ANNEX 2
AMENDMENTS TO THE GUIDELINES CONTAINED IN RESOLUTION A.720(17)
The following text is added at the end of present text of Appendix C:
Within this zone, consideration must be given to the coral reef that borders the Archipelago to the North, which gives it good protection and a high conservation value, particularly in view of its good state of preservation and the ecological functions it fulfils.
Along its outer edge there is a coral reef 400 kilometres long, considered as one of the most notable of the Wider Caribbean Region on account of its size and the diversity of its species.
Characteristics which Contribute to Giving this Area Special Significance:
Ecological Criteria
The Archipelago is a highly singular and unique territory particularly on account of its natural scenery and associated biodiversity. Its singularity derives from the predominance of cumulative carbonaceous island complexes which have features not found in the rest of the Cuban sub-archipelagos.
This group of islands presents highly significant features, particularly in terms of its biotic resources, on account of which it has been categorised as an independent and clearly defined bio-geographical, ecological and scenic unit.
Its importance in this connection is not only national but also regional, since within this area almost all the habitats, ecosystems and biocenosis found in the different Caribbean islands are represented. The particular ecological sensitivity of this territory lies in its high degree of interdependency, both internal and external.
Internally, there is a high degree of interaction and interdependence between the coastal and marine ecosystems, specially in the sequence of coastal lagoons/dune/systems/beaches/algae/coral reefs; and similarly in the combination of mangrove swamps/coastal lagoons/algae/coral reefs, which occurs most often, and most extensively, in the island group.
Social, Cultural and Economic Criteria
The Archipelago is one of the country's three most productive fishery zones. If productivity is to be maintained, a priority requirement is the conservation of natural habitats and ecosystems. The area is also of great significance for its fish-farming producing large quantities of fish and shellfish to supply both the domestic and international markets and the tourist industry.
