THE MIRACLE OF PORT-CROS

A window into nature’s evolution

An episode from the series THE SECRETS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

Synopsis

Located a few kilometers from the mainland, Port-Cros Island has a surface area of barely 7 km2, a rocky relief with a jagged coastline that is difficult to access, a single cove, and around thirty inhabitants all year round.

Protected since 1963, the island and its three satellite islets are at the heart of the largest marine park in Europe.

Upon its creation, the scientists, and managers of Port-Cros could have made this jewel an untouchable sanctuary by reducing human activities. But they chose another, riskier path, deciding that the interests of humans and the preservation of nature should go hand in hand.