Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands

Overview

Located in the South Pacific Ocean, this mixed serial property bears an exceptional testimony to the territorial occupation of the Marquesas archipelago by a human civilisation that arrived by sea around the year 1000 CE and developed on these isolated islands between the 10th and the 19th centuries. It is also a hotspot of biodiversity that combines irreplaceable and exceptionally well conserved marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Marked by sharp ridges, impressive peaks and cliffs rising abruptly above the ocean, the landscapes of the archipelago are unparalleled in these tropical latitudes. The archipelago is a major centre of endemism, home to rare and diverse flora, a diversity of emblematic marine species, and one of the most diverse seabird assemblages in the South Pacific. Virtually free from human exploitation, Marquesan waters are among the world’s last marine wilderness areas. The property also includes archaeological sites ranging from monumental dry-stone structures to lithic sculptures and engravings.

Selection Criteria

(iii)(vii)(ix)(x)

Components(7 locations)

• •Ensemble mixte de Ua Pou1707-003
• •Ensemble mixte de Fatu Uku1707-006
• •Ensemble mixte de Fatu Iva1707-007
• •Ensemble mixte de Nuku Hiva1707-002
• •Ensemble mixte de Eiao-Hatu Tu1707-001
• •Aire marine côtière de Ua Huka1707-004
• •Ensemble mixte de Hiva Oa-Tahuata1707-005

Details

Countries

France

ISO Codes

FR

Area

345,749 ha

Coordinates

-7.9699, -140.6460