International Work - Biodiversity Restoration in Cuba

Biodiversity Restoration and Community Development Project, in the Eastern Province of Guantanamo, intends to start the implementation of Analog Forestry techniques in degraded forest areas that are ecologically important in the region.

Built-in to the program is an educational component that strengthens and links socio-cultural aspects to biodiversity restoration and sustainable environmental management through improved skills, knowledge, and technological training.

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Specific Objectives

Institute of Forest Research (IIF) will be recognized as a leader in biodiversity restoration training programs.
IIF will work with communities to restore degraded lands.
Use of landscape design methodology to assist community economic development through sales of products derived from restoration activities.

Characteristics of Sites

Cojimar, Havana Area (pilot site)

Population: approx. 9000 inhabitants
Los 3 Picos
Empresa de Cultivas Varios Habana

Economic Activities:

urban organic gardens
state-run seed and gardening stores
newly privatized farmers markets

Environment:

river watershed area in the city of Havana.

Paraguay Region, Guantanamo

Population: approx. 1500 inhabitants
Empresa Forestal Guantánamo

Economic Activities:

sugar cane plantations
agriculturecooperative on state plots
forestry company activity

Environment:

ecologically important area home to unique Xerophytic Corridor
endemic species: carbon ebony (Diospyros caribaea); Coccoloba uvífera, (medicinal properties); and Casuarina equisetifolia (soil restoration)

Cuba-Canada Partnership

1) Institute of Forestry Research, Cuba

The Institute of Forestry Research fulfills its mission by implementing projects on research and development, technical innovation, providing solutions to problems related to forest and environmental management.

The Guantanamo Experimental Extension will host the headquarters of the project in the eastern region, carrying out research on genetics, forestry, seeds, and species propagation. It will also undertake small scale activities in the dry zone of the province, a priority in the national reforestation plan.

Coordinadora: Orlidia Hechavarría,MSc. Applied Ecology Forest Engineer
email: orlidia@forestales.co.cu

2) Falls Brook Centre, Canada

Falls Brook Centre (FBC) is a registered non-profit, community education and sustainable development demonstration site in Carleton County, New Brunswick. Since 1992 with four program areas: Forest Stewardship, Organic Agriculture, Renewable Energy and Community Development, FBC has been actively involved in the development and promotion of sustainable agriculture and forestry practices to demonstrate and communicate traditional skills and wisdom, combined with appropriate technology to make the abstract concept of sustainable development a reality.

Coordinator: Claudia Maria Menendez
email: claudia@fallsbrookcentre.ca

What is Analog Forestry?

Analog forestry is a system of silviculture management that seeks to establish a tree dominated ecosystem identical in structure and ecological function to the original climax or sub-climax vegetation community.

It seeks to enhance the relationship between the natural environment and economy of rural communities through the use of species that provide marketable products. It is a promising means of addressing important issues such as forest restoration, soil conservation, carbon sequestration, and community resilience.

Achieving biodiversity restoration by applying landscape design methodology and techniques that work towards sustainable environmental management; coactive participation from the community and involvement of the woodlot owners and workers is the key element for Analog Forestry success.