Mount Pelee and the peaks of northern Martinique, one of France's overseas territories, were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List Saturday in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee, the UN organization announced. Mount Pelee and the northern peaks - a mountainous group of volcanic origin - cover 13,980 hectares of the island's area located in the heart of the Caribbean archipelago, or 12% of Martinique's territory.
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.
«A strong signal in favour of the preservation of biodiversity»
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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, who sees in this inscription on the World Heritage List "a powerful and precious tool for conservation" and "the expression of an ecological identity". 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," welcomed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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According to the Martinique Natural Park, the 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, caused the death of nearly 28,000 people. One hundred and twenty-one years after its explosion, the volcano, still active, remains under permanent surveillance.