Geographies of New Caledonia-Kanaky

This open access book provides a unique overview of geographical, historical, politicaland environmental issues facing the French overseas territory New Caledonia, also called"Kanaky" by the indigenous Kanak people, who outnumber citizens of European and otherorigin. New Caledonia has seen a long and complex struggle for decolonization, but is stillon the United Nations' list of "Non-Self Governing territories" and there is little sign ofchange following three referendums on independence and extensive negotiations with France. The archipelagopossesses around a quarter of the world's nickel deposits, giving it additional strategic importancewhen demand for the mineral is strong. The islands have unique biodiversity, andCaledonian coastal lagoons have been listed as UNESCO world heritage sites since 2008.The book offers detailed insights into the environmental and human geographies of the archipelago,with a focus on the linksbetween environmental protection and extensive miningoperations, between political independence struggles and continued wellbeing and economicdevelopment, and the differing visions for the future of the islands. This multidisciplinaryvolume, one of the fewto appear in English, appeals to researchers, students andpolicy makers across the environmental, social and political sciences.