Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
Camaguey, May 29th. - With themes focused on animal production and the development of livestock systems that contribute to sustainability from forest ecosystem services, the first Forest, Livestock and Environment workshop was held in Camagüey.
The event was held at the Santa Cecilia Convention Center in the Agramonte’s capital and was organized by the State Forest Service (SEF) and the Cuban Association of Agricultural and Forestry Technicians (ACTAF).
During the meeting specialists of the SEF at the national and provincial levels together with professionals from institutions such as the University of Camaguey gave three master conferences. They addressed issues such as the history of livestock in the region, the challenges arising from climate change, the synergistic relationship between livestock production and forest conservation, and the importance of silsolastarial systems as a key strategy for achieving sustainable development goals.
The meeting was divided into three working committees that facilitated the exchange of experiences between producers, especially young people, from different territories. Discussion was discussed on the implementation of silvopastoril in natural forests, its potential and integrated management in diversified and agroecological farms dedicated to livestock.
Ailena Alberto Águila, producer of the Vhidra estate in Jimaguayú, who has been a farmer for a year and two months as a farmer, stressed that forest management in synergy with livestock is fundamental to achieve good results. She applies reforestation practices with timber and fruit trees, which ensures greater welfare for animals and contributes to improving biodiversity.
María Felicia Díaz Sánchez, director general of the Institute of Animal Science in Cuba, said at the conclusion of the event that this workshop represents an opportunity to promote paradigm shifts in silvopastorial systems in forested areas. In addition, she highlighted the importance of the meeting as a prelude to the SILVOPAT International Congress, to be held in Cuba from 20 to 24 October. In this space, sustainable and resilient livestock will be discussed, with special emphasis on the presence of trees in productive systems.
The workshop was also attended by Moisés González Rivas, head of the SEF in Jimaguayú; Juan Herrero Echeverría, expert in silvopastorial systems of the Directorate of the National Forest Service; and Odalys Marrero Vallina, president of ACTAF in Camagüey.
Marrero Vallina emphasized training, outreach and environmental education efforts in the province, as well as ACTAF's collaboration with the SEF to strengthen forest extension and promote sustainable practices in livestock systems.
This meeting shows the importance of promoting silvopastorial systems on more than 25,000 hectares of the region, contributing to the sustainable development and conservation of the natural resources of Camagüey. (Gleibis Gómez Durvas/Radio Cadena Agramonte) (Photos: Internet taken and Lilian Conde Blanco/Radio Cadena Agramonte)
