Cuba established its first Biosphere Reserve in 1984 when the Sierra de Rosario was added to the list. Three more followed in 1987: the Cuchillas del Toa, the Guanahacabibes Peninsula, and Baconao. Finally, in 2000, the Ciénaga de Zapata and Buenavista were added.
What does it mean for a site to be declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve? It signifies that it is an area of marine, coastal, terrestrial, or a combination of these ecosystems, setting a standard for how humans should coexist with nature. These sites have been recognized by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB). There are a total of 669 reserves worldwide, distributed across 119 countries.
Cuba has more reserves than the average country in the world, but it falls far short of those that boast the highest numbers, such as the United States, Russia, or China. The largest countries tend to have more of these reserves, but they also have greater resources to protect them.
The designation of a place as a Biosphere Reserve does not grant it greater protection than what the country or countries in which it is located choose to provide. It is simply a special site in the world where the ideal conditions for the conservation and protection of biodiversity exist.
You have likely heard or read about them without realizing what they are. Their natural values will surprise you, and you will understand why they deserve that designation.
1. Sierra del Rosario
The mountain range of medium altitude, where the highest point of the western region (the Pan de Guajaibón) is located, stretches from the province of Artemisa to Pinar del Río. It forms the eastern portion of the Guaniguanico mountain range, extending through the Sierra de los Órganos and areas of the municipalities of Bahía Honda, Candelaria, and San Cristóbal.
It was chosen for its significant natural attributes and became the first Biosphere Reserve in Cuba. An ecological station is located at this site, conducting environmental projects and research in the region.
2. Toa Blades
Located in the eastern portion of the island, primarily towards Guantánamo, although its northern area extends into Holguín province. The largest part of the reserve lies in the area drained by the Río Toa. This place is regarded as one of the main centers of biodiversity and endemism in Cuba and the insular Caribbean.
Indeed, its flora comprises no less than 928 endemic species. It is home to critically endangered species such as the Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis) and the almiquí (Solenodon Cubanus). Other residents include the Cuban Kite (Chondrohierax wilsoni) and the Santa María snake.
The reserve surrounds the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park and includes El Yunque, a mountain resembling the tool used in blacksmithing, the Great Cave of Moa, and Taco Bay, located north of Baracoa.
3. Guanahacabibes Peninsula
It is also a national park. It includes Cape San Antonio, the westernmost point of Cuba. It consists of two peninsulas, those of Cape San Antonio and Corrientes, separated by Cortés Bay. It is one of the largest reserves on the island and is geologically distinct from the rest of it, as its northern coast is rather marshy, while the southern coast is characterized by steep cliffs.
The flora and fauna are lush, varied, and diverse. Here you can find the zunzuncito or "bee hummingbird," the smallest bird in the world, along with parrots, crabs, and iguanas. It is also home to highly valued species such as black ebony, prized for the richness of its dark wood and its hardness, as well as oak, yarúa, majagua, and mahogany, among others.
4. Baconao
It covers an area of 85,000 hectares and features various attractions, including striking sculptural and architectural sites such as the French coffee plantation ruins, which are designated as a World Heritage Site, as well as other locations of significant historical and coastal interest, and regions of remarkable natural beauty and wealth.
Their flora is composed of various types of dry forests, mountain galleries, and pine forests. These important ecosystems are among the most diverse and significant in the archipelago, featuring a wide range of endemic animal and plant species.
It is divided into three distinctly defined biogeographical zones. The rugged landscape is characterized by impressive slopes such as the Sierra de La Gran Piedra, crowned by a massive 66-ton stone block, as well as the Santiago de Cuba plateau and the Santa María del Loreto plateau.
5. Zapata Swamp
The largest and best-preserved wetland in Cuba and the insular Caribbean and a Ramsar site. It encompasses the entire peninsula. It boasts a forest heritage of natural forests that include 1,000 species of native plants, classified into 110 families. Among these, 130 species are endemic to the country.
This region also serves as an important refuge for over 65 species of migratory birds. It is home to local endemic species that are exclusive to this area, such as the Saint Thomasʼs chicken and the ferminia, which are considered to have the most restricted habitat of any birds in the world.
Here, you can also admire the bee hummingbird, the American kestrel, cateys, parrots, the marsh rabbit, the dove pigeon, and various reptiles, including the Cuban and American crocodiles, iguanas, anoles, capybaras, manatees, and manjuarí, a Cuban fish found exclusively in this region.
6. Buenavista
It encompasses parts of Villa Clara, Sancti Spíritus, and Ciego de Ávila, as well as a portion of the Sabana-Camagüey archipelago. It includes core areas that are the most significant protected sites in the region, notably the Caguanes National Park and Cayo Santa María, along with the Cayo Francés and North Cayo Guillermo Ecological Reserves.
The reserve is home to various ecosystems and habitats, including coral reefs, active dune areas, mangroves, several cays, and sites where waterfowl breed. In terms of fauna, it features striking species such as the Blue Anole (Anolis equestris) and the Antillean Racer (Antillophis andreai), both of which are endemic to the area. It also hosts many other bird species native to the island.
Very close to Punta Caguanes are the well-known and spectacular Cayos de Piedra, unique in their kind in the country. These, along with the Caguanes area, feature a large number of caves, making this region the Cuban area with the highest density of caverns. Additionally, there are significant cultural values due to the abundant remains of indigenous settlements.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Biosphere Reserves in Cuba
How many Biosphere Reserves does Cuba have recognized by UNESCO?
Cuba has six biosphere reserves recognized by UNESCO: Sierra del Rosario, Cuchillas del Toa, Guanahacabibes Peninsula, Baconao, Zapata Swamp, and Buenavista.
What does it mean for a site to be declared a Biosphere Reserve?
A site designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO is an area that combines marine, coastal, and terrestrial ecosystems and serves as a model for sustainable coexistence between humans and nature. However, this recognition does not imply any additional protection beyond what the country itself decides to grant.
Why is the conservation of Biosphere Reserves in Cuba important?
The conservation of these reserves is essential because they harbor a rich biodiversity and endemic species, some of which are critically endangered. Furthermore, these areas are vital for scientific research and environmental sustainability.
What challenges does Cuba face in protecting its Biosphere Reserves?
Cuba faces significant challenges in terms of resources and management to protect its Biosphere Reserves. The lack of financial and technological resources limits the ability to implement effective conservation and protection measures for these unique ecosystems.
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