3 - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SECTORS AND OPPORTUNITIES New Caledonia's marine biodiversity represents: 1.5 million km2 of Exclusive Economic Zone (ZEE) including the Coral Sea Natural Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) 2nd largest coral reef in the world, home to 20% of the world's biodiversity More than 60 marine protected areas 146 types of reef structure (the most diverse concentration in the world) 20,000 marine species listed 300 bacterial strains and 350 bioactive molecules isolated 44,000 hectares of lakes in the Far South, home to species listed under the Ramsar Convention Today, ongoing research into marine algae (micro- and macro-algae) and their exploitation is bearing fruit, with over 10To of dry micro-algal biomass from a pilot farm. The Southern Province wants to make the preservation of biodiversity an engine for growth and involve local start-ups in the preservation and promotion of biodiversity. 18
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