Connectivity and biological diversity in the “La Esperanza” Agroforestry Farm, Segundo Frente, Santiago de Cuba

Abstract

Ecological family farms minimize negative impacts on biodiversity and generate variability in products, services and income for farmers' families. The Agroforestry Farm “La Esperanza”, Santiago de Cuba, is an agroecosystem with tree species in coffee plantations. In this research, its role in the conservation of the biodiversity of the Nipe-Sagua-Baracoa mountain range was assessed, based on the description of its phanerogamic diversity, the evaluation of the Principal Agroecological Structure (EAP) and its resilience to climate change. 146 infrageneric taxa were recorded, included in 123 genera and 54 families, endemism represented 4%. Of the total of reported species, six are categorized, of which two are Vulnerable. The agroforestry system reached a medium level of resilience, while the connectivity to the landscape qualified as Slightly Developed. Limitations in the management of the agroecosystem were identified, although these do not disqualify its floristic values and the conservationist approach. The use of the EAP was a useful tool to evaluate the productive management of Cuban mountain agroforestry systems in natural environments.