SAVING PLANTS: A BOTANICAL QUEST

In the face of deforestation, climate change and invasive species, vegetation is under increasing threat. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), nearly 40% of the world’s plants are now at risk of extinction. Their disappearance would have disastrous consequences for the balance of our ecosystem.

A major hotspot of our terrestrial biodiversity, New Caledonia is not spared from this danger. Despite its small size, the island is home to an exceptional variety of plant life - 3,600 species, 80% of which are endemic. Nine of these plants are under threat. Declared Critically Endangered, some of these have not been seen for over a century. Are they still alive, or have they truly disappeared from the face of the Earth?  

A team of botanists and naturalists has decided to venture into this green sanctuary, in the hope of discovering this extraordinary flora. Alongside them, we embark on a scientific expedition that raises vital issues for environmental protection.