The Mont Pelee volcano in Martinique is now the newest UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Caribbean. 

Mont Pelee, the volcano in northern Martinique whose eruption in 1902 killed 30,000 people in what was at the time the “Paris of the Caribbean,” has officially been added to the global list. 

Mont Pelee is joined in the distinction by the Pitons mountains of Northern Martinique. 

‘We are excited to celebrate the recognition of the global significance of the land, and we take great pride in our magnificent volcanic island and express our sincerest gratitude to all of the people who continually contribute to its protection,” the Martinique Tourism Authority said in a statement. 

Mont Pelee is set at the northern tip of the island, towering over the city of Saint Pierre. 

Beyond the historical significance of the mountain, the volcano and its forests are home to globally threatened species like the Martinique Volcano Frog, the Lacépède’s Ground Snake and the indigenous Martinique Oriole, among others.