Juglans jamaicensis

Conservation of a threatened tree in central and western Cuba

Over 50% of Cuba’s plant species are endemic to the island. Commercial forestry, intensive agriculture and growing infrastructure development are putting ever-increasing pressure on this vulnerable flora.

Partnering with Jardín Botánico de Cienfuegos (JBC) the project focussed on increasing awareness in local communities and finding sustainable options for local farmers to integrate coffee production with the conservation of threatened indigenous tree species.

The West Indian Walnut (Juglans jamaicensis) is a particularly charismatic tall tree, growing within central and western parts of the island, and has major potential to serve as a national tree emblem of Cuba’s botanical wealth.

The project’s outcome

  • After extensive field surveys to understand the distribution and population status and size, seeds were collected from wild populations to establish a conservation collection at JBC and other Cuban botanical gardens.
  • At least 15 local farmers have adopted the cultivation of J. jamaicensis.
  • Awareness-raising activities have been conducted with local schools, national news agencies and newspapers.
  • Phenological research has been conducted in situ.
  • A species recovery plan and propagation protocol was developed in 2018 to work toward the long term sustainability of conservation actions.
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people trained
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seedlings grown and planted
$ 0
cost to save the species
0 yrs
duration of project

Project partners

Project sponsors