Additionally, the tourist potential of the hundreds of kilometres of beaches of the highest quality, both aesthetically and environmentally, constitute a feature of significant importance. An extensive development programme for tourism is being implemented on a short-term, medium-term and long-term basis, promoting not only the "sea, sun and sand" type of tourism but also "ecological" tourism, which explores the wide range of existing natural resources.
Scientific and Educational Criteria
A Coastal Ecosystems Research Centre based in Cayo Coco, collects and processes data on the area and develops new lines of research and monitoring, providing basic information for the wide range of environmental studies needed to support the longer term development of the territory.
The Centre is also involved in developing studies related to the monitoring of the effects of global climate changes, epidemics and mortality in marine organisms; bird and turtle migration; and genetic interchange between marine organisms. It is also responsible for environmental monitoring, particularly, in regard to the impact of tourism.
The Centre's activities make an important contribution to education and to a better understanding of the environment. The many ecosystems, biotic communities and characteristic natural processes that exist in the area provide ideal subjects for study, nor only by experts and specialists, but also by local people, and by Cuban visitors and tourists who come for purposes of creation.
Protective Measures
Prohibitions:
Any discharge into the sea, of oil, oily mixtures, noxious liquid substances, garbage or harmful substances from vessels of any type or size.
Any discharge of oil or oily mixtures from cargo tanks, including cargo pumps, from petrol tankers and from engine-room bilge areas, mixed with cargo waste.
Dumping at sea of the following types of garbage from ships of any type or size: 1) Plastics, synthetic fishing lines and nets, plastic garbage bags; 2) loose stowage materials, packing materials and coverings; 3) paper, rags, glass, metal, bottles, ceramics or similar materials.
