Ecobreves – CUBA: Heritage Status Sought for Wetland

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HAVANA, Aug 9 2004 (IPS) - Cuba's Ciénaga de Zapata, one of the largest wetlands in the Caribbean islands, could have access to more environmental and social projects if it is declared a Heritage of Humanity nature site by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). Cuban officials have been seeking that designation since 2003, and the required documentation is being considered by UNESCO, says León Felipe Pérez, director of the Science and Environment Ministry in that municipality of Matanzas province.

''Nature belongs to all of humanity, that is why it is so important to achieve Heritage of Humanity status,'' he told Tierramérica.

The area was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, and is included in the list of important wetlands under an international treaty known as RAMSAR.

The Ciénaga de Zapata is home to 9,000 people, living in 19 isolated settlements. Its rich biodiversity includes more than 30 species of reptiles, 200 types of birds and around 900 varieties of plants.