Cuba into sustainable tourism

https://www.plenglish.com/news/2023/06/14/sustainable-tourism-project-to-be-debated-in-cuba/

• The project "Integration of biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation in the development of sustainable tourism in Cuba" is being discussed in multiple sectors of the country.

• The aim of the six-year proposal is to enhance the sustainability of the tourism sector in Cuba by incorporating biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation measures.

• The project focuses on vulnerable coastal-marine areas, specifically the Coco and Guillermo keys in Ciego de Avila and Varadero in Matanzas.

• It seeks to develop innovative models with improved financial capacities and mechanisms to support conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

• Strategies include integrating biodiversity into tourism activities and implementing practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in hotel facilities.

• The project aims to bring about new approaches in tourism management and establish a legal framework for the sector.

• Strengthening local alliances and involving various stakeholders in the tourism value chain are crucial for effective development and management of the destination.

• The project also emphasizes the development of products and services that promote responsible utilization of natural and cultural heritage.

• Certification of hotel facilities for sustainable tourism and the establishment of a new tourism industry are important goals.

• The Institute of Ecology and Systematics of the Environment Agency, the Ministry of Tourism, and the United Nations Development Program are involved in implementing the project.

• The Global Environment Facility provides financial support, and national and territorial institutions are also participating in the initiative.