The fragile coral reefs of Cuba's Ciénaga de Zapata national park are facing an unprecedented threat, as US sanctions and economic scarcity converge to imperil a vital marine ecosystem. The nation's conservationists are responding with ingenuity and determination, repurposing available materials and adapting their practices in the face of dwindling resources.
Every morning, divers embark on clean-up operations in Ciénaga de Zapata, collecting plastic and drinks cans from the sea using an electric trailer, a testament to the dedication required in these challenging circumstances. Despite a nationwide power crisis that has severely impacted the economy, conservationists are utilising their limited resources to transport volunteers and fuel monitoring projects.
Located in south-eastern Cuba, Ciénaga de Zapata is a globally recognised site for marine conservation, designated as a biosphere reserve and Ramsar site due to its exceptional biodiversity. Specialist Marileidy Albertus notes that Cuba has fewer major polluting sources compared to other regions, with minimal industrial activity, oil spills, and limited maritime transport.
However, the relative isolation of this Caribbean island has not shielded it entirely from the impacts of climate change. In 2023, the reefs suffered significant damage from stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) and intense bleaching events, prompting the Cuban government to implement a new protection policy.
US-Cuba tensions have severely hampered conservation efforts, with scientists struggling to access essential equipment, scientific journals, and even petrol for fieldwork. Daniel Whittle, an expert in US and Cuban environmental law and policy, highlights that Cuba's island nation status underscores the necessity of protecting shared environmental resources.
Luis Mesa, a conservationist scuba diver, draws parallels with freediving, where reduced capabilities are inevitable without access to standard scuba gear due to US trade restrictions. As scientists at the National Aquarium in Havana face daily challenges, from manually oxygenating fish tanks during power cuts to acquiring limited equipment and resources, the future of Cuba's reefs hangs precariously in the balance.