Caribbean

The Cayman Trench and Cayman Ridge: Exploring the Depth

The Caribbean Sea contains a remarkable feature beneath its surface, known as the Cayman Trench and the Cayman Ridge. The Cayman Trench, also known as the Cayman Trough, Bartlett Deep, or Bartlett Trough, is a submarine trench on the floor of the western Caribbean Sea between Jamaica and the southeastern tip of Cuba. The Cayman Ridge is an undersea mountain range on the northern margin of the Cayman Trough and includes the Cayman Islands.

The Cordillera Central and Pico Duarte: Guardians of Hispaniola's Natural Heritage

The Cordillera Central, stretching across the central part of Hispaniola, defines the Dominican Republic's landscape, influencing its terrain, climate, and biodiversity. Its rugged peaks and verdant valleys showcase the island's diverse natural heritage. Pico Duarte, the highest summit in the country, stands as an icon within this breathtaking landscape. Similarly, José Armando Bermúdez National Park reflects the nation's dedication to preserving its environmental legacy.

The Cordillera Septentrional: Dominican Republic's Northern Mountain Range

The Cordillera Septentrional, also known as the Northern Mountain Range, is a prominent geological and cultural feature in the Dominican Republic, shaping the landscape and livelihoods of those residing there. This mountain range, stretching in a northwest-southeast direction parallel to the northern coast, boasts rugged terrain characterized by steep slopes and lush valleys. The range is known for its rich biodiversity and is an important water source.

The Ecoregions of Jamaica: Nature's Caribbean Canvas

Jamaica's position in the Caribbean Sea has given rise to three distinct World Wildlife Fund (WWF) terrestrial ecoregions: the Jamaican moist forests, Jamaican dry forests, and Greater Antilles mangroves. These ecological zones represent unique assemblages of flora and fauna shaped by the island's geographical isolation, varied topography, and climate patterns. Protecting these ecoregions is critical to preserving the island's natural heritage.

The Explosive History and Unique Ecology of La Soufrière Volcano

La Soufrière is an active stratovolcano on the island of Saint Vincent, the largest within the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines archipelago in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. Situated within the geologically active Lesser Antilles volcanic arc, La Soufrière is the highest point on the island and the highest in the nation. The volcano is known for its long and dynamic eruptive history, with 23 recorded eruptions in the past 4,000 years.

The Exuma Cays: A Pristine Archipelago in The Bahamas

The Exuma Cays, a stunning chain of over 365 islands and cays, form a unique and picturesque part of The Bahamas, a nation of islands scattered across the Atlantic Ocean. They are famed for their pristine white-sand beaches, strikingly turquoise waters, and an array of marine life that thrives in their crystal-clear surroundings. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park protects various habitats, from vibrant coral reefs and mangrove communities to the scrublands and beaches of the cays themselves.

The Green Heart of Western Cuba: Exploring Sierra del Rosario and Its Biosphere Reserve

The Sierra del Rosario, located in the western part of Cuba, is a region of remarkable natural beauty and ecological significance. Part of the more extensive Guaniguanico Mountain Range, it is characterized by its rolling hills, steep slopes, and deep valleys, all covered in lush tropical forests. The region's biodiversity and historical and cultural heritage have earned it the designation of a Biosphere Reserve, making it a crucial area for conservation and sustainable development.

The Historic San Pedro de la Roca Castle: Guardian of Santiago de Cuba

San Pedro de la Roca Castle, also known as Castillo del Morro, is a monumental stone fortress on a rocky promontory overlooking the entrance to Santiago de Cuba Bay on the southernmost coast of Cuba. This fortress, constructed over six decades beginning in 1638, is a remarkable example of Spanish-American military architecture. It embodies the principles of Renaissance military engineering adapted to the Caribbean's unique geographical and strategic demands.

The Kalinago Territory: Preserving Indigenous Heritage in Dominica

Situated on the rugged eastern coast of Dominica, the Kalinago Territory is a unique cultural and historical landmark that serves as the homeland of the island's Indigenous Kalinago people. Encompassing eight villages, the territory is home to the last remaining community of Kalinago in the Caribbean, preserving traditions that date back centuries. Despite the challenges posed by colonial history and modernization, the Kalinago have maintained their way of life.

The La Selle / Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve: A Transboundary Ecological Marvel:

Spanning the borders of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, the La Selle / Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve stands as a testament to the region's rich biodiversity and ecological significance. This transboundary reserve encompasses two distinct yet interconnected protected areas: La Selle in Haiti and Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo in the Dominican Republic, forming an environmental corridor that transcends political boundaries.