By the end of 2015, a total of 211 protected areas had been identified in Cuba, 77 of which are of national importance given their natural ecosystems and cultural values.
According to figures from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (Citma), of the total protected areas, 103 are approved by the Council of Ministers Executive Committee and subject to environmental management programs, which could be extended to a further 16 zones, currently being evaluated.
Many of the zones are internationally recognized, such as the Guanahacabibes, Buenavista, Baconao and Cuchillas del Toa biosphere reserves, as well as the Alejandro de Humboldt and Desembarco del Granma national parks, also declared Natural World Heritage sites.
Created with the aim of supporting conservation efforts, promoting the sustainable use of the country’s natural environment and heritage, as well as other resources, the protected areas are home to a diversity of fauna and flora with endemic species constituting over 95 and 85%, respectively.
(Granma)