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Human
This is a picture of a busy street in downtown Havana, the capital city of Cuba. What's interesting is the overwhelming abundance of vintage cars on the road. You would think it's a picture of Cuba from the 1950's but it actually of present day Cuba. Turns out with the American Embargo of Cuba following the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1960 Cuba lost it's main source of new vehicles. It has been out of necessity and tradition that Cubans keep their old cars running in order to be able to afford having vehicles on the road. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2015, from https://stevemckelvie.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/cuba-cars-1.jpg Human Cuba of course is a Caribbean Island with a diverse population of people from European, African, Hispanic, and Indigenous descent. Their traditional clothing is just as colorful as the people who populate the country. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2015, from http://globerove.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/cuban-clothes.jpg Human Farming is an important part of Cuba's economy. The man pictured here is harvesting tobacco leaves from a farm in the rich plains of the country. Perhaps it will be rolled into one of those world famous Cuban cigars! Other important crops grown in the country are rice, potatoes, plantains, bananas, cassava, tomatoes and corn. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2015, from http://michelezousmer.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/MG_1499-Version-2.jpg Human Pictured here is the Capitol Building in downtown Havana. Cuba has been under communist rule since 1959 when Fidel Castro and his militia took control of the Island to the dismay of the United States. It is one of the last remaining socialist countries in the world and power has been passed on recently to Fidel's brother Raul due to Fidel's failing health. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2015, from http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/NigelWaring/MV%20Discovery%202007/CF14.jpg Human This is a picture of the Cathedral De Havana. Over half of Cubans identify themselves as being Christians with the majority of those belonging to the Roman Catholic Church. Cuba is officially a secular state. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2015, from http://www.cubawanderer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Cathedral-of-Havana-photo-by-Manu_H.jpg Physical As a Caribbean island Cuba enjoys some of the most picturesque coastlines and beaches in the world. With white sandy beaches comes tourists and Cuba's tourism industry is an important part of their economy. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2015, from http://www.allabouttailormadetravel.com/cuba/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Cuban-beaches-zc.jpg Physical While the majority of Cuba lies under 250 Meters above sea level certain pockets of the country have majestic hills and mountains like the Sierra Maestro Mountain range pictured here. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2015, from http://www.historyofcuba.com/images/gallery/SieMae.jpg Physical Cuba lacks many large mammalian species due to its isolation as an island, but it still offers a wide array of flora and fauna for those interested parties. Pictured here are migratory flamingos, and if you visit Cuba you can also see such exotic creatures as iguanas, crocodiles, hummingbirds, and a wide variety of sea creatures just off it's shores. Retrieved September 18,2015,from http://www-tc.pbs.org/wnet/nature/files/2008/08/610_cuba_wildlife.jpg Physical This is an aerial shot of Cuba's largest and farthest flowing river. The Rio Cuato flows for 230 miles and empties into the Caribbean. Apparently only 70 miles of this are navigable and it is strongly advised not to drink the water. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2015, from https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/74/Rio-cauto-cuba.JPG Physical This is a picture of the El Nico Waterfall, a popular tourist attraction and swimming hole. Cuba has a temperate tropical climate and offers many eco-tourism attractions such as this waterfall for would be travellers. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2015, from http://www.weather2travel.com/images_content/el-nicho-waterfall-cuba.jpg |
Biodiversity and Cultural Diversity
Cuba is recognized by scientists and biologists around the globe as the most ecologically diverse island in the Caribbean, and has even been coined as the, “Accidental Eden.” (PBS) The Island nation is roughly 40,000 square miles and has a population of 11,000,000 people, but it still maintains a plethora of endemic species of flora and fauna. There are approximately 7,500 plant species and 19,600 animal species with 50% of those being native to the Island. At the same time Cuba has a great deal of cultural diversity as well with people from all across the globe. As is the case in most areas this biological and culturally diversity has had effects on one another throughout the history of Cuba.
Some of the original inhabitants of Cuba were the Guanahatabeyes and the Tainos. The Guanahatabeyes were known as a “shell” culture as they were nomadic hunter gatherers who used the natural biodiversity of the island to fashion tools and jewelry. The Tainos Indians were the first to bring permanent agriculture to Cuba and artifacts have been found of them fashioning sculptures and carvings of animals who they revered as spirits of the natural world. The colorful plants and animals that inhabit a sub-tropical Caribbean island have also had an effect of modern day Cubans as well.
The majority of today’s Cubans are of either Spanish or African descent with many being a blend of the two. Along with Catholicism one of Cuba’s major religions is named Santeria. Santeria is a blend of African customs and traditions with Catholic rituals. The interesting part though is that the religion also incorporates native Cuban plants and animals into its practices. For example, Orishas (spirits), are seen as saints in Santeria. One of these Saints, Elegua, is represented by, “hedionda herb, jerubana, gua-guao pepper, and Mastic Trees, all of which are Cuban Plants.” (Luis, 29) As can be seen from this quote this diverse nation has blended aspects of human and biological diversity to come up with its own unique blend of culture.
Something affecting the Cuban bio and cultural diversity in a great way these days is the tourism industry. Cuba is the largest Caribbean Island and has thousands of miles of beautiful coastline which helps to bring in nearly 3 million visitors a annually. “Cuba boasts a wide selection of activities for ecotourists, including hiking along one of over 100 nature trails, cycling, horseback riding, spelunking, nature observation, photo tourism and speleo-scuba diving.” (Autentica Cuba). Cuba is home to 263 protected areas that covers nearly 22% of all Cuban lands. So Eco-Tourism is pouring money into the economy while helping to protect the nation’s natural treasures.
Citations:
A Brief Environmental History. (2011, April 7). Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/cuba-the-accidental-eden-a-brief-environmental-history/5830/
Calzadilla, E. (n.d.). Cuba and its Biodiversity. Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=93596
The First Cubans. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://www.historyofcuba.com/history/oriente/tainos.htm
Luis, W. (2001). Culture and customs of Cuba. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press.
Ecotourism. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://autenticacuba.com/ecotourism/#axzz3rp03t5Cr
Cuba is recognized by scientists and biologists around the globe as the most ecologically diverse island in the Caribbean, and has even been coined as the, “Accidental Eden.” (PBS) The Island nation is roughly 40,000 square miles and has a population of 11,000,000 people, but it still maintains a plethora of endemic species of flora and fauna. There are approximately 7,500 plant species and 19,600 animal species with 50% of those being native to the Island. At the same time Cuba has a great deal of cultural diversity as well with people from all across the globe. As is the case in most areas this biological and culturally diversity has had effects on one another throughout the history of Cuba.
Some of the original inhabitants of Cuba were the Guanahatabeyes and the Tainos. The Guanahatabeyes were known as a “shell” culture as they were nomadic hunter gatherers who used the natural biodiversity of the island to fashion tools and jewelry. The Tainos Indians were the first to bring permanent agriculture to Cuba and artifacts have been found of them fashioning sculptures and carvings of animals who they revered as spirits of the natural world. The colorful plants and animals that inhabit a sub-tropical Caribbean island have also had an effect of modern day Cubans as well.
The majority of today’s Cubans are of either Spanish or African descent with many being a blend of the two. Along with Catholicism one of Cuba’s major religions is named Santeria. Santeria is a blend of African customs and traditions with Catholic rituals. The interesting part though is that the religion also incorporates native Cuban plants and animals into its practices. For example, Orishas (spirits), are seen as saints in Santeria. One of these Saints, Elegua, is represented by, “hedionda herb, jerubana, gua-guao pepper, and Mastic Trees, all of which are Cuban Plants.” (Luis, 29) As can be seen from this quote this diverse nation has blended aspects of human and biological diversity to come up with its own unique blend of culture.
Something affecting the Cuban bio and cultural diversity in a great way these days is the tourism industry. Cuba is the largest Caribbean Island and has thousands of miles of beautiful coastline which helps to bring in nearly 3 million visitors a annually. “Cuba boasts a wide selection of activities for ecotourists, including hiking along one of over 100 nature trails, cycling, horseback riding, spelunking, nature observation, photo tourism and speleo-scuba diving.” (Autentica Cuba). Cuba is home to 263 protected areas that covers nearly 22% of all Cuban lands. So Eco-Tourism is pouring money into the economy while helping to protect the nation’s natural treasures.
Citations:
A Brief Environmental History. (2011, April 7). Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/cuba-the-accidental-eden-a-brief-environmental-history/5830/
Calzadilla, E. (n.d.). Cuba and its Biodiversity. Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=93596
The First Cubans. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://www.historyofcuba.com/history/oriente/tainos.htm
Luis, W. (2001). Culture and customs of Cuba. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press.
Ecotourism. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://autenticacuba.com/ecotourism/#axzz3rp03t5Cr