Cuba may have been restricted politically and economically for the past 50 years, but its borders have remained open to wildlife for which Cuba’s undeveloped islands are an irresistible draw. While many islands in the Caribbean have poisoned or paved over their ecological riches on land and in the sea in pursuit of a growing tourist industry, Cuba’s wild landscapes have remained virtually untouched, creating a safe haven for rare and intriguing indigenous animals, as well as for hundreds of species of migrating birds and marine creatures. Coral reefs have benefited, too. Independent research has shown that Cuba’s corals are doing much better than others both in the Caribbean and around the world.
Scientific research in Cuba on creatures such as the notoriously aggressive “jumping” crocodile, and the famous painted snails, paired with long-term ecological efforts on behalf of sea turtles, has been conducted primarily by devoted local experts. Conservation and research in Cuba can be a constant struggle for scientists who earn little for their work. But their work is their passion, and no less important than that of those collecting larger salaries. NATURE follows these scientists as they explore the crocodile population of Zapata swamp, the birth of baby sea turtles, and the mysteries of evolution demonstrated by creatures that travel no more than 60 yards in a lifetime.
As the possibility of an end to the U.S. trade embargo looms, Cuba’s wildlife hangs in the balance. Most experts predict that the end of the embargo could have devastating results. Tourism could double, and the economic development associated with tourism and other industries could change the face of what was once a nearly pristine ecosystem. Or Cuba could set an example for development and conservation around the world, defining a new era of sustainability well beyond Cuba’s borders.
Cuba: The Accidental Eden premieres Sunday, September 26, 2010 on PBS (check local listings).
Great program! It reminded me of the other Nature show on Cuba several years ago.
I would have liked to have seen more on the Bee Hummingbird and the Cuban Tody
I find it hilarious that some people in the US only see the rest of the world in terms of their country’s relationship with it. Cuba is under a dictatorship, plain and simple. Everything is geared to keeping the ruling family in power. If showing some sensitivity to the environment will win Raúl and Fidel any favors with whomever, they will preach conservation and hug trees. If anyone offers enough money to start a crocodile leather tannery, they’ll round up every croc left in Zapata in ten minutes. The free-health-care-and-education mantra has been one of the most successful marketing coups in History. Just bring your own sheets and syringes to the hospital -a little disinfectant can’t hurt- and if your relatives in exile can send you the needed funding, they’ll fill out most of your prescription. And now that you can read, make sure that you are not caught with “subversive material”.
Interestingly, a good subject for Nature, would be the huge marabú plague that has spread over most of the formerly farming areas, with no efforts whatsoever to control it. This has turned most of the island’s agricultural resources into wastelands. Look up marabú in Google (it is a parasitic shrub).
How many of these rabid kooks on here are Cubans in Floria as opposed to Cubans that live, oh I don’t know, IN FREAKIN’ CUBA? People have to understand that a lot of the wealthy Cubans left or were forced to leave by Castro’s revolution and they’re very bitter about losing their riches.
Just returned from a week in Cuba…sanctioned by the State Dept. I’ve never seen such creativity! Those people work at everything…they have all those old US fifties cars running and beautiful. The spirit of Cuba is thriving. Let’s hope when the embargo is lifted that the good that Castro did, and there is much good, remains. The US has much good too. Why can’t we combine what works in both country and not focus on what doesn’t work. I did not see any homeless…no ‘over weights’. The medical system works! Not enough drugs but lots on prevention.. Cuba is the best example of Eckhart Tolle’s NOW…those people know how to live in the moment. The school children were the greatest. They don’t have all the toys and perks our children do, so they enjoy each other. No T V!! No computers!! So much of Cuba is like the world our parents grew up in…Go to Cuba now and see for yourself…
Natural and conservation is responsability of everyone who reside in this planet. With or without Castro is an obligation. About this matter at least this kind of landscape including water is totally amazing. Imagine, Cuba shores maintain alive a kind of coral that do not exist in any place of this planet. Look how they handle tourism.
Involving children and rest of people in animal conservation. About turtles, that is an excelent job.
What can we do with black water in the lakes, and all kind of pollution.; And we don’t have a Castro.
When the traveling restrictions are lifted, I can only hope we do not love CUBA to death. Like we do so many coastal areas.
Boy, am I glad Americans aren’t allowed to travel to Cuba, Mark in Canada…..
What a beautiful episode of Nature showing people doing wonderful things with so little. It gave me hope in people again. How can get in touch with the Snails lady-researcher? I would like to support her work. Any ideas?
To AFM
Here’s her name: Emma Palacios Lemagne
and her photo is under the right link – Cuba’s Natural Diversity
Also, you might write to the Thirteen staff who produced it (under Production Credits link).
Enjoyed this show. Thanks! My hopes are with life on Cuba, and that it isn’t wrecked by industry and consumerism
So glad I caught this show. I’ve just returned from another Cuban trip. I’ve now been to all the coasts and several of the small Cayos including twice to Cayo Largo and Cayo Santa Maria, even Cayo Blanco on the southwest side. I’m having a love affair with this wonderful place and the equally wonderful people and now realize why. There is a kind of innocence in Cuba. It’s actually difficult to decide where in Cuba to travel to next since there’s not yet been a place I wouldn’t return to there. Above and below the water, It really is an Eden.
How can someone support or offer aid to a scientist in Cuba? Links please…
God Bless Cuba and God bless all the Cuban people and the wildlife and keep those scientist heathy and safe ♥ I Love Cuba and love the Cuban people been there a few time and will go back againa and again ♥
Cuba is a beautiful country with amazing people. Nature is their renewable resource. I wish to live there someday. Blessings to the island!
I love Cuba.
Cuba ismagic
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I have visited Cuba a few times in the past 20 years and I can honestly say there is no more a beautiful place not only from it’s reefs and geography but it’s people, art music etc. I have lived throughout the Caribbean, South America and Central America to name just a few places. I just hate to see what Cuba does with it’s charm and beauty when it opens up to US americans who can turn anything into a …
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Cuba is one of the few countries left with such natural uninhabited landscapes. I especially enjoy the Vista Alegre, Holguin region.
Great show! I enjoyed a lot. Fantastic to see my good friend Toby Ramos talking about his work for decads with the cuban crocs. I love that island.
cuba is magic. i appreciate the fact that it doesnt belong to the us backyard anymore. cuba is independent and has the moral standard like so many latin american countrys to withstand the us dictatorship which was opressed upon for way to long. cuba si!