CubaPLUS Magazine

Cuba’s seas and coastlines are among the island’s most captivating attractions, drawing tourists from around the world. Recognizing their ecological and economic importance, the country has launched Blue Resilience, an ambitious project aimed at adapting to climate change in two key coastal regions: the Guanahacabibes Peninsula and Santa Lucía Beach.

Located at opposite ends of the island—Guanahacabibes in the far west, within Pinar del Río province, and Santa Lucía in the east, in Camagüey province—both areas are national conservation priorities due to their rich ecosystems and vulnerability to coastal risks and climate change.

This four-year initiative is financially backed by the French Global Environment Facility, with technical oversight provided by Cuba’s National Center for Protected Areas and the Camagüey Environmental Research Center.

The Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1987, spans 39,830 hectares, including 15,950 hectares of marine ecosystems. It is a true paradise for nature lovers, ecotourists, and diving enthusiasts.

The region boasts over 700 plant species, with an endemism rate of nearly 20%. It is home to a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including:

• 16 amphibian species

• 35 reptile species

• 192 bird species

• 18 mammal species

• 86 butterfly species

• 109 algae species

• 39 sponge species

• 701 marine mollusk species

• 201 fish species

Additionally, its waters hold the largest reserve of black coral in the Caribbean.

Visitors can explore scenic nature trails and nearly 15 pristine beaches. From May to September, the peninsula’s sandy dunes become a critical nesting ground for four of the world’s seven endangered sea turtle species.

The second focus of the Blue Resilience project, Santa Lucía, lies just south of the Old Bahamas Channel and is one of Cuba’s premier tourist destinations. With 20 kilometers of coral-origin sandy beaches, its calm, crystal-clear waters—free of aggressive marine species—make it ideal for water sports, snorkeling, underwater photography, and swimming.

The presence of a vast offshore coral reef transforms the area into a natural lagoon, offering a serene and safe environment for visitors.

One of Santa Lucía’s most striking natural wonders is its role in the conservation of the Caribbean’s largest population of pink flamingos, which inhabit the surrounding wetlands and nearby cays.

This Cuba-France collaboration is not only strengthening the protection of ecosystems and local communities, but it is also ensuring that both locals and international visitors can continue to experience Cuba’s stunning coastal landscapes, diverse marine life, and vibrant biodiversity through a tourism model that is resilient, sustainable, and deeply connected to nature.