The Scandola Nature Reserve (19.19 km²: 9.19 km² land; 10 km² marine), established in December, 1975, is located on the French

France

The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...

 island Corsica

Corsica

Corsica is an island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located west of Italy, southeast of the French mainland, and north of the island of Sardinia....

, within Corsica Regional Park. The park and reserve has been recognized by the United Nations

United Nations

The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...

 as a Natural World Heritage Site

World Heritage Site

A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the UNESCO as of special cultural or physical significance...

, and was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1983.

Location

The Scandola Reserve is situated on the central western coast of Corsica between Punta Muchillina and Punta Nera and includes Cape Girolata and Cape Porto.

Physical features

The reserve has two sectors, the Elpa Nera inlet and the peninsula of Scandola. The jagged and sheer cliffs contain many grottos and are flanked by numerous stacks and almost inaccessible islets and coves, such as Tuara. The coastline is also noted for its red cliffs, some 900 metres high, sand beaches, and headlands.

Protection

In 1930, a law was passed prohibiting destruction or modification within Corsica Regional Park. Scandola Nature Reserve is strictly protected in order to return the area to its natural state.

External links

• UNESCO World Heritage Site profile
• UNEP-WCMC World Heritage Site datasheet http://www.unep-wcmc.org/sites/wh/pdf/Gulf%20of%20Porto,France.pdf
• Pictures and description on http://www.wikisailing.com/Ilot_Palazzu