Cuba has more than 4,000 islets and keys in its archipelago. It is home to one of the largest coral reefs in the world.
cuba climate change
Photo: GCCA+, Mundo Latino Cuba

Most readers are familiar with the 90 miles that represent the distance between Cuba and Florida. But you might not know that Cuba has over 3,000 miles of coastline and more than 4,000 islets and keys in its archipelago. It is home to one of the largest coral reefs in the world and plays a big role in the fight against climate change. 

The Cuban archipelago boasts a magnificent marine biodiversity. It is home to various fish species as well as some endangered migratory species, such as marine sea turtles. A combination of a lack of new coastal developments, low use of fertilizers, tight controls on commercial fishing, the establishment of protected areas and a smaller human footprint have meant that Cuba’s coasts are relatively much cleaner than others in the area and are a mecca for divers and snorkelers.

cuba climate change
Photo: GCCA+, Mundo Latino Cuba

Over the past decades, many stakeholders such as the Cuban Center for Coastal Ecosystem Research, have been monitoring and protecting these areas using an integrative management approach that supports both the natural environment and local communities. 

…you might not know that Cuba has over 3,000 miles of coastline and more than 4,000 islets and keys in its archipelago.

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment has prioritized coral reef research but a lack of resources has been an ongoing challenge. Furthermore, a combination of climate change, pollution, overfishing, and sedimentation have contributed to the deterioration of parts of the coral reefs. 

Despite these continuous challenges, coastal conservation has been prioritized, both by Cuban institutions and through international collaborations. 

Related Post: Our Lessons From Ecuador’s Cloud Forest

In February 2020, the European Union, through the Global Alliance for Climate Change, provided a $4M fund for a program named “Resiliencia Costera” or “Building coastal resilience in Cuba through natural solutions for adaptation to climate change”. 

This program is led by the Environment Agency of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme. It aims to strengthen the ability of vulnerable coastal communities and sectors to adapt to climate change. One way it plans to do this is through the restoration of mangrove ecosystems.

cuba climate change
Photo: GCCA+, Mundo Latino Cuba

Increasing sea levels, storm events and more put coastal communities at high risk of water contamination and coastal degradation. Alarmingly, 119 coastal human settlements have been identified at extreme risk of climate change impact and and 21 are predicted to disappear by the year 2100.

The program even has a short video on YouTube which features interviews with various Cuban scientists. As Colonel Luis Ángel Macareño explains: “This project is important because it supports all the tasks that we have been developing: we will continue to strengthen and implement our disaster risk reduction management plans nationwide.”

Since 2017, Cuba has adopted an integrated national policy for mitigating climate change, commonly known as Tarea Vida. The program specifies progressive investments in the short- (by 2020), medium- (by 2030), long- (by 2050) and very long (by 2100) terms. 

The adoption of climate change resiliency strategies — including coastal conservation, will not only protect the lives, dwellings and lands of coastal communities but also their sources of work and livelihood. National industries including the fishing, agriculture and tourism sectors are all vulnerable to climate shocks. 

Over the course of the past year and with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cuba has suffered from a food crisis and a shrinking of its economy. Given this context, a post COVID-19 recovery will necessitate an integrative approach that not only addresses climate change resiliency but also includes strategies for protecting people’s livelihoods. 

startup cuba youtube
Watch Startup Cuba’s replay videos here on YouTube.

More of the Latest Stories From Startup Cuba

ConBAC: Cuba’s Blooming Craft Cocktail Scene

Havana’s Hottest New Stays

Is the Face of Havana Changing?

Some of Havana’s Best Art Isn’t in Museums—It’s on the Street

10 People You Probably Didn’t Know Were Cuban-American

Crowdfunding in Cuba: Bringing Art to Life (On a Budget)

Safa Shahkhalili is the founder and host of the “Rethinking Development Podcast.” She lived and studied in five countries before graduating from high school, and her interest in cultural studies led her to study anthropology in Canada and Denmark. She has since worked on various international development research projects. Her interest in Cuba began in 2016 and has grown through the many lovely Cubans she has met over the years, including her partner. Safa used to be a standup/slam poet and yoga teacher!

Add comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cuba
10 People You Didn't Know Were Cuban-Americans
startup cuba episode one teaser
jews in cuba
netflix taco chronicles teaser
cuba street photography
clandestina episode teaser
Ecuador Mashpi Lodge
Loading...