These Remote Islands Will Be One of the Largest Wildlife Sanctuaries in the World

Tristan da Cunha - This Remote Island Will Be One of the Largest Wildlife Sanctuary in the World

Photo: Stock Photos from Charles Bergman/Shutterstock

A series of remote islands in the South Atlantic Ocean will soon become one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Home to only 244 people, Tristan da Cunha is a volcanic island that provides refuge to exotic and rare wildlife. It comprises a few landmasses, one of which is completely inaccessible. The total area of the islands is approximately 265,000 square miles, with very little room for humans.

A small village called Settlement of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas exists on the largest island. Visitors to the site are reminded of just how far from home they are via a simple sign that reads “Welcome to the Remotest Island.” The Settlement includes two churches, the world’s most isolated school, and a few other necessary resources like a supermarket and post office.

Though it makes for an interesting spot for any traveler, the human accommodations are not what make Tristan da Cunha so special. The creation of a Marine Protection Zone will result in a massive area that will be preserved as a “no-take-zone,” prohibiting 90% of all fishing and related activity. With the UK’s Blue Belt of marine protection, it will be the fourth-largest of its kind. The move is an important step to preserve the safety of natural life, including penguins, albatross, sharks, seals, and whales.

Tristan da Cunha - This Remote Island Will Be One of the Largest Wildlife Sanctuary in the World

Photo: Stock Photos from maloff/Shutterstock

Only 3% of the world's oceans are officially protected from dangerous human activity, but the UK hopes to increase this number to 30% by the year 2030. Initiatives like the Blue Belt Programme are critical to ensure the future viability of the planet. However, the ever-growing impact of climate change and increasing amount of pollution will continue to negatively affect the waters despite these important fishing bans.

Tristan da Cunha’s chief islander James Glass is part of the group that pushed for this accreditation and protection. He explains the importance of this step, saying, “Our life on Tristan da Cunha has always been based around our relationship with the sea, and that continues today. That’s why we’re fully protecting 90% of our waters, and we’re proud that we can play a key role in preserving the health of our oceans.”

Home to only 244 people, Tristan da Cunha is a volcanic island that provides refuge to exotic and rare wildlife.

Tristan da Cunha - This Remote Island Will Be One of the Largest Wildlife Sanctuary in the World

Photo: Stock Photos from maloff/Shutterstock

Tristan da Cunha - This Remote Island Will Be One of the Largest Wildlife Sanctuary in the World

Photo: Stock Photos from maloff/Shutterstock

Tristan da Cunha - This Remote Island Will Be One of the Largest Wildlife Sanctuary in the World

Photo: Stock Photos from Vladimir Wrangel/Shutterstock

On these islands, there is the Marine Protection Zone, which creates a “no-take-zone” that prohibits 90% of all fishing and related activity.

Tristan da Cunha - This Remote Island Will Be One of the Largest Wildlife Sanctuary in the World

Photo: Stock Photos from maloff/Shutterstock

h/t: [IFL Science]

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Samantha Pires

Sam Pires is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met and one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She is also a freelance architectural designer. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from NJIT and is currently earning a Master in Architecture II from the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Sam has design experience at multiple renowned architecture firms such as Gensler and Bjarke Ingels Group. She believes architecture should be more accessible to everyone and uses writing to tell unexpected stories about the built environment. You can connect with her online at @sampir.fi.
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