Holguin Dwarf Cactus, an endemic species to the territory, one of the most protected within the Botanical Garden. Photo: Taken from Ahora

Holguin Contributes to Plant Species Conservation

The Holguin Botanical Garden (JBH), one of the regions with the greatest flora endemism on the Caribbean island, is promoting several projects to protect native plant species in eastern Cuba.

Programs include evolution, management, and sustainable use, environmental education, visitor counseling, and systematic staff training.

Eddie Batista Ricardo, director of the institution, told CNA that the collection includes 88 endemic species and 338 that are categorized on the Cuban Red List (2016). According to the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Regarding environmental education efforts, the director stated that they are primarily aimed at communities. Students at all educational levels, and senior citizens at senior citizen homes in the city of Holguin.

In this regard, Batista Ricardo argued that they encourage the use of conservation practices through educational talks, interest groups, photography exhibitions, environmental festivals, and waste disposal initiatives.

He stated that other services include the characterization of the biodiversity of protected areas. The restoration of beach flora, the rental of natural spaces for recreational activities, photography and audiovisual productions. The wholesale and retail sale of plants, as well as the design, installation, and maintenance of gardens and green areas.

The JBH, located in the Mayabe Valley, belongs to the Center for Environmental Research and Services. It is classified as a multipurpose orchard according to the International Agenda for the Conservation of Botanical Gardens.

With information from CNA