Aire protégée des îles Phoenix

Photo : Ron Van Oers (CC BY-SA 3.0 igo)

This protected area encompasses the Phoenix Islands, a remote archipelago located in the central Pacific Ocean within Kiribati's territorial waters. The site protects a vast marine environment featuring pristine coral atolls and the surrounding ocean, representing one of the world's least disturbed tropical marine ecosystems. The Phoenix Islands are characterized by their isolation, minimal human settlement, and rich biodiversity including seabird colonies, sea turtles, and diverse coral and fish species. The designation recognizes the exceptional natural value of this largely intact marine ecosystem and its importance for scientific research and species conservation. The archipelago's geographical position in the open Pacific, combined with its low population density, has allowed the marine environment to remain in a relatively undisturbed state compared to many other reef systems globally. The protected area represents a significant commitment to marine conservation in the Pacific region and serves as a reference site for understanding natural oceanic and coral reef ecosystems.