44,000 ha 5 Direction of Sustainable Development of the South Province Territories I Strolling along the waterways Water that sleeps but works 4 Strolling along the waterways What is a wetland? Functions, values, roles and issues of wetlands Wetlands Preamble _ A vital issue for populations The Great South Lakes region constitutes a major freshwater resource for New Caledonia, a unique biodiversity and landscape and a cultural heritage. Wetlands also reduce the natural risks linked to flooding and provide islands of freshness. Biological functions They promote the diversification of habitats for both flora and fauna (feeding, refuge and reproduction areas). The fluctuation of water becomes the guarantee of a remarkable, sometimes unique presence whose existence depends on these environments. Social functions As “socio-cultural showcases”, they can reinforce the identity and attractiveness of territories: improvement of landscapes and the living environment, provision of cultural testimonies or past activities, creation of leisure areas (swimming, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing), hunting and fishing areas, develop traditional pharmacopoeia, places for nature education where the general public can come and observe specific biodiversity. Hydraulic functions They behave like natural sponges, capable of storing and then releasing water, thus playing a role as a natural regulator (low flow support*). During rainy periods, they: • store and regulate the volumes of water and flows, • attenuate and spread out flood peaks, • limit runoff, • protect soils against erosion. In the dry season, they: • promote water infiltration, • replenish waterways and groundwater, • ensure a certain volume of water during periods of drought. Purifying functions They improve water quality by taking part in the retention and filtration of numerous substances and thus allow their natural purification. Climate functions They act as “natural thermoregulators” contributing to climate regulation, in particular by capturing large quantities of carbon, even more than forests. “Wetlands are areas ofmarshes, fens, peat bogs or natural or artificial water, permanent or temporary, where thewater is stagnant or running, fresh, brackishor salty, including areas ofmarinewaterwhosedepth at lowtide does not exceed sixmeters.” Definition of the 1971 Ramsar Convention Blue River Provincial Park Yaté Lake The Lakes Plain Ramsar, an international Label The Great South Lakes, a site of international importance A preliminary study by the National Museum of Natural History, led in 1998 on the entire territory, identified the region of the Great South Lakes as the largest wet area of New Caledonia and the most original in terms of its ecological richness, with 90% endemic plant formations. Like the lagoon, listed as a World Heritage Site, this terrestrial area is an exceptional and unique natural heritage in the world, recognized internationally by its classification under the Ramsar convention in the same way as famous wetland areas such as St Michael’s Mount Bay, Lake Titicaca and the Moorea or the Venice lagoons. Ramsar Registration date: February 2, 2014 GPS coordinates: 22°09’S 166°46’E Surface area of the Great South Lakes classified site: 43,970 ha These wetlands often unfairly suffer from a bad image, with unhealthy conditions or mosquito nests. However, these environments, where water is the dominant factor of life, constitute genuine reservoirs of biodiversity: they are a fabulous asylum, a Noah’s ark for flora and fauna but also for us, humans. Protect water, a source of life The Great South Lakes region represents the largest freshwater reservoir in New Caledonia. Connected to a vast network of creeks and groundwater, the region’s various wetlands (lakes, marshes, rainforests) help regulate the flow of waterways, thus protecting against flooding, drought and erosion. Fires, mining activities and logging are factors that disrupt this water resource and biodiversity. The classification of the site under the Ramsar convention gives the Southern province a responsibility in preventing these various threats. It also implies that the developments and activities taking place there are part of a sustainable development approach consisting of limiting and better controlling pressures on this territory. 1 1 1 1 Recreation & education A natural filter Sponge Biodiversity reservoir * Low water level: Periodic drop in water levels (of a river); the lowest water level.
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