[1] The reserve represents the geological heritage of the Caribbean tectonic plate, with a wide spectrum of rock formations, the outcrops of volcanic activity being remnants of the sea level oscillations.

Radiolarites are intercalated with thin beds of siliceous sedimentary rocks in laminated forms, in colours of red, brown and green.

Paleontologists have identified the micro-fossils contained in the radiolarian species as typical of Tithonian floor which represents the top layer of the Jurassic system dated to 145 - 150 million years ago.

The basic objective is to ensure maintenance of the biodiversity and conserving the many marine, terrestrial and geological outcrops of the reserve, apart from protecting the plant and wildlife.

[3] In respect of it being 'the oldest witness of back-arc spreading idge of the eastern Caribbean plate', the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) included the 'Upper Jurassic ophiolitic sequence in La Désirade Island' in its assemblage of 100 'geological heritage sites' around the world in a listing published in October 2022.