How does New Caledonia’s barrier reef compare with other reefs in the world?

New Caledonia is home to one of the world’s longest barrier reefs, ranking second in size only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.1

This extensive reef system encircles the main island of Grande Terre, stretching from the Huon Islands in the north to the Île des Pins in the south. While the central portion of the island's west coast is bordered by a fringing reef, the remainder of the system is a true barrier reef that encloses a large, diverse lagoon. Due to the ecological significance of these reefs and their associated ecosystems, the area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008.21