Precisely in the largest province in the country and which occupies more than 20 percent of its beaches, this activity is essential for environmental balance and the protection of the Cuban coasts.
Seagrasses, recognized as one of the most important coastal habitats on the planet, play key roles in mitigating climate change, reducing coastal erosion and purifying marine waters, which is why every March 1, efforts for this cause are praised. In addition, they are the sustenance of numerous species, including some in danger of extinction such as seahorses and sea turtles, which makes them a fundamental pillar for biodiversity.
In Camagüey, Citma has promoted a broad research and monitoring program of underwater meadows, with the aim of evaluating their state of conservation and promoting sustainable practices that guarantee their protection.
According to specialists from the institution, these projects not only seek to preserve biodiversity, but also strengthen the resilience of coastal communities to extreme natural phenomena, such as storm surges, as they acknowledge in a recent publication on the Facebook page of Citma in Camagüey.
“Seagrasses are strategic allies in the fight against climate change. Their ability to absorb carbon dioxide and weaken the impact of waves during extreme weather events makes them a natural shield for our coasts,” said Carlos Martínez, coordinator of environmental projects for Citma in Camagüey.
Among the most recent actions of the Ministry in the region are the implementation of environmental education campaigns aimed at fishermen and local communities, as well as the promotion of initiatives to reduce pollution in coastal areas.
These activities seek to raise awareness among the population about the importance of protecting these ecosystems, which are not only a refuge for marine life, but also a key resource for food security and sustainable development.
In addition, Citma has strengthened its collaboration with national and international scientific institutions to expand knowledge about seagrass and its relationship with other coastal ecosystems.
“Our work is not only focused on research, but also on the practical application of this knowledge to ensure the conservation of these valuable resources,” added Martínez.
In the framework of the celebrations for World Seagrass Day, Citma reiterated its commitment to the protection of these ecosystems and called on citizens to join conservation efforts. “Taking care of seagrass is taking care of our present and future,” concluded the specialist.
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