A Geographic Perspective of Cuba s Changing Landscapes

This book is based on research that gives the reader a nonfiction view of how Cuba's landscape has changed since the time when Columbus first set foot on the island and encountered the Indigenous peoples who lived there in 1492 to present day.

An analysis of landscape change over time is presented and that transformation from a heavily forested island to less than (currently) 18% forest cover is described. The government has established a system of protected areas and strong governmental controls over environmental policies and the manner with which the island can be built upon by foreign investors, urban expansion projects, or natural resource exploitation.

Current GIS and remote sensing research of Cuba's atmosphere, physical landscape and aquatic features is provided to underscore the complex environmental structures that epitomize Cuba.

The author discusses past, present and future impact factors including history, technological assessments, laws and policies, relationships with other countries and education.

Offers unique interrelated issues that are of upmost importance to those interested in the future of Cuba Includes maps of data showcasing land use and land cover changes as well as sea level rise prediction Focusses on the role of education in moving forward towards a sustainable future

Contenu
Chap 1. Historical Background of Cuban Land Cover Change.- Chap 2. Linking Causal Factors to Areas of Highest Change.- Chap 3. Governmental Organization and Control Over Environmental Policies.- Chap 4. Establishment and Description of Current Park/ Protected Areas System.- Chap 5. History of Remote Sensing and GIS as It Relates to Assessment of Land Use and Land Cover Changes Over Time.- Chap 6. Cuban Environment, the Past, Present and Future.- Index.