OPT-NC is proud to present these three new 75 XPF stamp issues designed by Jean-Paul Veret-Le Marinier, highlighting New Caledonia’s contribution to “Our Planet Reviewed”, a major exploration program of the natural world which the Paris National Museum of Natural History has been leading since 2006.
Many scientists believe the world has begun a sixth mass extinction, the first to be caused by a species – Homo sapiens. One third to one half of the world’s plant and wildlife biodiversity could be wiped out by the end of the century and we are running out of time to achieve a better understanding of the complex ecosystems that surround us so that we can ensure their protection.
Essentially dedicated to neglected biodiversity, such as marine and land invertebrates, plants and fungi, which play a fundamental role in the balance of ecosystems, Our Planet Reviewed aims to encourage new conservation policies and accelerate the scientific discovery of new species by focusing efforts on the regions of the planet considered as a priority in terms of nature conservation, providing scientists with new specimens to study, whilst preserving our planet’s biodiversity for future generations.
Famed as a biodiversity hotspot, home to an exceptional number of endemic species, New Caledonia has been regularly “reviewed” since 2016 by various expeditions and inventory operations on land and sea, which always feature an educational agenda targeting schools and the general public.
Following research expeditions to the Forgotten Coast (in 2016), the landlocked Katalupatik massif in the North Province (in 2017), inland water systems in the Main Island (since 2016), and the Koumac lagoons and reefs (in September 2016), Our Planet Reviewed teams will return in 2019-2020 to continue their exploratory operations in New Caledonia.
Funding for these expeditions was sourced through partnerships with public and private sponsors, with the Government of New Caledonia, the North Province, the South Province, OPT-NC, Avis/Toyota, Aircalin and Koumac Townhall playing a major role.
You will find further information on the website: nouvellecaledonie.laplaneterevisitee.org
