Phoenix Island Conservation Area

Unesco's Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization has recognized the Phoenix Island Conservation Area in the Republic of Kiribati as a World Natural Heritage Site in 2008.

Phoenix Island Conservation Area, Kiribati

Phuong Hoang Island Conservation Area is named in English as Phonenix Island on 8 islands of the Phoenix Island group of the Republic of Kiribati in the South Pacific region.

So far, the Conservation Area on Phuong Hoang Island is considered the largest natural reserve in the world with outstanding biodiversity values ​​globally.

Phuong Hoang Island Conservation Area is located on a large sea area with an area of ​​about 408,250 km2.

In 2006, the government of the Republic of Kiribati established this national reserve to protect the marine environment and marine species here.

According to scientists, the sanctuary is home to more than 800 different species of marine life including 200 species of corals, 500 species of fish, 18 species of mammals and 88 species of seabirds. for one of the most diverse marine ecosystems on the planet. The ocean world here hides many secrets kept over millions of years. Many rare marine species have also been found to inhabit this sanctuary, such as sharks, parrot fish, grouper, manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins, giant mussels .

Many rare marine species such as sharks, parrot fish, shark, manta rays, sea turtles . are found in Phuong Hoang island area.

The most special and impressive thing is the coral system in the reserve. Here not only is there a variety of types of coral, but also a place with the most unique corals in the world. There are corals that live in deep water, but there are also coral species that live in shallow waters. These shallow coral reefs form a fertile " piece of land" for seabirds to find food. The shape of coral at the island is also very strange and eye-shaped, there are some corals that look like small flowers, and have coral reefs twisted together to form a big flower under the ocean.

Besides the values ​​of biodiversity, Phuong Hoang Island's nature reserve is also home to volcanic mountains beneath the ocean . This increased the diversity and special geology and geomorphology of the entire area.

Hidden in such great values, Phuong Hoang Island Conservation Area is well known by international tourists for its heavenly beauty. Clear blue sea water, colorful fish, size, and impressive coral reefs. However, there is a worrying fact that the Phoenix Island Reserve is always threatened. The threat here is the phenomenon of global climate change . Because of possessing a special geological layer, this area becomes more sensitive to climate change.

For many years, the Kiribati Government and Unesco have had many research programs that seek to preserve this natural heritage.

Phuong Hoang Island Conservation Area was recognized as a World Natural Heritage by Unesco according to criteria (vii), (ix).

Criterion (vii): The Phoenix Island Conservation Area is a vast wilderness beneath the ocean, home to thousands of marine animals and marine life. There are many rare marine species also found residing in this conservation area such as sharks, parrot fish, grouper, manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins, giant boys . More specifically both are colorful lakes and lagoons with impressive shapes here. The shallow coral reefs here form the ideal home to provide food for many seabirds.

Criterion (ix): The rich and diverse flora of the Phoenix Islands Conservation Area is an invaluable resource for scientists in the process of learning about life and development in the ocean. Phuong Hoang Island Conservation Area is valuable as a huge natural laboratory - a place to store scientific works on the evolution and development process of the Pacific marine ecosystem. Besides, through studying coral reefs here, scientists also find solutions to the impact of climate change as well as solutions to overcome this situation.

The coral was shallow at first glance like a beautiful flower garden

There are beautiful little flowers.

And there are also big and unique flowers.