Small Island Big Results - Cuba and UNDP-GEF present results

On the 31st of January, the UNDP released a photo-essay on the results of different projects implemented in Cuba in order to reach a sustainable management of the ecosystem. 

The photo-essay recently released by UNDP displays remarkable photos and presents the results achieved by the Government of Cuba, with support from UNDP and funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), in implementing a sustainable management of the Sabana-Camagüey Ecosystem. This ecosystem is considered as a biodiversity treasure in the Caribbean and is vital for different local communities. Using nature-based solutions Cuba government and UNDP-GEF were able to conserve valuable ecosystems, prioritise biodiversity in development planning, and build sustainable communities.

The Sabana-Camagüey region ecosystem was threatened by different pressures as a result of unsustainable practices in sectors such as agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and tourism. Using nature-based solutions, Cuba and its partners built an entire portfolio of interconnected and complementary projects that address multiple issues across the entire country. A distinctive feature of these projects was the established partnerships among scientists, key economic sectors, conservation authorities, regulatory authorities, local government bodies and communities. Different projects on biodiversity-compatible livelihoods were introduced such as, nature-based tourism, agro-forestry, bee-keeping, sustainable livestock management, and the sustainable cultivation of mangrove oysters and natural sponges.

The net effect of these changes has been to restore ecosystem health, with additional benefits for food security and economic prosperity (SDGs 1,2,14,15). Best practices developed in the region have now been scaled-up and replicated at other sites.

We encourage you to read the entire photo-essay here.

For more stories highlighting 25 years of UNDP and GEF support in environmental innovation for sustainable development, read the full UNDP-GEF publication, Voices of Impact: Speaking for the Global Commons.