Environment

Soroa Botanic and Orchid Garden

The Soroa Botanic and Orchid Garden, which is the only one of its kind in Cuba, occupies an area of 35,000 m2 and is dedicated primarily to the cultivation of orchids. The fresh and humid climate of this place fosters the development of these exotic plants. Located to the west of Havana inside the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve,it lies outside the town of Candelaria in the province of Artemisa.

A New Cuban Atlas

By Ana Laura Arbesú

The Institute of Tropical Geography (IGT in Spanish) was founded in 1962 by Cuban geographer, archaeologist and speleologist Núñez Jiménez, the brains behind the “Amazon to Caribbean Canoe Voyage”, and the organization will celebrate its 55th anniversary with a number of projects.

Guanahacabibes, Inspiring Young People to Protect Biosphere

By: Ana Laura Arbesú, Photos: Prensa Latina

Almost thirty years after its inauguration, the Guanacahabibes Peninsula biosphere reserve showcases Cuba’s endemic wildlife and also offers ways to conserve it.

Alejandro de Humboldt National Park: A Gem for Ecotourism

By Yadira Cruz, Photos: Publicitur and Prensa Latina

Located in the heart of the Cuchillas del Toa Biosphere Reserve, the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park constitutes one of the most attractive choices for eco-tourists in eastern Cuba.

Charco Azul Ranch, Nature Tourism

By Mailín Suárez Díaz, Photos: Courtesy of Flora y Fauna

Located in the western province of Artemisa, between the small town of Cayajabos and the 47th km of the National Havana-Pinar del Rio Highway, the Charco Azul Ranch is ideal for lovers of birdwatching, hiking and horseback riding. The site, which today belongs to the National Wildlife Protection Company (ENPPFF) has a centuries-old history.

U.S. and Cuban Natural History Museums Form Closer Ties

By: Alfredo Boada Mola

The prestigious New York Natural History Museum is interested in establishing closer ties with Cuba through research, education and museum curation programs relating to the extraordinary biodiversity of the Caribbean island.

Cuba Updates Environmental Strategies

By: Vivian Collazo, Photos by Prensa Latina

Cuba´s Biological Diversity Program and action plan, in the process of being updated for the 2015-2020 period, aims to stop national biodiversity losses through sustainable options and the implementation of conservation measures. Experts are confident that a document outlining the way forward could be drafted by identifying and establishing courses of action consistent with the national political, social, and economic guidelines, as well as with the Economy Plan and development strategies for the implementation of international environmental commitments.

Finding Zestos Skippers on Cayo Coco Cuba

By: Marc C. Minno and Douglas M. Fernández-Hernández

Although once a common butterfly in the Keys, the Florida population of the Zestos Skipper (Epargyreus zestosoberon) now appears to be extinct.

Cuba to Expand Beach Restoration Project

By Adalys Pilar

Cuban scientists are promoting the restoration of popular beaches located east of Havana as part of a project that covers about eight miles of the island’s northern coast.

To Protect Nature is to Protect Humanity

By Mercy Ramos Photos: Courtesy of Osmel Francis, José Meriño

It is no secret for anybody that the future of humanity is in the hands of man himself; hence, the need to make the right decisions now and to change our lifestyles to be able to ensure the preservation of the human species and the planet in general in the near future.

Fotosub 2014, another opportunity for photography professionals

People who love underwater photography have another great opportunity coming up: Fotosub2014, which will be held in May in the waters that surround Cayo Largo, a paradise-like little island located in southern Cuba.

Marlin and Mayo Oldiri team up to promote recreational fishing in northern Cuba

By Dominic Soave

​One of the world’s most prestigious safari companies, Mayo Oldiri of Spain, owned by Antonio Reguera—who was awarded by Safari Club International as the best professional hunter of 2013—is now going into recreational fishing, and has just signed a contract with Cuba’s Marina Marlin.

Boca de Guamá Protecting the Cuban Crocodile

By Wilfredo Alayón

​Boca de Guamá, the most popular tourist center in the swampland of Ciénaga de Zapata in the western Cuban province of Matanzas, is home to an important crocodile breeding farm.The Ciénaga de Zapata is the largest and best-preserved wetland in the Caribbean islands, and is a Biosphere Reserve and Ramsar site.

Renewable Energy, a Praiseworthy thy Option

Cuba, like any other developing country, needs above all to conserve resources for electric power generation, which is why studies are underway to make it possible in the not-so-distant future to extensively develop renewable energy. 

The Clearwing Butterfly

By: Raúl García / Photo by Luis Olmo

The glasswinged butterfly (Greta oto), is rare and little-known in Cuba. However, a local species, the Greta cubana, can be found in the country's central and eastern mountains, particularly the Guamuhaya —also known as the Sierra del Escambray— in Sancti Spíritus province.