The National Botanical Garden of Cuba is grappling with a challenging recovery process following the severe impact of Hurricane Rafael, which caused significant damage to its extensive plant collection and infrastructure. Carlos Manuel Pérez Cuevas, the institution's director, shared with the official portal CubaDebate that restoring the garden will be a daunting task due to the country's limited resources.
Spanning over 478 hectares and home to approximately 300,000 trees, the natural disaster left its mark: more than 500 trees suffered complete or partial damage, with at least 150 entirely uprooted. Additionally, essential infrastructure, including the central food plaza and roof structures, sustained serious damage.
"Recovery will demand time, effort, and resources that are scarce in the country," Pérez acknowledged, emphasizing that the extent of the damage cannot be resolved immediately. Although the Botanical Garden is 90% self-funded, the income generated from visitors barely suffices to cover basic operational costs and assist in the recovery process.
In the hurricane's aftermath, the initial focus was on clearing blocked areas, obstructed by over 50 large fallen trees that hindered access. Teams equipped with chainsaws have been diligently cutting and relocating trunks to clear pathways and make use of the timber where possible.
Despite these efforts, the full restoration of the plant collections and damaged facilities will require a considerable amount of time. The garden had been engaged in a long-term reforestation project, with over 10,000 trees in nurseries and 500 new specimens planted this year. However, the extent of the damage far exceeds expectations, leaving the institution in an ongoing struggle to restore its natural wealth.
Rebuilding in the Face of Adversity
Despite the challenges, the Botanical Garden has resumed essential activities, including public services, events with other institutions, and educational courses. Nevertheless, many buildings still require construction maintenance. "Our task is to progress as much as our capabilities allow and not waste time in recovering everything necessary," Pérez Cuevas concluded, highlighting the workers' dedication despite the scarcity of resources.
The National Botanical Garden, a symbol of Cuba's biodiversity, now relies on collective effort and creative strategies to overcome the hurdles left in the wake of Hurricane Rafael.
Understanding the Challenges of Botanical Garden Recovery
What was the impact of Hurricane Rafael on the National Botanical Garden?
Hurricane Rafael caused extensive damage to the National Botanical Garden's plant collections and infrastructure, with over 500 trees affected and significant damage to essential structures.
Why is the recovery process challenging for the garden?
The recovery is challenging due to limited resources in Cuba, making it difficult to address the extensive damage quickly. The garden's self-funding primarily covers basic operations, leaving little for restoration efforts.
What steps are being taken to restore the garden?
Efforts include clearing blocked areas by removing fallen trees and utilizing the timber where possible. The garden is also focused on resuming essential activities and maintaining educational programs.