Environmental problems persist in Holguin

Holguin currently faces environmental problems that affect the conservation of the environment, the health, and the well-being of its inhabitants.

The effects of climate change, environmental pollution, and ecosystem degradation are directly impacting the quality of life of Holguin residents. Posing significant challenges for the healthcare system and society in general.

Mining and metallurgical activity in the municipality of Moa, key to the local and national economy. It has negatively impacted air quality with emissions of dust, heavy metals, and toxic waste that compromise human health. Leading to an increase in chronic lung diseases, asthma, and allergies.

Furthermore, droughts in recent years, salinization, nutrient deficiencies, soil acidity, and irregularities in food safety are jeopardizing food security. The accumulation of garbage in urban areas and its poor management have destructive effects on the environment in Holguin.

With visible consequences such as river pollution, loss of biodiversity, and an increase in vector-borne diseases. Even though surveillance of arboviruses is being strengthened and strategies are being developed to guarantee sustainable consumption and production practices.

Environmental problems persist in Holguin 0 — Environmental impact of garbage in Holguin. Photo: Yamila Pupo Otero

The environmental problems in this eastern Cuban region are an urgent call to action to protect our health and the environment. Another source of pollution stems from problems associated with the insufficient and precarious sewage system. For this reason, the dumping of sewage in public areas is frequent. Especially in outlying neighborhoods, and there are still more than 15,000 septic tanks with low drainage coverage in the provincial capital.

Given this situation, and despite the current economic and energy crisis facing the country. Effective solutions are needed to strengthen recycling systems, the reuse of materials, and environmental protection. Also not only as an ecological responsibility but also as a fundamental investment in the quality of life of future generations.

While promoting community environmental education campaigns with citizen participation in public clean-up can help mitigate the unsanitary conditions caused by garbage. It is necessary to strengthen institutional response capacity in all areas of action and the monitoring system. To ensure local alternatives, prioritizing resources in vulnerable areas with the intervention measures required at each stage.

Overcoming these difficulties demands political will, social commitment, and comprehensive strategies. That adapt to current economic limitations and always place human well-being and environmental conservation at the forefront.

In recent years, programs and policies have been designed to reduce exposure to pollutants. Various scientific studies have been conducted on this issue, but many of the identified problems still persist.