It’s historic, the volcanoes and forests of Mount Pelée and the peaks of northern Martinique are now listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The decision was taken this Saturday, September 16 during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee which was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This announcement from the committee rewards years of work behind the scenes and will have significant repercussions for Martinique.
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They worked until the end and it paid off! The French delegation worked late into the night to present an impeccable case to the 45th UNESCO World Heritage Committee. Behind-the-scenes diplomatic work was necessary to raise awareness among the 21 states that make up the committee. It finally ruled in favor of the sites of Martinique in the classification of natural properties as UNESCO world heritage sites.
This Saturday morning (September 16), in front of the jury, Serge Letchimy, president of the executive council of the CTM, representing Martinique was able to convince of the interest of the island’s candidacy for registration as a World Heritage Site. of UNESCO.
The president of the executive council of the local authority of Martinique stressed that Montagne Pelée, a world-class volcano, like that of Pompeii or Hawaii, was not part of the UNESCO world heritage site. A gap according to him, noted by IUCN members since 2009… Comments supported by Philippe Franc, ambassadorpermanent delegate of France to UNESCO.
It was not a foregone conclusion
Although there was consensus on the inclusion of the Martinique sites, it was not a foregone conclusion. The International Union for Conservation of Nature, the IUCN, expressed reluctance from the start, arguing that the integrity of the sites would not be ensured and asking for the inscription to be postponed.
A request brushed aside by the Egyptian ambassador who provided details on the measures of “clear and rigorous effective protections of the site guaranteed by the Martinique Regional Natural Park” in line with the requirements of the heritage committee.
The representative of Rwanda also underlined “the influence of Montagne Pelé on the artistic work of Aimé Césaire, highlighting its universal value”.
Egypt’s position was ultimately followed by all the other States, thus reaching a consensus for the inclusion of the volcanoes and forests of Mount Pelée and the peaks of northern Martinique as UNESCO World Heritage sites. .
The sites of our territory, Mount Pelée and its forests, the peaks of the north (there are 13 of them with those of Carbet), Morne Jacob and Mont Conil are true riches in biodiversity and geology. They will now be part of the 1157 sites already registered. These sites are also the 7th French properties to be listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
It is a historic decision, it establishes more than 10 years of procedures carried out by the Martinique Regional Natural Park on behalf of the Territorial Collectivity of Martinique with the support of the State. The benefits for the region will be significant.
The volcanoes and forests of Mount Pelée and the peaks of northern Martinique will have prestigious international visibility. This global spotlight should cause an increase in tourist numbers of 30 to 40%.
Apart from these economic benefits, a whole section of Martinique’s biodiversity will be preserved.