A/RES/54/88 Page 3 11. Acknowledges the contribution of the Melanesian Cultural Centre to the protection of the indigenous culture of New Caledonia; 12. Notes the positive initiatives aimed at protecting the natural environment of New Caledonia, notably the “Zonéco” operation designed to map and evaluate marine resources within the economic zone of New Caledonia; 13. Acknowledges the close links between New Caledonia and the peoples of the South Pacific and the positive actions being taken by the French and territorial authorities to facilitate the further development of those links, including the development of closer relations with the countries members of the South Pacific Forum; 14. Welcomes, in this regard, the accession by New Caledonia to the status of observer in the South Pacific Forum, continuing high-level visits to New Caledonia by delegations from countries of the Pacific region and high-level visits by delegations from New Caledonia to countries members of the South Pacific Forum; 15. Decides to keep under continuous review the process unfolding in New Caledonia as a result of the signing of the Nouméa Accord; 16. Requests the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples to continue to examine this question and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its fifty-fifth session. 71st plenary meeting 6 December 1999