Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes the natural biodiversity, ecosystems, and landscapes of the Cuban Archipelago, highlighting that due to its insularity, geology and soil variety, there is a high level of endemism, particularly in the terrestrial biota. It explains Cuba’s protected areas which are managed through the National System of Protected Areasnot only to protect their biological diversity and the ecosystem services they provide, but also to favour the connection between fragments of ecosystems in natural and managed landscapes. The book provides a description of the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve, located in the easternmost part of the Guaniguanico Mountain Range in western Cuba. It presents an analysis of the Cuchillas del Toa Biosphere Reserve in the eastern region of Cuba. The book focuses on the Baconao Biosphere Reserve, also in eastern Cuba.