The Heart of Voh, a striking light-green, heart-shaped patch of forest on the west coast of New Caledonia, is facing significant challenges as rising sea levels threaten its existence. This iconic mangrove formation is known for its “rocket shape” and ecological importance. It has since morphed into a symbol of our natural beauty and underscores our environmental vulnerability. Experts argued that unless we intervene now, this cultural and environmental treasure will be forever transformed in the coming decades.
Dr. Cyril Marchand, a mangrove specialist from the University of New Caledonia. Beyond the Heart of Voh’s aesthetic beauty, Aurore wants to highlight its symbolic significance. For the local indigenous inhabitants, the fishermen, the Kanak, mangroves are sacred. The Heart of Voh is representative of just that,” he said. His research has found that the Heart was a desolate wasteland during its opening in the late 90s. Today, it seems an unnatural entity given its immediate surroundings, filled with riotous tropical vegetation. French photographer and UNESCO ambassador Yann Arthus-Bertrand seized on this transformation to create a stunning record of it using aerial photos shot between 1992 and 1999.
Historical Context and Symbolism
The Heart of Voh’s metamorphosis from wasteland to prosperous habitat is a striking symbol of nature’s power to rebound. In 1999, it was represented as a clean, exposed mud flat with abundant, verdant mangroves sprouting on the periphery. This beautiful visual dichotomy brought attention to a shocking contrast and accelerated the push for change in Richmond.
Günter Gerant, who has operated discovery flights over the Heart for more than 15 years, noted that “we started the discovery flights because everyone wanted to see the Heart.” He’s convinced that the tourism focused on this natural wonder is key to fostering an understanding of and passion for environmental conservation.
Local resident Isobelle Goa explains how the Heart of Voh is “grandiose”, a vital indicator of cultural heritage and identity. “It has a presence about it. My heart carries this heart with it,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of protecting this unique ecosystem for future generations.
The Threat of Rising Sea Levels
Despite being a natural treasure, the Heart of Voh has no immunity from climate change. Unfortunately, climate change and rising sea levels have already started to reshape its delicate curves, changing mangrove species composition. Dr. Marchand’s research team has drilled several hundred feet deep into the Heart’s mud. Their goals are to understand sediment accretion patterns and the dynamics behind these changes.
“We may only have Rhizophora mangroves in 30-50 years due to rising sea levels,” Dr. Marchand cautioned. This prediction indicates a devastating reduction in biodiversity and ecological resilience within this critical habitat.
REMI ANDREOLI has been monitoring the Heart’s mangrove system for more than a dozen years. He leverages unprecedented satellite imagery to document the rapid advance and retreat of this crucial ecosystem. He highlighted the technology’s capability: “We can go up to 15 centimetres of resolution using satellite imagery and collect data during the night and bad weather like cyclones.” This ongoing monitoring is crucial to better explain the long-term impacts of climate change on mangrove ecology.
The Importance of Mangroves
When it comes to coastal protection and biodiversity, mangroves are a powerful ally. Dr. Marchand asserts that “it’s important for the whole world to protect mangroves because our biodiversity is just so unique.” For Indigenous and local communities, these ecosystems are essential for their livelihoods, subsistence, and cultural identity.
Isobelle Goa noted, “It’s an ecosystem that protects us from erosion and big waves. It protects us and the country.” She is passionate about keeping healthy mangrove systems in place for our future environment. It supports the protection of the cultural practices that are tied to these dynamic landscapes.
Gerant reiterated this point by stating, “People come to see the Heart, our mangroves and our coral reefs so it’s really important to maintain these ecosystems for our livelihoods.” The deep connection local culture has with environmental health further emphasizes the immediacy to protect these ecosystems.