Cuba: Honey Bearing Flora in Biosphere Reserve

Pinar del Río, Cuba, 7. -Cuban scientists have extended their research to the abundant and diverse honey bearing flora of the Guanahacabibes peninsula with varieties favored in conservation projects of this Biosphere Reserve.

Specialists of the Casa de la Miel, which is unique in Cuba, lead these studies in a region noted for its rich honey tradition that goes back to colonial times.

The region also known as El Cabo (the Cape) has over a hundred honey bearing species that are free of contamination due to their location in a maximum preservation zone, Lazaro Marquez, director of the Guanahacabibes National Park, told Prensa Latina.

He added that they dream of being able to label the honey from this region with its place of origin or trademark for commercial purposes. He considers that it is an exclusive product, obtained in a highly conserved area that has the largest forest reserve in the island.

The Casa de la Miel is a peculiar space that overflows the building's walls to promote research projects on local vegetation.

The museum exhibits articles used in apiculture that include a collection of equipment and tools used in harvesting the hives.

The institution also honors the legacy of Francisco "Fico" Varela, an emblematic figure in apiculture culture in this habitat that is one of last jungles in the Caribbean.

Situated in the western tip of the archipelago, the site is home to seven species of sea turtles, as well as migratory birds, iguanas, deer and hutias (Capromyidae).

This privileged area that has recovered from devastating hurricanes has highly exceptional beehives, explained Marquez. jun (Prensa Latina)