Proposal for Geoconservation of Two New Coastal Geosites for the Sabana-Camagüey Archipelago, Cuba: Los Caimanes and El Jato Lagoons

Abstract

The designation of geological sites in Cuba is relatively new. During the early years of the 21st century some sites were proposed, but only in the province of Pinar del Rio have geosites been officially approved. Here we propose two further geosites, one at Cayo Sabinal (Camagüey Province) and the other at Cayo Coco (Ciego de Ávila Province). Recent studies show stromatolites at both sites, important in understanding microbialite formation and the role of microbes in geochemical signatures and mineral diversity. According to the approved Cuban scoring methodology, El Jato Lagoon obtained 79 points and Los Caimanes Lagoon 77 points. Both were regarded as Class B. Although located in tourist areas, they lack aesthetic values. However, both are on the coastal zone, where natural and anthropogenic impacts could affect their conservation.

Keywords

• geosite
• geoconservation
• stromatolites
• lagoon
• cuba