(KPL/Prensa Latina)  Cuban authorities stated on Wednesday that the protection of Cuba's geological heritage continues to strengthen by implementing geoparks and Geosites' declaration.

An official report points out that the remark was confirmed during the latest session of the National Geoparks Committee, held on November 28 at the headquarters of the Energy and Mines Ministry (MINEM) and chaired by First Deputy Minister Argelio Abad Vigoa.

Geoparks are territories, with clearly defined boundaries, that house a geological heritage of international relevance used as the basis for their sustainable socio-economic development. A Geosite or site of geological interest is a natural place that is considered a geological heritage site because of its value and characteristic elements.

For instance, the ViñalesGeopark, in western Cuba, which was nationally declared in 2021, is implementing a project that will conclude in 2025 with several tasks aimed at improving its sustainability and visibility.

The Gran PiedraGeopark, located in eastern Cuba and approved in April this year, had its debut in September during the International Nature Tourism Event (TURNAT 2024), which was organized by the Tourism Ministry (MINTUR).

The project to present the dossier for Guamuhaya Massif’s proposal to be the next geopark in Cuba will be completed by early 2025; then the relevant entities will assess and finally approve it by agreement of the Council of Ministers. This Geopark will be managed by the Topes de Collantes Complex and cover five municipalities in three provinces.

Blasa Delgado Diez, director general of the Cuban Geological Service, announced that 20 new geosites from Pinar del Rio province had been added to the list of 484 sites declared in 2023, and 16 others from Santiago de Cuba province are in the process of approval, totaling 520 sites.

KPL