Criterion (vii): The French Austral Lands and Seas, with their pristine natural heritage, are one of the last wilderness areas on the planet. Criterion (ix): The French Austral Lands and Seas lie at the convergence of three ocean fronts and have large continental shelves. Criterion (x): The French Austral Lands and Seas are an exceptional site for the conservation of the world’s birds. The species richness and diversity of the French Austral Lands and Seas, which is unique in the Southern Ocean, gives the site an Outstanding Universal Value. The French Austral Lands and Seas were designated as a national nature reserve in 2006 and enlarged in 2016 to cover more than 672 000 km².