The environmental group WWF has warned that bushfires are about to wreck any hope of diversifying New Caledonia's economy.
A New Caledonian crow, native to the country. Photo: Supplied / University of Auckland
Its head in Noumea, Hubert Geraux, says if water catchment areas keep being degraded, plans to expand tourism and agriculture won't succeed.
In the past two months more than 100sq/m of vegetation have been ravaged by wind-fuelled flames, including a 75-hectare pine plantation in the north of the main island.
According to Mr Geraux, bushfires are the main reason for New Caledonia's biodiversity and fauna being put at risk.
While there are hopes to use the territory's natural beauty as a drawcard, he says the fires destroy the habitats of birds, butterflies and geckos.
New Caledonia's economy depends on its huge nickel resource, which accounts for almost all export earnings.
Prolonged dry conditions have prompted the authorities to impose fire bans.