French Plaque (Sovereignty Marker)
Clipperton
The French Plaque, also known as the Sovereignty Marker, is located on Clipperton Island, a remote French possession in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. Clipperton Island is renowned as the most isolated atoll in the world, situated over 1,000 km from the nearest continental landmass, Mexico. The island is a coral atoll formed around a volcanic base dating back 3.7 million years, featuring a rare freshwater lagoon. The plaque symbolizes France's sovereignty over this unique and ecologically fragile territory, which is administered from Papeete in French Polynesia. Clipperton Island has no permanent population and serves as an important sanctuary for seabirds, including colonies of masked boobies. Due to its extreme isolation, harsh weather conditions, and ecological significance, the island bears multiple nicknames reflecting its natural environment and history. The French Plaque stands as a testament to France's maritime reach and presence in the Pacific, marking this distant atoll's geopolitical importance.
ヒント: Visitors to Clipperton Island should plan carefully due to its extreme isolation and lack of permanent facilities. The best time to visit is during the dry season to avoid cyclones and heavy storms. Access is usually by specialized expedition vessels, and prior authorization from French authorities is required. As the island is protected, visitors should respect environmental regulations and avoid disturbing wildlife. Due to limited infrastructure, bringing adequate supplies and arranging guided tours is recommended. Tickets or permits must be secured well in advance through official channels.
興味深い事実
- •Clipperton Island's lagoon is the only freshwater lagoon in the world located on an atoll.
- •The island is sometimes called the 'most isolated atoll in the world' due to its distance from continental lands.
- •It hosts millions of red crabs and serves as a critical breeding ground for seabirds like the masked booby.
- •The island has multiple nicknames such as 'Treasure Island' due to legends of hidden pirate treasure, though these are unproven.
- •Administratively, Clipperton is managed from French Polynesia but is not part of the European Union or French overseas departments.
歴史
Clipperton Island formed around 3.7 million years ago as a volcanic seamount, later developing into a coral atoll.
It has been known by various names, including 'Île de la Passion' and 'La Passion-Clipperton.' The island was claimed by France and has been administered as a French overseas territory, despite lacking permanent inhabitants.
Throughout history, it has been associated with guano mining in the 19th century and has earned nicknames reflecting its isolation and natural features.
The sovereignty marker, the French Plaque, symbolizes France's territorial claim and administrative authority over this remote atoll.
場所ガイド
French Sovereignty Plaque20th century
A commemorative plaque installed on Clipperton Island marking French sovereignty over this isolated territory. It symbolizes France's claim and administrative authority in the northeastern Pacific Ocean.
