Cuban Delegation Visits CATIE to Exchange Knowledge on Mangrove Restoration

• Researchers emphasized the importance of their visit as part of a project their institution is developing in the Cuban province of Mayabeque, focused on reducing the carbon footprint through the restoration of mangroves and other coastal forests.

A delegation from the Institute of Tropical Geography of Cuba visited CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) to strengthen collaboration on topics such as ecological restoration of mangroves, blue carbon, and water footprint.

The delegation, composed of researcher Miriam Labrada Pons, geographer Elieser Mármol Fundora, and hydrologist José Luis Batista Silva, participated in a knowledge exchange session organized by CATIE’s Climate Action Unit.

The visit included presentations on CATIE’s expertise in mangrove mapping, geographic information systems, remote sensing, and ecological restoration projects currently underway on the institution’s campus.

Additionally, the Watersheds, Soils, and Water Security Unit shared insights on water footprint measurement, a key topic for the sustainable management of coastal ecosystems.

Danilo Torres Gómez, from CATIE’s Climate Action Unit, led the technical discussions and highlighted the importance of the exchange in fostering future collaborations. "These types of visits not only allow us to share experiences but also help identify joint opportunities to advance the conservation and restoration of key ecosystems such as mangroves," Torres stated.

Impressions from the Cuban Delegation

Miriam Labrada Pons, a researcher at the Institute of Tropical Geography, expressed her satisfaction with the experience:
"We came to learn about the alternatives and methods used by CATIE in mangrove restoration, as well as in the application of geographic information systems and the measurement of the water footprint. We were welcomed with great openness and professionalism, which motivates us to explore future collaborations on these topics."

Labrada Pons also highlighted the importance of the visit within the framework of a project their institution is developing in the Cuban province of Mayabeque, focused on reducing the carbon footprint through the restoration of mangroves and other coastal forests.

Toward Strategic Collaboration

The connection between the Institute of Tropical Geography and CATIE was facilitated by recommendations from other institutions that recognize the expertise of both entities in areas of shared interest. This initial exchange paves the way for strategic collaborations in areas such as blue carbon, ecological restoration, and water resource management.

The Cuban delegation will continue their visit to Costa Rica by exploring mangrove restoration initiatives in the Gulf of Nicoya, aiming to apply the lessons learned to their projects in Cuba.