Holguin’s Advances in Coastal Protection with Renewable Energy

The province of Holguin is making progress in the medium-term actions planned under “Task Life.” The State Plan for Confronting Climate Change. According to a publication in the newspaper Trabajadores.

An evaluation report from the Territorial Delegation of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA). For the period 2021-2025 details significant progress in coastal protection, agriculture, and renewable energy. But also points out remaining challenges.

The Holguin plan, the report adds, is based on local scientific data that confirm the warming trend: the last decade (2011-2020) is the warmest on record. Also some models project a possible redistribution of rainfall, intense droughts, and an increase in the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones.

Furthermore, 31 coastal settlements in the province have been identified. As being at high risk from sea level rise. More than 1,000 square kilometers have been affected by saltwater intrusion. The report highlights the implementation of 350 actions from a 401-action plan. With a significantly higher investment than anticipated: three million pesos were planned, but more than 13 million were spent.

During the evaluation period, 73 homes in vulnerable areas of eight coastal municipalities were relocated to protect lives and homes. Meanwhile, 74 climate-resistant crop varieties were introduced across 71 hectares to ensure resilient agriculture.

Regarding ecosystem improvement, the province reports a 98 percent recovery of its mangroves. With more than 16,000 hectares in good condition, the reforestation of 1,145 hectares, and an increase in forested area of ​​more than 2,000 hectares between 2023 and 2024 alone.

Progress was also made in beach improvement projects, hydraulic works, and the shift in the energy matrix. Which contributes to reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Despite the achievements, the report clearly identifies challenges: 59 homes remain to be relocated from vulnerable areas, with the goal set for 2030.

Coral reef regeneration needs to be strengthened, as their condition in tourist areas is reported as “mostly critical”. There is a need to raise public awareness about the impacts of climate change.

With information from Trabajadores

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