This study identifies forests as fundamental ecosystems for climate regulation, soil protection, and oxygen production. In Cuba, these ecosystems include tropical rainforests and pine forests, each with favorable characteristics for the conservation of endemic species. The mangrove forests, among the largest in the Caribbean, are an important natural barrier against storm surges and erosion.

Tropical rainforests, for example, are found in areas such as Moa and Sierra Cristal, in the province of Holguín, where rainfall is frequent; while pine forests prevail in mountainous regions.

Cuba has more than six thousand plant species, abundant in UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserves, such as the Sierra del Rosario in Artemisa province and the Cuchillas del Toa in Guantánamo.

However, all this natural wealth is affected by various phenomena, such as deforestation, land use for agriculture, the expansion of human settlements, and fires. Pinar del Rio was the most hard-hit province, with 30 events that damaged 479 hectares of forest, followed by Isla de la Juventud and Cienfuegos.

In March, two major fires were reported: one in Torre Vieja, Pinar del Rio, which burned 400 hectares, and another one in Los Ñames in Guamuta, Holguin, which damaged more than 80 hectares. This is why initiatives such as firebreaks (or double track, a gap in vegetation or other combustible material that acts as a barrier to slow or stop the progress of a bushfire) have gained ground in provinces like Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, and Holguin.

The country’s commitment to increasing forest cover is also notable, with Santiago de Cuba having the largest planted area (1,929.8 hectares); followed by Holguin, with 1,152.7 hectares; and Guantanamo, with 1,141. The comprehensive report published in Cubadebate shows the official potentials and concern regarding this issue in terms of its impact on the national economy.

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