While much of the world faces growing environmental crises and constant sargassum infestations. Guardalavaca Beach, on Cuba’s Atlantic coast in Holguin province, remains pristine. A paradise of white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Dr. Ridel Rodríguez Paneque, head of Coastal Management at the Center for Research on Environmental and Technological Services (CISAT), explained to the Cuban News Agency. That this is due in part, to its privileged geography, which provides a natural defense against the sargassum. Preventing it from reaching the northern coast.
Although visitors might momentarily mistake the green leaves and natural vegetation of Guardalavaca for sargassum. They are actually native species, such as the Malaysian seagrass and the sea grape. Which have their own reproductive cycles and are an important component for their preservation, the researcher explained.
Rodríguez Paneque pointed out that the vision of the Cisat team, which is part of Cuba’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment. It is focused on the recovery of beaches, considered as ecosystems with their own unique characteristics.
In Guardalavaca, this environmental policy is a commitment shared by hotel staff, who actively clean up the beaches, recovering not only the vital sand. But also the organic matter contributed by endemic species through decomposition. Which the ecosystems need to withstand the effects of the winds.
This task is an essential aspect of the routine for the staff at the Gran Muthu Almirante Beach Hotel. Also where caring for the ecosystem is not limited to cleaning the beach. It also includes the use of biodegradable products in the food service and the implementation of practices. That transform food waste into natural fertilizer used in the grounds’ landscaping, explained General Manager José Ramón Santana Rivero.
He affirmed that the Almirante’s primary goal is to conserve this immense natural treasure. And that visitors themselves support the recycling of plastic, glass, and metal waste by disposing of it in designated containers. Thus preserving the purity of the sand.
Other establishments in the area, such as the Starfish Guardalavaca hotel, maintain the same approach. Following recycling trends and raising customer awareness about the importance of these actions. An aspect that the staff considers one of their most impactful tasks.
“At our three-star hotel, we prioritize recycling and minimizing the use of disposable items as ways to promote sustainability. Furthermore, from the early hours of the morning. A specialized team is dedicated to cleaning the surrounding area to ensure the turquoise waters and fine sand that so captivate our visitors,” stated Grace Arellano, the hotel’s director representing Blue Diamond Resorts.
The Club Amigo Atlántico Guardalavaca is a property that, throughout more than three decades of service. It has been characterized by its environmental commitment and the protection of the beach, its main tourist attraction.
Its young deputy director, Lenar Andrés Concepción Romero, commented that over the years they have also fostered environmental awareness among guests through themed activities focused on environmental protection. To this end, he explained, the action plan includes a weekly “green day” to promote environmental awareness among travelers through tree planting, beach clean-up, and information about the various native species inhabiting the area. This initiative combines vacations with ecosystem protection.
Guardalavaca Beach, in eastern Cuba, is renowned for its warm Waters. Protected by an extensive coral reef that fosters tourism development along its coast. Also it makes a favorite destination for both domestic and international visitors.
With information from CNA
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