UNESCO recommends Viñales for Global Geoparks Network

The UNESCO World Council has recommended the Viñales Valley in Cuba for inclusion in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. This decision follows an evaluation by a commission that visited the Pinar del Río province in October.

The recommendation recognizes the technical quality of Cuba's proposal and the geological significance of the Viñales Valley. Council members noted the strength of the application despite the difficult economic and material circumstances under which the effort was developed.

Key strengths of the candidacy include strong links with political decision-makers, support from a scientific council of approximately 15 specialists, and active participation from local community actors. The UNESCO Global Geoparks program focuses on managing geological sites through an integrated approach of protection, education, and sustainable development.