NEW YORK, New York – The French Caribbean Island of Martinique has been inducted into the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB-ICC).
It is among 20 new sites announced by UNESCO’s International Coordinating Council. This is the second major UNESCO recognition after the inclusion in December 2020 of Martinique’s traditional Yole Sailboat to its Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
The recognition is the culmination of the work carried out by the Martinique Biosphere Reserve Association* for four years, since its creation in June 2017.
The quality of the work and the active participation of the population in the application process were praised by the MAB-ICC jury. It also rewards the island’s longstanding commitment to sustainable economic and social development while preserving their local natural and cultural wealth, which is a key element required by UNESCO.
“We are thrilled and very proud of the Martinique Biosphere Reserve Association and of our people for achieving this success and putting Martinique once again on UNESCO’s radar and, raising our island’s profile as an internationally desirable destination.” said Bénédicte di Géronimo, Martinique Tourism Commissioner.
Also known as the Isle of Flowers, the entire Island of Martinique is included in the 12,169,368 acre biosphere reserve. As described by the UNESCO announcement:
“This is the 12th biosphere reserve along the volcanic arc of the Caribbean, one of the world’s 35 biodiversity hotspots. Its richness is unique, as it includes many endemic species living in rare and endangered habitats.”
The UNESCO announcement goes on to describe Martinique’s geology as remarkable, featuring the 4,583-foot Mount Pelée volcano, sleeping small mountains and a coastline of bays and coves. The rainforest covering the island’s foothills and the mangroves along its coastline demonstrate its vital role as part of an ecological corridor between the Americas.
The biosphere reserve of Martinique is home to an estimated 380,000 people, and its economy is mainly based on agriculture, with 20 per cent of the island is arable land, agro-food industry and tourism, with one million visitors before the COVID 19 pandemic.
Martinique is also up for the Natural sites list with the candidacy of the volcanoes and forests of Mount Pelée and the Pitons of Northern Martinique. The UNESCO committee is due to visit Martinique this October to deliberate.
The 20 new sites, in 21 countries were added to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves of which 727 biosphere reserves in 131 countries. UNESCO Biosphere reserves now cover more than five per cent of the earth’s landmass, in which biodiversity conservation, environmental education, research and sustainable development are combined.
