue economy initiatives that benefit ecosystems, communities and local livelihoods — from responsible tuna fisheries to innovative solutions that reduce fish waste.
Ridge to Reef Conservation
What happens on land, affects the ocean. Across New Caledonia, Conservation International supports the conservation, protection and restoration of interconnected ecosystems, from the mountain to the coast. This includes protecting reefs from land-based pollution using sediment traps and fighting fires using traditional knowledge of green firebreaks.
