The inscription of Mount Pelee and the pitons of northern Martinique as a UNESCO World Heritage Site was validated Saturday in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee. They represent 13,980 ha of area, or 12% of Martinique's territory.
"This is a historic moment for Martinique, but beyond that, for the Caribbean and the whole world," said the president of the executive council of Martinique, Serge Letchimy. "Inscription on the World Heritage List is a powerful and valuable tool for conservation, but it is also an expression of an ecological identity," he added.
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This decision "is a recognition of the universal value of Martinique's natural heritage, which is distinguished by its exceptional geology and biodiversity" and is "a strong signal in favor of the preservation of biodiversity," said the Quai d'Orsay.
The France 🇫🇷 welcomes the inscription of the volcanoes and forests of Mount Pelee and the northern peaks of the #Martinique as World Heritage of @Unesco, which is a strong signal in favor of the preservation of biodiversity and the exceptional geology of this mountain. pic.twitter.com/niE4d8KRTc
— France Diplomacy🇫🇷🇪🇺 (@francediplo) September 16, 2023
According to the Martinique Natural Park, World Heritage listing "could increase the number of visitors by 30 to 40%" on the island. The eruption of Mount Pelee on May 8, 1902, killed nearly 28,000 people. One hundred and twenty-one years after its explosion, the volcano, still active, remains under permanent surveillance.
This Saturday France-Antilles salutes a historic day.
Woulo! Mount Pelee and the Northern Pitons are listed as UNESCO World Heritage đź‘Źđź‘Ź Sites pic.twitter.com/SlT0JS6CBu
— France-Antilles Mqe (@FAMartinique) September 16, 2023
With this inscription, Martinique acquires its third UNESCO label in two years, after that of biosphere reserve and that awarded for "good practices in safeguarding intangible heritage" concerning the round yole, a traditional boat.