TAKE A WALK ON CUBA'S GREEN SIDE
Plant diversity and endemism have incredibly high rates in the Caribbean islands, and about one-quarter of the region’s vascular flora can only be found on Cuba. As such, Cuba remains the Caribbean’s most biologically significant island in terms of biodiversity.
Cuba is home to over 6500 vascular plants, about half of which are endemic; further, as the largest island, Cuba accounts for around 48% of the hotspot’s land area, which also allows it to house half of the Caribbean’s endemic plants. Cuba’s conservation and preservation efforts remain of the utmost importance, now, as 950 plant species in Cuba are endangered, rare, or have become extinct over the course of the past 350 years.
Agriculture and tourism have also continued to threaten the natural ecosystems of the Caribbean islands. However, while under 15 percent of Cuba’s forests remain inviolate, these forests are the largest untouched forested expanses in the Caribbean. Cuba holds many beautiful treasures in its verdant lands, and with their intense conversation efforts Cuba intends to preserve its unique attractions.