Clean up underway in Puerto Padre
After suffering for more than 100 years of human
aggression, Puerto Padre Bay, on the northern coast
of the province of Las Tunas, is part of a Cuban
initiative to clean up and rehabilitate these
ecosystems.
According to AIN, the conservation program
includes a study to determine levels of
contamination, and aims to eliminate illegalities in
coastal zones; combat indiscriminate felling of
trees, fishing and illegal hunting; promote
reforestation of mangroves; and improve waste
treatment.
The bay is an ecosystem which has been put under
great pressure by the coastal populations Puerto
Padre, Chaparra and Delicias, stated Elber Torres,
Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment
representative in Las Tunas.
One of the most highly polluted areas in the zone is
the Antonio Guiteras Plant, a colossal sugar
refinery which deposits its waste in the sea, a
practice which could be eliminated with a more
efficient treatment system and using waste water for
irrigation.
Torres stated that the clean-up includes a
comprehensive costal management program which has
been implemented in the municipality of Puerto
Padre, with the goal of reducing contamination and
vulnerability of human settlements to climate
change.
Carúpano’s port located on the bay is important for
the export of sugar and other Cuban goods, and
additionally boasts beaches, archeological sites, as
well as habitats for multiple marine species.
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