What are the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF)?

The French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF) are at the heart of these ambitions. Made up of five districts – the Crozet archipelago, the Kerguelen Islands, Saint-Paul and Amsterdam, the Éparses Islands and Adélie Land – these territories are nevertheless one of the ultra-marine collectivities that are least well known to the general public.

What is the French Southern Territories nature reserve?

In 2006, the French Southern Territories Nature Reserve was created around the Crozet archipelago and the Kerguelen, Saint-Paul and Amsterdam islands. This reserve, which by 2022 will cover an area of 1.6 million km2, is one of the largest marine protected areas in the world and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019.

Why are the French Southern & Antarctic Lands subject to an original form of governance?

These characteristics explain why these territories are subject to an original form of governance. The French Southern and Antarctic Lands include uninhabited territories in the Indian and Southern Oceans. Image: TAAF

Does France have territorial sovereignty over the Éparses Islands?

Although France’s claim to the three austral lands (Kerguelen, Saint-Paul and Amsterdam and Crozet) is no longer contested, it is facing two major challenges to its claim to territorial sovereignty over the Éparses islands.

Will France have a nuclear power plant in 2040?

Over the next 15 years, France will only be able rely on solar and wind power to increase its capacity. It still has 18 nuclear power plants, but their output has been falling for several years: At best, it could rise slightly by 2030. The new reactors promised by the government, if they are built at all, will not go online until 2040.