Viñales Valley undergoes UNESCO evaluation for Global Geopark status

UNESCO experts are currently conducting an evaluation of the Viñales Valley in Pinar del Río, Cuba, to determine its eligibility for the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. If successful, Viñales would become the first UNESCO Global Geopark in both Cuba and the Caribbean region.

The evaluation process, which began formally in June 2025, follows the submission of a dossier that met the requirements of both UNESCO and the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). The assessment focuses on the area's unique geological and landscape formations, including its extensive karst systems, mogotes, and significant cave systems. The territory contains 57 geosites, 10 of which are considered to have international relevance.

Beyond geological value, the evaluation considers the region's exceptional biodiversity and the integration of natural heritage with cultural traditions, such as local agricultural practices and vernacular architecture. The Valley was previously recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape in 1999 and was designated as Cuba's first national geopark in 2021.