Pitons Management Area, Saint Lucia
A multiple-use conservation area of land and sea, which encompasses a wide range of diverse geographical features
The Pitons (2004) by Pitons Management AreaUNESCO World Heritage
The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004 and is named for the two towering spires which rise side by side from the sea (770 and 743 metres high, respectively). Known as the Pitons, they are the eroded remnants of two ancient lava domes.
Lava domes (2004) by Pitons Management AreaUNESCO World Heritage
Lava domes are created when lava rises to the surface during a volcanic eruption and is so viscous that it does not easily flow away, therefore accumulating around the vent and eventually forming the so-called dome.
The Pitons from above sulphur springs (2004) by Pitons Management AreaUNESCO World Heritage
Gros Piton, the taller of the two spires, measures three kilometres at its base, while the smaller but steeper Petit Piton measures one kilometre in diameter. Together, the formations are the major iconic landmark of the island.
Soufriere Volcanic Centre (2004) by Pitons Management AreaUNESCO World Heritage
Inscribed on the World Heritage List as a natural site, the Pitons Management Area is contained with the Soufriere Volcanic Centre, also known as the Qualibou Volcano, the remains of a huge, collapsed stratovolcano, which developed over the course of five to six million years.
Diagram of a stratovolcano (2004) by Pitons Management AreaUNESCO World Heritage
A stratovolcano is a type of volcanic landform which is conical in shape and is formed during successive volcanic eruptions, through a build-up of many strata (layers) of hardened lava, ash and tephra (fragments and particles of rock).
Sulphur Springs (2004) by Pitons Management AreaUNESCO World Heritage
Alongside the Pitons, the site encompasses a range of other geological features, including a site of geothermal activity with fumaroles (steam vents) and hot springs, known as the Sulphur Springs, which originated from a weak spot in the crust of a collapsed volcanic crater.
Gros Piton Panorama (2004) by Pitons Management AreaUNESCO World Heritage
The marine section of the site stretches for eleven kilometres along the shore, covering almost nine km2 of sea. 60% of the area is occupied by coral reefs, which are both diverse and healthy.
The hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) (2004) by Pitons Management AreaUNESCO World Heritage
A brief survey which was conducted to a depth of 20 metres (the sea here reaches a depth of 75 metres) revealed a notable diversity and quantity of marine life, including Hawksbill turtles, which were seen inshore, and whale sharks and pilot whales, which were spotted offshore.
The Pitons (2004) by Pitons Management AreaUNESCO World Heritage
The terrestrial area of the property is dominated by forest which ranges from tropical moist to subtropical wet. Small areas of dry forest and elfin woodland, whose trees are stunted in growth due to soil conditions, can also be found.
Peacock Flower (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) (2004) by Pitons Management AreaUNESCO World Heritage
This relatively small extension of land hosts a wide diversity of flora and fauna, including a high level of endemic and rare species. At least 245 plant species have been recorded on the Pitons and the connecting ridge, eight of which are rare tree species.
The bananaquit (Coereba flaveola) (2004) by Pitons Management AreaUNESCO World Heritage
In terms of wildlife, the area in and around the Pitons boasts at least seventy-seven species of bird, five of which are endemic. The property is also home to three indigenous rodents, one opossum, three bats, eight reptiles and three amphibians.
Fond Doux (2004) by Pitons Management AreaUNESCO World Heritage
There are many other marvellous sights within the Pitons Management Area:
Fond Doux is a historic 19th-century working cocoa plantation, which provides a glimpse into traditional agricultural practices and the heritage of the island.
The Tet Paul Trail (2004) by Pitons Management AreaUNESCO World Heritage
The Tet Paul Nature Trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Pitons and the surrounding landscape, and takes in both a working organic farm and a traditional house, where visitors can learn how the first settlers in Saint Lucia used to live.
The Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens (2004) by Pitons Management AreaUNESCO World Heritage
The Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens features a kaleidoscope of tropical plants and flowers, birds and insects. Behind the stunning 17-metre high Diamond Waterfall, the colour of the rock face changes depending on the exact composition of the mineral-rich water at any given time.
The Sulphur Springs (2004) by Pitons Management AreaUNESCO World Heritage
The previously mentioned Sulphur Springs not only features steaming craters, waterfalls, mud baths and hot springs, which, it is claimed, have healing properties, but is also known as the world’s only drive-in volcano. It is the most visited site in Saint Lucia.
Gros Piton Panorama (2004) by Pitons Management AreaUNESCO World Heritage
A number of petroglyphs can be found across the site. These rock carvings were possibly part of a system used in conjunction with the Pitons to determine seasonal changes, and they bear witness to the Amerindian population which historically inhabited the area.
The town of Soufriere (2004) by Pitons Management AreaUNESCO World Heritage
Outside of the Pitons Management Area, the island is no less spectacular.
The vibrant town of Soufriere features colonial architecture, scenic views and a bustling waterfront, where colourful boats bob gently on the waves.
Church of the Assumption, Soufriere (2004) by Pitons Management AreaUNESCO World Heritage
Located at the heart of the town, in the Soufriere Town Square, is the historic Church of the Assumption, with its distinctive architecture, and, not far from the waterfront, vendors sell fresh produce, spices and handcrafted goods at the lively Soufriere Market.
The volcanic island of Saint Lucia (2004) by Pitons Management AreaUNESCO World Heritage
Gros Piton and Petit Piton rising side by side from the sea.
This exhibit was created by the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority: www.stlucia.org/en
More on the Pitons Management Area and World Heritage: whc.unesco.org/en/list/1161/
Photos: MDC SeaMarc Maldives - CC BY-SA 4.0, Martin Tuchscherer - CC BY-SA 3.0, Shivsharan Trasi - CC BY-SA 4.0, Charles J. Sharp - Sharp Photography, CC BY-SA 4.0, XeresNelro - CC BY-SA 4.0, Gordon Leggett - CC BY-SA 4.0
