In this regard, specialists from the Center for Environmental Engineering and Biodiversity (Ciba) in Moron, Ciego de Avila, are undertaking a project to rehabilitate and preserve the dunes of Playa Pilar on Cayo Guillermo, considered the tallest in the Caribbean islands.

Marisleys Castro, an Environmental Bioengineering specialist at Ciba and leader of the program aimed at developing sustainable tourism in the region, noted that in recent days they planted some 600 native seedlings of different varieties using the tube reproduction technique.

She stated that the vegetation of the hills, in addition to maintaining the ecological harmony of the area, helps retain sand during extreme hydrometeorological events by dissipating the energy of waves and strong winds, thereby preventing erosion from the effects of climate change and natural disasters.

Declared a protected area with the category of Outstanding Natural Element, Cayo Guillermo dunes, with a height of 15 meters above sea level, stand out for the scenic value they offer to Playa Pilar, considered one of the most beautiful resorts in the region.

Managed by the Provincial Flora and Fauna Company, the hills extend over about 35 hectares of the coast adjacent to the Iberostar Playa Pilar and Playa Luxury Cayo Guillermo hotels and are home to six species of reptiles (some endemic) and 69 varieties of birds, both resident and migratory.

Jardines del Rey also features the Loma del Puerto dunes, measuring 10 and 14 meters, the second tallest in the area. They belong to Cayo Coco Central West Ecological Reserve, a protected area for its high wildlife value and excellent conservation.

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