In terms of biodiversity and endemism, New Caledonia is considered one of the most important regions of the planet. New Caledonia’s high concentration in species, along with the originality of its flora and fauna, are a result of both the diversity of its habitats and its historical isolation.

Studies carried out by the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (the French Institute for Development Research), with the assistance of the provinces of la Grande Terre, have found evidence of extraordinary originality, remarkable richness in rare species and extreme fragility in the dry forests (or sclerophyllous forests) of New Caledonia.

A comparative analysis of the threat level (evaluated according to criteria developed by the IUCN – International Union for the Conservation of Nature) found that the sclerophyllous forest is clearly the ecosystem most threatened by extinction.

In an analysis of the world’s biomes (entitled "Global 200"), WWF found four eco-regions of major interest in New Caledonia: tropical rainforest, dry forest, marine ecosystems and freshwater ecosystems. In partnership with the local institutional and scientific communities, WWF-France has offered to lead the conservation efforts for the tropical dry forests of New Caledonia.

Recognizing the value of this ecosystem and the urgent need for protective measures, the nine partners of the agreement framework decided to elaborate a 5-year conservation program.