Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA)

Phoenix Islands (central Kiribati), Kiribati

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The Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA), located in the remote Phoenix Islands of central Kiribati, is one of the world’s largest and most important marine conservation areas.

Covering about 408,250 square kilometers of ocean, islands, coral reefs, and deep-sea habitats, it protects one of the planet’s most intact oceanic ecosystems. The area is home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, including around 200 species of coral, 500 species of fish, numerous seabirds, marine mammals, sharks, sea turtles, and other ocean creatures.

Its pristine reefs, uninhabited islands, and underwater seamounts provide valuable habitats and migration routes for many species. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, PIPA is considered a global treasure for marine conservation and scientific research. Its largely untouched environment offers a rare glimpse of how tropical ocean ecosystems function with minimal human impact.