Volcanoes and Forests of Mount Pelée and the Pitons of Northern Martinique
Country
France
Inscribed in
2023
Criteria
(viii)
(x)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "significant concern" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
The global significance of Mount Pelée and Pitons du Carbet is based on its representation of volcanic processes and forest types. The 1902 eruption is considered the deadliest volcanic event of the 20th century, and a worldwide reference for the history of volcanology. All the forest types and the diversity of endemic plants of the Lesser Antilles are represented in the serial property, within forest continuums ranging from the seashore to the volcanic summits. © UNESCO
Summary
2025 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
11 أكتوبر 2025
Significant concern
Current state and trend of VALUES
High Concern
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Description of values
Outstanding examples of volcanic morphologies and processes related with volcanic islands in a subduction zone context
Criterion
(viii)
The Pitons du Carbet and Mount Pelée are internationally renowned examples of volcanic morphologies and processes related with volcanic islands in a subduction zone context (Lesser Antilles arc) (IUCN, 2023). Pitons du Carbet form extremely erect lava domes due to the high viscosity of the magmas from which they originate. The scar from the destabilization of the flank that allowed their development is the largest in the Lesser Antilles archipelago. There are 12 peaks, five of which are over 1,000 m high. Mount Pelée is an iconic volcano, remarkable for its singular eruptive style related to high viscosity lava domes and laterally directed explosions. From 550,000 years ago, Mount Pélée has evolved over four phases of volcanism, with the current phase (13,500 to present) being marked by a high number of eruptions. The most recent eruptions occurred in 1300, 1902-1905 and 1929. The 1902-1905 eruption of mount Pelée is considered the deadliest volcanic event in the 20th century, resulting in a tragic death toll of 28,000 people. During this eruption, seven successive explosions occurred, resulting in a 350 m needle, the highest known dome eruption. This needle collapsed a few weeks later after its eruption, but some remaining fragments are still visible inside Pelée's crater.
One of the most diverse and least fragmented forests in the Lesser Antilles
Criterion
(x)
The forests of Martinique are said to be the most diverse and least fragmented forest in the Lesser Antilles, with two impressive strips of contiguous forest extending from the coast to the volcanic summits (IUCN, 2023). Composed of a mixture of primary and secondary forest and dwarf shrubland at higher altitudes, there are 1,058 species of native vascular plants (816 flowering plants and 242 pteridophytes). Of these, 33 species (4% of the flowering plants in the nominated property) are endemic to Martinique.
Presence of threatened and endemic species
Criterion
(x)
It is notable the presence of threatened species such as endemic species of a bird (Martinique Oriole, Icterus bonana, VU), a bat (Schwartz’s Myotis, Myotis martiniquensis, NT), a frog (Martinique Volcano Frog, Allobates chalcopis, CR), and a snake (Martinique Lancehead, Bothrops lanceolatus, EN) (IUCN, 2023). Furthermore, there are 14 endemic land snails, 19 endemic Arachnida (with a number of new species awaiting description), and a number of insects only found in the nominated property.
History of volcanology
The 1902 eruption of Mount Pelée and its dramatic impact on the population of the town of Saint Pierre (causing 28,000 victims, the deadliest volcanic eruption of the 20th century), raised the international interest of the incipient international volcanological community. This eruption triggered the building of one of the first volcanological observatories in the world and the scientific research done in the following decades allowed to better understand this special type of volcanic activity. The particular eruptive style of this volcanic event originated a new word in the volcanological terminology: the Pelean-type eruption.
Assessment information
There are several threats that are affecting values and attributes on both criteria (viii) and (x) (IUCN, 2023). Deforestation and forestry operations, hunting, windfarms, invasive species, and tourism require particular attention. Important geological sites in the buffer zone are negatively affected by natural and human-made factors. Vegetation can also affect geological sites by destroying or obscuring fragile features.
Earth & Sediment Management
(Unmanaged vegetation growth)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Vegetation can also affect geological sites by destroying or obscuring fragile features (IUCN, 2023). The evidences from the 1902 eruption that were studied in the old St. Pierre cemetery are now completed vegetated (pers. comm.). The growing roots can destroy the structure and geometry of these deposits and, consequently provoke the decrease or even loss of their scientific relevance.
Roads, Trails & Railroads
(Coverage of road slopes.)
Outside site
Many occurrences of the high relevant pyroclastic flows previously visible and accessible on road slopes are now under a concrete layer to prevent rock falls.
It should be emphasied that important geological sites in the buffer zone are negatively affected by natural and human-made factors.
It should be emphasied that important geological sites in the buffer zone are negatively affected by natural and human-made factors.
Invasive / Other Problematic Species, Genes & Pathogens, Invasive Non-Native/ Alien Species, Problematic Native Species
(Invasive plant species (mainly bamboo) and invasive animals.)
Invasive/problematic species
Felis catus
Rattus rattus
Procyon lotor
Other invasive species names
Miconia calvescens, Molothrus bonariensis, Opossum sp., mongoose
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
The greatest threat to biodiversity values are from invasive plant species (mainly bamboo) and invasive animals including black rat, cats, mice, mongoose, racoons, opossum, an exotic iguana, snake and tree frog, and possibly the “natural” colonisation of the Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis), which predates the nest of the only endemic bird on the island, the Martinique Oriole (IUCN, 2023). Cows were also observed to have grazed relatively recently in a small part of the most highly protected area (the RBI) although this is probably not that significant. Feral pigs and goats may also have an impact in areas. Most invasive plant control effort currently seems to be made on Bush Currant, Miconia calvescens (LC), in the buffer zone, which could cause severe problems if it moved into the nominated property. There is much awareness about the threats by invasive species and every organisation involved in this nomination have staff attributed to tackling this threat (IUCN, 2023).
Hunting, Collecting & Controlling Terrestrial Animals
(Birds hunting)
Outside site
While hunting is illegal within the property, bird hunting still represents a threat that needs to be addressed (IUCN, 2023). Hunters create clearings at the top of ridges where they sit and wait for birds to fly past. Hunting has faced increasing restrictions in recent years, and the ONF — which oversees hunting and collects the associated fees — claims that illegal clearing has decreased. However, they have also suggested opening up bamboo-covered areas to facilitate access for hunters.
While boundaries adjustments allowed to move clearings (prime sites for invasive species) in the buffer area (IUCN, 2023) the impacts may still indirectly affect the remaining core area. This is for instance the case for birds which are not confined to the core area and may well be hunted in the buffer zone. Birds on the “near threatened” list presented in the nomination dossier figure also on the list of birds allowed to be hunted. Research on Mount Pelée has also noted hunting as a stress factor for birds (IUCN, 2023).
While boundaries adjustments allowed to move clearings (prime sites for invasive species) in the buffer area (IUCN, 2023) the impacts may still indirectly affect the remaining core area. This is for instance the case for birds which are not confined to the core area and may well be hunted in the buffer zone. Birds on the “near threatened” list presented in the nomination dossier figure also on the list of birds allowed to be hunted. Research on Mount Pelée has also noted hunting as a stress factor for birds (IUCN, 2023).
Logging, Harvesting & Controlling Trees
(Deforestation and forestry operations)
Inside site
, Widespread(15-50%)
Outside site
The nomination dossier notes deforestation and habitat degradation as significant threats in the c.20% of the nominated property that is under private ownership, though these threats are considered to be reducing (State Party of France, 2021). The rationale for including these forestry zones inside the core area is that they still contain native species and in future could be restored. However, the IUCN evaluation mission noted the inappropriate presence of exploited forestry plantations within the core zone (IUCN, 2023). These areas subject to forestry were moved from the nominated property into the buffer zone, by slightly revising the boundaries of the nominated property. Nonetheless, the impacts may still indirectly affect the remaining core area.
Renewable Energy
(Windfarm)
Outside site
Currently a windfarm with 7 wind turbines occurs in the buffer zone, with feasibility studies to expand (IUCN, 2023. The DEAL commissioned an impact study and discovered that while bird loss was low (some swifts and cattle egrets), 5 of the 10 bat species in the property were affected. This has resulted in a ban on operating wind turbines by night. It is unknown if the planned expansion will take place as it may not be economically feasible to build more wind turbines if they cannot operate all the time.
Recreational Activities, Other Human Disturbances
(Tourism activities)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Outside site
Tourism includes sporting activities such as canyoning in ravines and a major annual trail run crossing the nominated property (IUCN, 2023). Tourism is intended to be increased on the northern part of Martinique as a result of World Heritage status. Trails are apparently used by over 100,000 people/year, and canyoning is also practiced in about 15 ravines in the property (with unknown impact). This human pressure has an impact on the property through disturbance, although fortunately it is said that people stay on the trails by fear of the endemic poisonous snake. A steep increase in tourism would likely strain the protection and management of the property as it would likely increase pressure on already eroded trails and exacerbate already existing issues related to trash.
Commercial & Industrial Areas
(Urban developments, infrastructure and quarrying)
Outside site
In the buffer zone, urban developments, infrastructure and quarrying affect geosites (IUCN, 2023). Many of these geosites are very important to justify criterion (viii), but are at risk of being impacted as land use has clearly increased over the last decades. Some of the vulnerable geosites are located in areas of the buffer zone where high-intensity use is present. A case in point is a geosite in an active quarry on private land, which is important for the tephrochronology and the eruption history of the nominated property because it includes pyroclastic formations reflecting the past 25.000 years.
Natural processes can impact geological values (IUCN, 2023). The tropical climate accelerates weathering and erosion, including through landslides and rockfalls that may locally affect important geological features.
Geological Events
(Weathering and erosion)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Natural processes can impact geological values (IUCN, 2023). The tropical climate accelerates weathering and erosion, including through landslides and rockfalls that may locally affect important geological features. Vegetation can also affect geological sites by destroying or obscuring fragile features. Thus urgent and continued recording of geo-sites that still exist today and protect and manage them following the best practices of geoconservation.
Involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in decision-making processes
Given that the entire property, core and buffer, is almost entirely within the boundaries of the PNRM which has a 15 year “charte” developed in consultation with all of the 19 communes, the local population appears well-informed (IUCN, 2023). Mayors or reps from just about all the communes were present at the introductory mission and gave strong support to the nomination. The field evaluation mission observed no sign of local people being against the nomination with the exception of sport hunters, and a quarry owner, expressing their concern about no longer being able to continue with their activities as a result of World Heritage listing. A final political decision has been deemed necessary as the reserves of aggregates for the industry are only located in the area where the currently quarries; if the exploitation has to stop due to the nomination it will be necessary to import this raw material from outside Martinique (pers. comm.). While the WH property is not inhabited, the buffer zone hosts a significant population of 159,100 people on an area of 28,826 ha.
Legal framework
While the legal protection of the property may currently be sufficient for criterion (viii), there are important attributes that would need to be protected but are located outside the nominated property.
The level of legal protection is currently not adequate for criterion (x) as attributes of importance for biodiversity conservation are located in zones which do not have sufficient protection to assure their conservation. IUCN
recommended that the protection status of the biodiversity attributes is reviewed, and strengthened where it is currently insufficient, possibly through the extension of the existing RBIs (IUCN, 2023).
The level of legal protection is currently not adequate for criterion (x) as attributes of importance for biodiversity conservation are located in zones which do not have sufficient protection to assure their conservation. IUCN
recommended that the protection status of the biodiversity attributes is reviewed, and strengthened where it is currently insufficient, possibly through the extension of the existing RBIs (IUCN, 2023).
Governance arrangements
The governance and management regime covers both component parts of the property through the Parc naturelle regionale de Martinique (PNRM). Direction de l'environnement, de l'aménagement et du logement (DEAL) and Office national des forêts (ONF) have also responsibilities in each of the component parts.
The management structure of the property is led by ONF, responsible for 80% of the area (IUCN, 2023). The joint association of the management of the PNRM is responsible for the buffer zone. The overall management structure for the property appears to be complex. However, a number of governance improvements are under consideration (IUCN consultation, 2024).
The management structure of the property is led by ONF, responsible for 80% of the area (IUCN, 2023). The joint association of the management of the PNRM is responsible for the buffer zone. The overall management structure for the property appears to be complex. However, a number of governance improvements are under consideration (IUCN consultation, 2024).
Integration into local, regional and national planning systems (including sea/landscape connectivity)
The area of the property is covered by a matrix of eleven different (and to a large extent overlapping) protected area designations and local zonation schemes. One fifth of the nominated area is privately owned. A regional protection designation, the Parc naturel regional de Martinique (Martinique Regional Nature Park) (PNRM) covers almost all of the property and the majority of the buffer zone. However, the future of the PNRM depends on the renewal of the Regional Nature Park status every 15 years, and this is next due in 2027 with the current charter expiring in 2024 (IUCN; 2023). The rationale for including a large but highly used buffer zone is to have more control over the area surrounding the property (IUCN, 2023). The area also includes an electric power station, a wind farm with (currently) seven wind turbines. The buffer zone also contains several active quarries, farmlands, including a large area of intensive banana production, and it overlaps in the south with the development zone of the newly designated Biosphere Reserve. The 2012-2027 charter of the PNRM includes a zoning system for the buffer zone, but this is not guaranteed in the long term as it depends on the charter going forward from 2027. Of some concern is that the Schéma d’Aménagement régional (“Regional Development Scheme”) includes areas for future urban development adjacent to the southern component part of the property. There are existing efforts to develop a corridor between the two component parts (State Party of France, 2021). From a biological point of view, the older Pitons du Carbet served in the past as a source of species for the younger component part of Mount Pelée, and it is essential that genetic transfer between the two component parts can continue. Subject to the success of these efforts both component parts could potentially be joined in a revised nomination, at some point in the future
Boundaries
The property boundaries were defined mainly taking into account the protection of values under criterion (x). This means that the boundaries include areas with either natural vegetation or Mahogany plantations with natural vegetation, but with no permanent human occupation. There are 5 small enclaves within the property that were excluded due to human activities (including some houses, a hospital, a military base, and some traditional farming).
While the boundaries of the property can be considered appropriate in respect of criterion (x), the property is clearly incomplete in relation to integrity requirements under criterion (viii) (IUCN, 2023). The boundaries of the property would need to be significantly revised through an extension and/or additional component part(s) to cover the key geosites that have, taken together, the potential to demonstrate global significance under criterion (viii).
While the boundaries of the property can be considered appropriate in respect of criterion (x), the property is clearly incomplete in relation to integrity requirements under criterion (viii) (IUCN, 2023). The boundaries of the property would need to be significantly revised through an extension and/or additional component part(s) to cover the key geosites that have, taken together, the potential to demonstrate global significance under criterion (viii).
Overlapping international designations
The entire island of Martinique was declared an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on September 15, 2021. However, the Biosphere Reserve zoning does not match the boundaries of the World Heritage property, adding to the complexity of the management structure. It is necessary to understand how the management of both UNESCO designations is coordinated.
Implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations
There is no sufficient data to assess this topic.
Climate action
There is no sufficient data to assess this topic.
Management plan and overall management system
The property has a management plan covering both component parts and the surrounding buffer zone (Plan de gestion, 2023). The plan covers five broad themes: conserving OUV; developing knowledge; raising awareness using cultural values; developing the buffer zone harmonious with the nominated property; and promoting international cooperation with other nearby islands. However, the management plan focusses mainly on biodiversity values and with inadequate content and actions on geological values.
Thirteen key indicators to measure the conservation state (note that there is only one indicator to measure values related with criterion viii) have a periodicity of 2, 3, 5 and 8 years. As this property was nominated in 2023, there is no time yet to have data related with these indicators.
Thirteen key indicators to measure the conservation state (note that there is only one indicator to measure values related with criterion viii) have a periodicity of 2, 3, 5 and 8 years. As this property was nominated in 2023, there is no time yet to have data related with these indicators.
Law enforcement
The organisations involved in the management of the property have high capacity on this topic (pers. comm.).
Sustainable finance
In terms of funding, the PNRM and ONF appear to be sufficiently financed within its current term of operation. The financing of the Management Plan is foreseen at over EUR 17.5 million for five years (2021-2026). 34% of the budget will be used for the acquisition of private land inside the nominated property (IUCN, 2023).
Staff capacity, training and development
There is a notable capacity in terms of biodiversity expertise but the coverage of geological expertise is underrepresented in the management of the property as there is only one full-time geologist on the management team (IUCN, 2023).
Education and interpretation programmes
There is no sufficient data to assess this topic.
Tourism and visitation management
Tourism is intended to be increased on the northern part of Martinique as a result of World Heritage status (IUCN, 2023). A steep increase in tourism would likely strain the protection and management of the property as it would likely increase pressure on already eroded trails and exacerbate already existing issues related to trash. A tourism management strategy could be helpful to prevent negative impacts on the OUV.
Sustainable use
While hunting and forestry are not permitted in the property, activities in the nearby buffer zone may still indirectly affect the OUV of the property (IUCN, 2023). The sustainable use of the property is highly dependent on how most of the identified threats are being mitigated.
Monitoring
There is no sufficient data to assess this topic.
Research
A quick search on scientific papers published since 2021 in international journals reveal a significant number of papers on different subjects related with Martinique (geology, biology, agriculture, health, etc.). However, no direct reference is made to the property.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site
The governance and management regime covers both component parts of the nominated property through the PNRM. Direction de l'environnement, de l'aménagement et du logement (DEAL) and Office national des forêts (ONF) have also responsibilities in each of the component parts. Both component parts are also inside a new Biosphere Reserve. However, the buffer zone’s function as an added layer of protection needs to be strengthened, in particular in addressing threats related to urban development and land-use.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats inside the site
While there is an overall management framework for both component parts, possibilities to improve their effectiveness are noted. The protection regime is considered inadequate to ensure the effective protection and management of the biodiversity values, and needs to be consolidated to provide a more rigorous and consistent level of protection, aligned with the boundaries of the property. Increased management capacity for the protection and management in particular of geological values is needed (IUCN, 2023).
The governance and management regime covers both component parts of the property through the PNRM. Direction de l'environnement, de l'aménagement et du logement (DEAL) and Office national des forêts (ONF) have also responsibilities in each of the component parts. Both component parts are also inside a new Biosphere Reserve. While there is an overall management framework for both component parts, possibilities to improve their effectiveness are noted. The protection regime is considered inadequate to ensure the effective protection and management of the biodiversity values, and needs to be consolidated to provide a more rigorous and consistent level of protection, aligned with the boundaries of the property. Furthermore the buffer zone’s function as an added layer of protection needs to be strengthened, in particular in addressing threats related to urban development and land-use. The geoconservation capacity of the management structure also need to be strengthened.
Outstanding examples of volcanic morphologies and processes related with volcanic islands in a subduction zone context
Low Concern
Trend
Data Deficient
In the buffer zone, urban developments, infrastructure and quarrying affect geo-sites. Many of these geo-sites have the potential to support the case for criterion (viii), but are at risk of being impacted as land use has
clearly increased over the last decades (State Party of France, 2021). Some of the vulnerable geosites are located in areas of the buffer zone where high-intensity use is present. A case in point is a geosite in an active quarry on private land, which is important for the tephrochronology and the eruption history of the nominated property because it includes pyroclastic formations reflecting the past 25.000 years.
clearly increased over the last decades (State Party of France, 2021). Some of the vulnerable geosites are located in areas of the buffer zone where high-intensity use is present. A case in point is a geosite in an active quarry on private land, which is important for the tephrochronology and the eruption history of the nominated property because it includes pyroclastic formations reflecting the past 25.000 years.
One of the most diverse and least fragmented forests in the Lesser Antilles
High Concern
Trend
Data Deficient
Regarding criterion (x), the values of the property are fragile given the high number of endemic and threatened species (IUCN, 2023). An effective and unambiguous protection regime focused on the limited natural areas remaining in a highly developed setting is needed, as there are notable biodiversity areas which are not subject to an appropriately rigorous protection regime against located inside the property, such as the
largest group of hygrophilous forests (forests adapted for growth in a wet or damp environment), which is both very rare on Martinique and which boasts the highest biomass and number of species. Deforestation and habitat degradation are noted as significant threats in the c.20% of the property.
largest group of hygrophilous forests (forests adapted for growth in a wet or damp environment), which is both very rare on Martinique and which boasts the highest biomass and number of species. Deforestation and habitat degradation are noted as significant threats in the c.20% of the property.
Presence of threatened and endemic species
High Concern
Trend
Data Deficient
Regarding criterion (x), the values of the property are fragile given the high number of endemic and threatened species (IUCN, 2023). An effective and unambiguous protection regime focused on the limited natural areas remaining in a highly developed setting is needed, as there are notable biodiversity areas which are not subject to an appropriately rigorous protection regime against located inside the property, such as the
largest group of hygrophilous forests (forests adapted for growth in a wet or damp environment), which is both very rare on Martinique and which boasts the highest biomass and number of species. INvasive species repesent an additional significant threat to this value.
largest group of hygrophilous forests (forests adapted for growth in a wet or damp environment), which is both very rare on Martinique and which boasts the highest biomass and number of species. INvasive species repesent an additional significant threat to this value.
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Data Deficient
The biodiversity value of the property is affected by numerous threats, of most concern invasive species, hunting, deforestation and increasing tourism activities. In the buffer zone geosites are affected by urban development, infrastructure and quarrying. A consistent and effective protection regime specific to all the significant geosites and an increased on-site management capacity for the protection and management of geological values is needed to effectively address the treats affecting these values.
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important values
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
No data available on other important biodiversity value.
References
| № | References |
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| 1 |
IUCN (2023). World Heritage Nomination – IUCN Technical Evaluation: Volcanoes and Forests of Mount Pelée and the Pitons of Northern Martinique (France) – ID N 1657. [online] Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/document/205708 [Accessed on 27 June 2025]
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| 2 |
IUCN consultation (2024). IUCN confidential consultation: Volcanoes and Forests of Mount Pelée and the Pitons of Northern Martinique (France).
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| 3 |
State Party of France (2021). Candidature des “volcans et forêts de la Montagne Pelée et des pitons du nord de la Martinique” sur la liste du Patrimoine Mondial. [online] Collectivité territoriale de Martinique, Parc naturel régional de la Martinique, Direction de l’Environnement de l’Aménagement et du Logement de Martinique, pp.1-507. Available at https://whc.unesco.org/document/186513 [Accessed 9 January 2025].
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| 4 |
State Party of France (2021). Plan de gestion de la candidature des “volcans et forêts de la Montagne Pelée et des pitons du nord de la Martinique” sur la liste du Patrimoine Mondial. [online] Collectivité territoriale de Martinique, Parc naturel régional de la Martinique, Direction de l’Environnement de l’Aménagement et du Logement de Martinique, pp.1-197. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/document/189397 [Accessed 9 January 2025].
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