202
T.B. Hernandez
• National Aquarium, Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment;
• GEOCUBA, Ministry of the Armed Forces;
• Centre for Research and Environmental Management of Bays, Ministry of Transport.
The main research lines of these institutions are:
• Biology, ecology and behaviour of fishing resources;
• Studies on marine biodiversity;
• Marine and coastal ecology;
• Causes and impact of marine pollution;
• Studies of coastal processes, specially on sandy beaches;
• Marine geomorphology, for the prospection of arids on the platform;
• \Projects of coastal engineering;
• Integrated studies for developing sustainable tourism on small insular groups;
• Effects of climate changes, particularly sea level rise.
As a result of these studies the country has a wide and diverse data base on ecological, economical and social elements of the coastal zones.
10.3.3
Territorial Planning
For over two decades, a coherent policy of territorial planning has been developed, in
which protection of the environment has been always an essential element. This planning policy is also applied in coastal zones. Coastal zones with activities for socio-economical development have been regulated by territorial plans jointly elaborated by
different national ministries and supported by scientific research for decision making. In this sense, and with special emphasis, studies for the development of tourism in
coastal zones were carried out.
10.3.4
Coastal Rehabilita~ion
Cuba is a well known tourist destiny. The Cuban Archipelago has several attractive features, specially the coastal zones, with thousands of kilometres of sand beaches and
coral reefs, the tropical climate and the variety of landscapes. But, as it is stated in the
Barbados Programme of Action" ... if not properly planned and managed, tourism
could significantly degrade the environment on which it is so dependent" (CDS 1996).
There is a wide experience and wonderful results have been achieved in the rehabilitation and remodelling of beaches. The most important example is Varadero, where
more than 15 years of studies on tlIe dynamics of the beach and the characteristics of
its profile allowed a successful process of rehabilitation.
Plans for the conservation and restoration of other critical habitats have been carried out, specially in altered bays and wetlands, where national institutions related to
tlIe coastal environment have been involved. Besides, several national innovations have
been established to relieve the negative effects of different anthropic actions on the
coastal zone.
T.B. Hernandez
• National Aquarium, Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment;
• GEOCUBA, Ministry of the Armed Forces;
• Centre for Research and Environmental Management of Bays, Ministry of Transport.
The main research lines of these institutions are:
• Biology, ecology and behaviour of fishing resources;
• Studies on marine biodiversity;
• Marine and coastal ecology;
• Causes and impact of marine pollution;
• Studies of coastal processes, specially on sandy beaches;
• Marine geomorphology, for the prospection of arids on the platform;
• \Projects of coastal engineering;
• Integrated studies for developing sustainable tourism on small insular groups;
• Effects of climate changes, particularly sea level rise.
As a result of these studies the country has a wide and diverse data base on ecological, economical and social elements of the coastal zones.
10.3.3
Territorial Planning
For over two decades, a coherent policy of territorial planning has been developed, in
which protection of the environment has been always an essential element. This planning policy is also applied in coastal zones. Coastal zones with activities for socio-economical development have been regulated by territorial plans jointly elaborated by
different national ministries and supported by scientific research for decision making. In this sense, and with special emphasis, studies for the development of tourism in
coastal zones were carried out.
10.3.4
Coastal Rehabilita~ion
Cuba is a well known tourist destiny. The Cuban Archipelago has several attractive features, specially the coastal zones, with thousands of kilometres of sand beaches and
coral reefs, the tropical climate and the variety of landscapes. But, as it is stated in the
Barbados Programme of Action" ... if not properly planned and managed, tourism
could significantly degrade the environment on which it is so dependent" (CDS 1996).
There is a wide experience and wonderful results have been achieved in the rehabilitation and remodelling of beaches. The most important example is Varadero, where
more than 15 years of studies on tlIe dynamics of the beach and the characteristics of
its profile allowed a successful process of rehabilitation.
Plans for the conservation and restoration of other critical habitats have been carried out, specially in altered bays and wetlands, where national institutions related to
tlIe coastal environment have been involved. Besides, several national innovations have
been established to relieve the negative effects of different anthropic actions on the
coastal zone.