The contribution of the Center for Coastal Ecosystems (CIEC) to the sustainable development of the northern avilanian keys, recently declared a zone with special regulations, was recognized by the Environment Agency, after evaluating the results of its work for the year 2022.

Martha Rodríguez Uratsuka, vice-president of the latter institution, which groups the 22 research centers of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment in the country, emphasized that CIEC is confirmed as a strength for the fulfillment of environmental policies in a territory of preferential tourist use.

In complex economic circumstances, she said, they have ensured sustainable progress in the Jardines del Rey archipelago and maintained essential services such as environmental monitoring and beach rehabilitation actions.

She recognized the investigative work in order to comply with the State Plan for the Confrontation of Climate Change (Tarea Vida), based on evaluations of the effects caused by atmospheric variations; in addition to the strengthening of the communication and environmental education work.

She emphasized the participation in actions to confront the depredation of natural resources in coastal ecosystems, with the purpose of correcting behaviors that go against the government’s will to preserve the environment.

Maikel Gómez Colina, director of CIEC, highlighted as the main results of the period the environmental study for the rehabilitation of the Southern Rock Road area and its surroundings, research on hotel facilities and on the health of coral communities in the Jardines de la Reina National Park.

In addition, he said, there are physical-chemical and microbiological evaluations of coastal resorts and lagoons, research on the behavior of flora and fauna in the northern and southern keys of Ciego de Ávila, and another one on the environmental impact of tourism development in the Sabana-Camagüey archipelago. (Written by Román Romero López)