Ouvéa Island, New Caledonia
Ouvéa Island, part of the Loyalty Islands in New Caledonia, is renowned for its untouched beauty and ecological richness. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the island is fringed by one of the world’s most pristine lagoons, home to vibrant coral reefs and endangered species such as dugongs and green sea turtles. The surrounding reef structures support a delicate balance of marine biodiversity, while inland, coastal vegetation and coconut groves provide habitat for endemic birds.
This Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, acquired on 17 April 2025, reveals the island’s shape and its spectacular barrier reef.
Copernicus Sentinel data plays a key role in monitoring coral reef health and supporting sustainable marine conservation across island ecosystems worldwide.