Îles Heard et McDonald

Located in the southern Indian Ocean, the Heard and McDonald Islands represent a remote and pristine natural environment situated approximately 4,000 kilometres southwest of Perth, Australia. These volcanic islands remain largely untouched by human activity, hosting unique ecosystems characterised by distinctive flora and fauna adapted to extreme sub-Antarctic conditions. The site is distinguished by its active volcanic landscape, including Mawson Peak, and its role as a breeding ground for significant populations of seals and seabirds, particularly penguins and albatrosses. The islands' isolation and harsh climate have preserved their ecological integrity, making them valuable for scientific research and understanding of Antarctic terrestrial biodiversity. Their nomination as a natural World Heritage site reflects their importance as a representative example of sub-Antarctic island ecosystems and their contribution to global conservation efforts in one of Earth's most isolated regions.