Session 1G New Caledonia: Small Island State Biodiversity and Land Use Change

The French territory of New Caledonia is a hub of unique terrestrial and marine biodiversity, and serves as a hub for nickel mining, pearl harvest, and tourism. These industries intersect within the region\u27s personal wellbeing and France\u27s economic interests. In addition, New Caledonia is subject to the vulnerabilities of small developing island states, including the threat of invasive species and inordinate effects of global climate change. Because of this, native endemic species, such as the land-dwelling kagu are at a greater risk of extinction due to deforestation and habitat fragmentation. Terrestrial industrialization also poses a multifaceted threat to marine ecosystems