Domaine de Deva
The Domaine de Deva is part of a vast protected natural area, including both the dry forest (in the heart of the Domaine de Deva), the seagrass beds along the Poé beach and part of the West Coastal Area, around the reefs of Gouaro-Deva, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.
Since being acquired by the South Province in 1992, this 18,500 acres estate has undergone significant development and adaptation, and continues to evolve. In addition to the establishment of the first 5-stars resort in New Caledonia, the Sheraton Golf& Spa Resort, the Domaine de Deva has become a must for mountain bikers, hikers and para-gliders, and is also home to a unique bird watching observatory.
The Domaine in figures :
> 158 km of trails
>A 1.6 km fitness trail with 15 exercise modules
>Two pump-tracks in the Bike Park
>A 4,200 acres dry forest (the largest in New Caledonia)
Learn more: A protected natural area
>72 endemic plant species
Learn more: A protected natural area
>38 bird species
Learn more: Ornithological observatory
>2,315 acres (Taboo Valley) listed as Heritage of Historic Monuments of the South Province
Learn more: History and culture
>13 km of white sand beach
“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
[Brundtland Report 1987]
> 18,500 acres
>Preserved natural areas
>Ecological places of great importance
>an impressive biodiversity
>13 km of white sand beach
>A lagoon listed at UNESCO World Heritage
>an archaeological sanctuary
>A part of Caledonian history and heritage
One of the largest single properties in the South Province: 18,500 acres
2008 creation of Mwe Ara (SEM) bringing together:
– The South Province : owner of the Domaine since 1992
– The city council of Bourail
– The Kanak tribes represented by the Mwe Ara GDPL (groups subject to special local rules)
– The inhabitants of Bourail brought together in the Déva Bouraillaise holding company (SPBD).
Associating all the institutional and societal components in order to cohesively create an innovative sustainable development project
Mwe Ara (SEM) missions:
Agreement with the South Province with the following principal missions:
- To welcome and provide information to visitors
- To build relations with Domaine stakeholders
- To develop tourist activities
- To manage the Domaine (security, care-taking, maintenance of spaces and equipment)
- To protect the environment: raising awareness, developing natural heritage and fighting against invasive species
Ensure the development of tourism and economic benefits for the region
The provincial development project
3 objectives:
- To preserve the richness of this exceptional site
- To promote a comprehensive, well thought-out sustainable development showcase in New Caledonia
- To foster the flourishing of the Bourail region by creating sustainable activities and jobs = rebalancing project
Creation of eco-tourism accommodation, infrastructures and equipment
The current situation and projects
– Construction of tourist accommodation
– Development of nature tourism activities: 120 km of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails.
– Development of a historic and cultural area> Establishment of farm cultivation
– Site equipment (roads, tracks, networks…)
The environmental aspect of the Déva project
The goals in this regard are to preserve, improve and promote the environment and natural resources in the long term, maintaining major ecological balances, reducing risks and preventing negative environmental impact.
Among other things, this environmental dimension involves projects promoting and raising awareness for the environment (biodiversity discovery trails), respectful projects (green construction sites, waste management, etc.) and a forestry project
The societal aspect
This centres on the protection of heritage: classification of the Taboo valley, preventive archaeological missions, and, ultimately, the development of a historical and cultural village
The economic aspect
The economic side of the “Domaine de Déva” project encompasses the development of nature tourism activities (mountain bike trails, equestrian paths, hiking routes, ornithological observatory, golf, and paragliding), the creation of accommodation facilities accessible to all customers (high-end hotel, holiday village, bungalows, camping) and also an agricultural project in the heart of the Domaine.