Personnel from the Marine Research Center (CIM) participated in an informative seminar about the archipelago. The event, organized by the City Council of Vigo, is part of the Cíes Islands’ Candidacy for UNESCO’s World Geopark
Researchers from the Marine Research Center at the University of Vigo (CIM) participated in a seminar to explore and delve into the geology of the Cíes Islands, presenting the singularities of this archipelago through informative talks. The event, organized by the City Council of Vigo, is part of the Candidacy of the Cíes Islands for the UNESCO World Geopark and took place at the Verbum Museum-House of Words in Vigo under the title “Cíes Geodesy: A New Perspective”.
During the event, experts from both CIM and the University of Vigo, as well as from the Center for Marine and Environmental Research (CIMA) at the University of Algarve and the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME-CSIC), addressed different topics related to the islands from the perspective of various fields of Earth sciences. Specifically, they spoke about the geological formation of the islands, from their tectonic origin to the processes that sculpted their current physiognomy. They also discussed the interaction between geological processes and the biodiversity of the area, highlighting how each element contributes to the uniqueness of this potential future UNESCO Geopark.
Geological and natural heritage
The candidacy of the Cíes Islands is promoted by the City Council of Vigo, which advocates for the need for protection and preservation of the archipelago, reflecting the importance they attach to the geological and natural heritage of the Cíes. In 2023, they presented the geoscientific and socioeconomic committees, led by CIM researchers Irene Alejo and Gonzalo Méndez, and USC researcher Sebastián Villasante, respectively. Both are composed of internationally renowned experts tasked with bringing scientific knowledge of the archipelago to the public, as well as seeking new data on the heritage and geological values that confirm the significant and diverse heritage gathered by the Cíes Islands.
All agree in confirming that the Cíes are a natural museum of human history and represent a sample to understand the geological past and predict and plan for the future in this field. The designation of the Cíes Islands as a UNESCO World Geopark will reinforce the protection and conservation of the natural heritage of the Cíes Islands, as well as providing greater visibility and international protection, ensuring their conservation for future generations.
Source: DUVI
