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#Status of Coral Reefs 2002 - International Coral Reef Action Network

#Status of Coral Reefs 2002 - International Coral Reef Action Network

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Status <strong>of</strong> <strong>Coral</strong> <strong><strong>Reef</strong>s</strong> <strong>of</strong> the World: <strong>2002</strong><br />

WHS<br />

DESEMBARCO DEL GRANMA, CUBA – WORLD HERITAGE SITE<br />

The Desembarco del Granma National Park, situated in southeastern Cuba, was<br />

designated as a World Heritage site in 1999. The site contains most <strong>of</strong> the key<br />

habitats found in the region, including the coral reefs <strong>of</strong> Cabo Cruz, seagrass beds<br />

and mangroves. In the western park <strong>of</strong> the park there are a series <strong>of</strong> sub-marine<br />

terraces up to 30m deep. Several species that live within park boundaries are <strong>of</strong><br />

conservation concern including Caribbean manatee, species <strong>of</strong> marine turtles<br />

(loggerhead, green, olive ridley and hawksbill) and a colony <strong>of</strong> queen conch.<br />

The first management plan for Desembarco del Granma National Park was approved<br />

in 1986. This plan is regularly updated and it is aimed at maintaining the conservation<br />

status <strong>of</strong> landscapes and species, promoting the recreational use by the public and<br />

restoring degraded ecosystems.<br />

This area is not subjected to major threats or pressures. Desembarco del Granma<br />

National Park receives very little tourism; it has been estimated that no more than<br />

1,000 tourists (both foreign and national) visit the site each year. Natural disasters<br />

such as hurricanes, sea floods and earthquakes are the most significant threats.<br />

Ecological monitoring: No information received.<br />

Socio-economic monitoring: No information received.<br />

<strong>Coral</strong> reefs are 40% <strong>of</strong> the natural resources.<br />

Ecological Monitoring is unknown.<br />

Socio-economic Monitoring is unknown.<br />

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