Havana Province, Cuba. - Experts of the Center of Environmental Information, Management and Education are engaged in a new project to improve prevention, control and management of exotic species that invade Cuban vulnerable ecosystems. 
    
This initiative has been availed by the Environmental World Fund. The specialists involved elaborated on the details in a workshop held in San Antonio de los Baños, Havana Province. This event was attended by representatives of 30 national institutions and UNDP regional consultants. 
    
Dalia Salabarria, one of the authors, informed that the final drafting of the document began right in the meeting of experts. This project seeks to safeguard biological diversity of global importance in vulnerable ecosystems, by building new capacities. 
    
The scientists have chosen 7 trial areas throughout the country, including the two largest swamps, Cienaga de Zapata and Cauto River Delta. They will also work in mountains, farms, and a few coastal areas. 
    
Likewise, they chose vegetable and animal species, whose priority was attached according to their impact in the Island. Some of them are marabou, casuarinas, cayeputi, in the marsh of Cienaga de Zapata; and others like malangueta and African tulip. 
    
Catfishes, mongooses, water buffalos, rats, dogs, cats, wild boars, lion fishes, green mussels and pests detrimental to the crops will be studied in the second phase of the project. 
    
The negative impact of some of those species for Cuban biodiversity, economy and human health will be thoroughly evaluated. The project will appraise as well the benefits and economic importance of using them. 
    
The field trials are expected to take from 4 to 5 five years, and their outcome will be of extraordinary value for the prevention, control and management of invading exotic species. (AIN) 

Translated by: Pedro A. Fanego

( 03.12.2009 10:13 AM )