Climate Change Adaptation Project underway in Eastern Cuban Locality

Santiago de Cuba, March 1 (ACN) The Eastern Center of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (BIOECO) is implementing a research project based on the mitigation of climate change effects on the Biosphere Reserve of the locality of Baconao, an ecosystem damaged by drought and tropical storms.

Arturo Salmeron, project coordinator, told ACN about the inappropriate extraction of timber, sand and the excessive use of chemicals, which has stepped up local erosion. Baconao is a protected area of national interest and it’s crucial to recover partially deteriorated areas.

Following preliminary assessments, the expert referred to the drawing up of an eight-year reforestation plan for river areas, the use of cattle grazing techniques and environmental education for local producers.

The environmental project is sponsored by the International Climate Initiative, from Germany and by the Green Gold governmental organization, along another three Cuban institutions.

BIOECO leads important research projects related to disaster risk management and biologic diversity conservation.