Author(s)

J. D. Davey

Abstract

West of Havana, in the heart of the Rosario Mountain Chain, this natural complex covers more than 5,000 hectares. Ecology-oriented, the Las Terrazas complex is associated with the Ecological Research Center for Sierra del Rosario Reserve, responsible for monitoring and studying the mountain chain’s different ecosystems. The humid tropical climate results in the area’s predominance of evergreen forests and abundant array of wildlife. Many beautiful bird species inhabit this area, including sparrows, nightingales and the Cuban trogon. Located in the heart of the Mountain range of the Rosary, declared by UNESCO a Reserve of the Biosphere, 50 km to the West of Havana, is the tourist complex "the Terraces". It is an experience of sustainable development, in a natural space of 5 000 hectares, with a laborious community of 1,000 inhabitants, where they harmonize natural and the moderate action of man, with an aesthetic sense, in a conservacionista scope with more than 30 years of experience. Las Terrazas sets an example of Cuba’s concern with sustainability to include: (1) Raising the standard of living through satisfying in an integral manner the material and social needs of the population with emphasis on raising the educational and cultural level and including the environmental dimension in the economic and social development of the country, (2) Integration of economic, fiscal, commercial, energy, agriculture and industry policies to protect the environment and guarantee the sustainable use of natural resources in a framework of justice and equity, (3) Preserving for the next millennium the social achievements of the revolutionary process, (4) Defending collective access to the fundamental social services which are the guarantee of equity supporting sustainability, (5) Searching for greater efficiency in the productive processes, alternative sources of energy and sustainable agriculture practices, (6) Better education and dissemination processes aimed at increasing environmental awareness, and (7) Finding solutions to key environmental problems in the country such as land degradation, water contamination, sewage and environmental conditions in human settlements, deforestation, and loss of biological diversity. Keywords: sustainable environments, conservation, environmental politics.

Keywords

sustainable environments, conservation, environmental politics.