If you’re passionate about sustainability and want to travel to destinations that promote eco-friendly tourism, Cuba is the Caribbean destination to head for. With world-class beaches, swaying palms, verdant forests, and mangroves, plus a host of beautiful hotels in the heart of the city or beachfront – this stunning isle is a rare slice of paradise that gives back to the planet, too.
The country isn’t necessarily recognised for its efforts in sustainability or eco-friendly policies, despite this always being in leader Fidel Castro’s plans. Castro bet on the isle becoming an attractive tourism destination, minus the damaging consequences – in the 1990’s the Cuban government started introducing new policies to protect the environment, aiming to reduce the waste of natural resources and minimise carbon footprint. The outcome? The country didn’t know it yet, but Castro’s anti-globalisation movement would start to latch on, setting the precedent for the rest of the world. By 2006, Cuba was the only nation in the world that met the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) definition of sustainable development.
World’s Most Sustainable Country
Cuba has officially been ranked as the world’s most sustainable developed country by a recently published Sustainable Development Index report, curated with figures from 2015. The report considered 163 countries from around the world and measured each country’s environmental impact by recording its C02 emissions per capita, alongside parameters linked to human development, such as education, before concluding that Cuba had the highest sustainability score across the board – closely followed by Costa Rica and Sri Lanka.
Community Projects
A host of community projects helped the country obtain such an accolade, with the Cuban government encouraging locals to grow their own fruit and vegetables, use available land for growing crops, among other initiatives. There’s also a fantastic network of protected natural areas, including the beautiful region of Vinales Valley, which promotes eco-tourism with popular “paladar” experiences – whereby tourists can indulge in fresh, local, farm-to-table produce at an intimate family-run restaurant (which, in some instances, is hosted at the family home).
Similarly, southwest of Havana is Las Terrazas, Cuba’s only pioneering eco-village. Thanks to the community’s efforts to protect and preserve the local forests, flora and fauna, the area now boasts UNESCO biosphere status and is an excellent example of eco-tourism – with many visitors travelling from the bustling capital to explore the area’s stunning natural landscape.
Recycle & Upcycle
The country is big on recycling too, with many of the locals transforming their non-biodegradable waste into something new. Plastic bags are re-used as bin liners, and empty fizzy drink bottles are re-filled with homemade yoghurt, juice, or oats.
Similarly, the Cubans are huge DIY fans and believe in mending broken goods themselves, rather than paying out for a replacement. Furniture will generally be upholstered, shoes re-heeled, and clothes repaired by a seamstress – or simply anybody handy with a needle and thread! This positive attitude towards recycled goods encourages locals to make eco-friendly changes in their own homes, which naturally expands into bettering the community, region, and country.
Eco Tours
There’s no better way to explore a destination than by signing up to a tour, right? Well, sustainable sun-seekers are in for a treat, as there’s a host of exciting eco-friendly tours available to book if you want to learn more about the isle and its natural beauty. Whether you like to pull on your walking boots and hike through the scenic forest, visit local farms and learn about agriculture, or catch sightings of endangered species and beautiful birds, you’ll find something for everybody here.
Adventure seekers can discover a host of tours available at Love Cuba, where you can admire destinations including Havana, Cienfuegos, Vinales Las Terrazzas, Trinidad and Santa Clara on excursions including a Mi Case Es Tu Casa Tour, Cuba Fly Drive, a Cuban Heritage Experience and beyond.
Eco-friendly Accommodations
While there are some truly spectacular beachfront hotels on the island, the Cuban government did not build mass beach resorts specifically to attract tourism, like many other Caribbean islands have, instead focusing on utilising the country’s natural beauty.
Luckily for you, Love Cuba have some of the country’s most beautiful, sustainable hotels available to book, including:
- Paradisus Los Cayos
- Meila Cayo Coco
- Iberostar Selection Varadero
- Royalton Hicacos
- Melia Buanavista
- Melia Intercacional
- Iberostar Parque Central
- Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero
- Los Jazmines
Well, what are you waiting for? Grab your suitcase and pack your favourite pair of sustainable swim shorts – your next holiday to Cuba awaits…
For more information, please feel free to Contact Us any time, one of our team of dedicated Cuba specialists will be happy to create a tailor-made holiday just for you so that you can discover more about this fascinating country.
