UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Cuba

UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Cuba

Cuba, officially known as the Republic of Cuba is located on the northern side of the Caribbean Sea which coincides with the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. It comprises of the island of Cuba, Isla de la Juventud, and other minor collection of islands. It covers an area of 42,426 square miles with a population of approximately 11 million thus making it the largest and second most populous island in the Caribbean after Hispaniola. The country is a multi-ethnic one with a vast diversity of origin, customs and culture with nine sites listed as UNESCO world heritage sites, seven of them being cultural and two being natural sites. Some of them are discussed in detail below

Alejandro de Humboldt National Park

The Alejandro de Humboldt National Park is the largest and well maintained remaining parts of the Caribbean mountainous ecosystem covering an estimated area of 274 square miles where 264 square miles is land and 8 square miles being the marine area. The park is elevated 3,832 feet from sea level hence humidity is high and has been named the most humid place in the country. The park is home to up to 16 species of native plants and animal life such as the lizards, parrots, and others, some of which unique to the particular ecosystem. Others are only native to the chain of islands in the country which has been regarded an important biosphere; it was inscribed as a heritage site in 2001.

Historic Centre Of Camaguey

Camaguey is the third largest city in the Republic of Cuba inhabiting over 321,000 , it is located in central Cuba. The center was established in 1528 as a simple urban center for cattle breeding and the sugar industry, and ever since, the development patterns have been irregular thus giving a clear-cut portrait of traditional urban settlement. In 2008, the center was listed as a cultural UNESCO world heritage site as it acted as a city core due to all the social and cultural activities are done here. The historic center has managed to stand out because of its vast but original architectural designs, and legal protection has been provided to ensure that proper and adequate conservation efforts have been put in place

First Coffee Plantations Of Southeast Cuba

The first coffee plantations of southeastern Cuba were established in the 19th and 20th century when coffee cultivation was popular in eastern Cuba. Some parts of the plantations have been destroyed over the years but these remnants found in the foothills of Sierra Maestra gives us an overview of the various techniques used then. The remaining plantations cover a total area of 317 square miles and were inscribed as a cultural site by UNESCO in 2000.The plantations provide details of how the resources in the plantations were managed and the architecture of various infrastructure. The government of Cuba provides legal protection for the property through various institutions of the government.

Vinales Valley

The Vinales Valley located along the Guaniguanico range is a depression formed due to the dissolution of soluble rocks with underground sinkholes and drainage system is found in Cuba with an area coverage of 51 square miles. It was listed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1999 as it clearly illustrates the cultural development and landscape of the Caribbean. The valley is highly fertile thus a conducive environment for the cultivation of food crops and fodder and the most prevalent are the traditional ways of farming which have remained unchanged over the years. In 1979, it was declared a major national monument, and it is protected by the provisions of the constitution of the country.