Project Overview

This project transforms marine litter into opportunity for both people and nature in coastal protected areas of eastern Cuba. The waste streams of focus are plastic and aluminium. By strengthening waste management systems and applying circular economy solutions, the initiative aims to reduce marine pollution while creating sustainable livelihood options linked to the recovery and recycling of marine litter within the project sites. The result is healthier coastal ecosystems and more resilient coastal communities.

Key Objectives

• Reduce marine litter in coastal and marine protected areas
• Improve local waste management and recycling practices
• Support sustainable livelihoods connected to marine litter recovery
• Strengthen community and institutional capacity for improved waste management through research, training, and stakeholder engagement

Ecosystem Focus

This project is foscused on marine litter management in coastal ecosystems including mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs.

Communities Involved

This project is fostering sustinable livelihoods in the three following communities:

• Desembarco del Granma National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Maisi-Caleta Natural Element
• Cañon de Yumurí Natural Element

Implementing Organizations

Lead: The Wildlife Conservation Society The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), established in 1895 as the New York Zoological Society, is a US-based, private, nonprofit global conservation organization that protects wildlife and wild places in more than 50 countries. With the largest and longest-standing field conservation program in the world, WCS works with governments, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities to support the conservation of over 20 million square kilometers of the highest ecological integrity areas in Nature’s Strongholds across the globe. In addition, it runs four zoos (including the Bronx Zoo) and the New York Aquarium in New York City, inspiring millions each year to help advance its mission. WCS applies its scientific knowledge, cultural understanding and partnerships to ensure that ecosystems and wildlife thrive alongside local communities. In Cuba, WCS works with local communities to protect its vast natural ecosystems, which sustain livelihoods, enhance climate resilience, and support regional connectivity.

Consortium Partner(s)

Fundación Antonio Nuñez Jiménez de la Naturaleza y el Hombre (FANJ)

Website

https://www.wcs.org/

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