A/HRC/18/35/Add.6 positions, through programmes like the “400 cadres” programme referred to in the Nouméa Accord. 76. Efforts should be made to increase Kanak participation in voting and to remove any existing obstacles to this participation. Special attention should be given to ensure Kanak registration for participation in future referenda on the status of New Caledonia. Lands and resources 77. The Special Rapporteur recognizes the achievements of the Rural Development and Land Planning Agency (ADRAF) in returning significant areas of land to Kanak ownership and control. France and the Government of New Caledonia should make all necessary efforts to facilitate the resolution of outstanding claims and ensure that all legitimate Kanak land claims can proceed to a conclusion, without being constrained by the comparison of total area of Kanak land and private land in the collectivity. 78. Consideration should be given to granting customary authorities an increased role in the functioning of ADRAF, especially in order to establish a customary land registry and a trust fund for the development of customary land, and also to create a new resolution mechanism for land disputes arising between indigenous individuals or clans. 79. Efforts should be made to ensure that Kanak have access to the sea for subsistence fishing and shellfish harvesting, as well as for cultural and religious ceremonies. 80. The Special Rapporteur recommends that the responsible governmental authorities redouble efforts to clean up the harmful environmental effects of past and current mining activities. The environmental recovery initiatives of the Société Le Nickel in partnership with local Kanak authorities, and the agreed mechanisms for environmental monitoring of the Goro-Nickel mine and processing plant in South Province, offer positive models in this regard. 81. While in general, Kanaks continue to fail to benefit economically from mining activities in New Caledonia, the Special Rapporteur is pleased to observe a few promising innovative models for Kanaks to share in the economic benefits of these activities. These include arrangements negotiated for the operation of the Goro-Nickel mine and processing plant under the “Pacte pour un développement durable du Grand Sud”, and the joint venture and related agreements centred around the Koniambo nickel mine and processing plant. The Special Rapporteur hopes that consideration will also be given to the establishment of profit-sharing arrangements with affected Kanak communities, as part of these and future initiatives. Kanak language 82. The Special Rapporteur is concerned that a number of Kanak languages are threatened and in danger of disappearing. Greater attention should be given to preserving and developing Kanak languages, particularly in the educational setting, and immediate action should be taken to counter the threat of future loss. The Special Rapporteur notes with approval the steps that have been taken to provide instruction in 15 different Kanak languages in 59 preschools (écoles maternelles) in New Caledonia, and encourages the Government and provinces to prioritize expanding this programme to reach all students in all primary schools in New Caledonia. 20