Preparation of a biocultural identity map in the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve for agro-tourism purposes

The Instituto de Investigaciones Fundamentales en Agricultura Tropical ‘Alejandro de Humboldt' (INIFAT), together with other governmental and non-governmental organizations, has engaged in the development of innovative mechanisms for the valorisation and certification of quality products with territorial identity in the Biosphere Reserves. Since this approach was new for the Cuban context, a preliminary methodology was elaborated based on lessons learned through a Diploma course in Territorial Development with Cultural Identity in Chiloé, Chile, in which a representative from Cuba participated in 2013. ‘Biocultural identity maps’ were then elaborated for the Biosphere Reserves ‘Sierra del Rosario’ and ‘Cuchillas del Toa’. This methodology allows to ‘draw’ the territory in its historical, cultural, economic and ecological dimensions, and on this basis to develop and implement a ‘basket’ of goods and services carrying the biocultural identity; local stakeholders take a leading role in identifying elements that should be included in the map and in establishing requirements for access to labels and seals. The final bulletin, accompanied by interviews with stakeholders, allows to visualize the activities that are carried out by each of them, and to guide tourists on their way to explore the products and services derived.