Belep (French pronunciation: [belɛp]; sometimes unofficially spelled Bélep) is a commune in the North Province of New Caledonia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Ocean.

[citation needed] Gradually, discrete clans of Kanak emerged in different locations on the occupied islands.

[citation needed] The Marists later returned, and another priest c (1913–1998), who lived there 1940–1941, also wrote a history of Bélep in 1985.

On their return, they were not allowed to reoccupy one of their islands, Isle Pott, taken by a colonial copra farmer, Monsieur Mary, permitted by government authority.

However, traditions and language are strongly maintained, only half the population can speak French, and few residents have any school certificates having only attended until the age of 12.

In the 1980s, when the movement for Kanak independence became violent (Les Evènements), some Belema migrated to the Mainland to escape political divisions.

The reef fish Scomberomorus commerson, a mackerel, is caught and over 20 tonnes a year are sold.