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Once again, the rescue of Cuban cultural heritage following a natural disaster relies on international support.
UNESCO is leading the recovery efforts in the eastern part of the island, following the severe damage caused by Hurricane Melissa to heritage sites and local communities.
According to the Regional Office of Culture for Latin America and the Caribbean on their Facebook page, the winds and rains from the hurricane directly impacted the Archaeological Landscape of the First Coffee Plantations in Southeast Cuba, declared a World Heritage Site in 2000, and damaged expressions of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which are essential for the identity and livelihood of the affected communities.
In response, the international organization began this weekend the damage assessment in Santiago de Cuba as part of the project "Needs Assessment for Culture," funded by the Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF).
The actions include technical assessments of damages, the collection of structural information, and the acquisition of basic equipment to begin the recovery process.
The first field visit took place at the La Isabelica coffee plantation, one of the most emblematic sites of the Southeastern Coffee Landscape and located in the Baconao Park, designated a Biosphere Reserve.
There, strong winds destroyed roofs and structures of the building, in addition to affecting nearby schools and homes whose economy directly depends on coffee.
The tour also included the Tumba Francesa La Caridad de Oriente, recognized as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, which suffered considerable structural damage.
In recent years, Cuba has faced repeated natural disasters that further deteriorate its already fragile cultural heritage.
Without international cooperation, the recovery of these historical sites and the associated traditions would remain virtually impossible.
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