Thalassia project promotes conservation and health in Cuba
- Written by Redacción ¡ahora!
- Published in Cuba
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The Thalassia project, promoted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Cuba and funded by the Global Environment Facility, encourages the sustainable use of seagrasses, especially the species Thalassia testudinum, with environmental benefits and potential applications in health.
These ecosystems cover nearly half of Cuba’s insular shelf and help protect coastlines, reduce erosion, and provide food for various marine species.
Research conducted by the Institute of Marine Sciences has identified antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties in Thalassia extracts. These findings open up possibilities for developing pharmaceutical and cosmetic products for health-related applications.
As part of the project, formulations such as a tablet with potential antitumor properties and a cream that could be used in treatments for skin cancer have already been developed. The initiative is also working on certifying these products and creating partnerships with Cuba’s pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and private sectors.
The project follows the principles of the Nagoya Protocol, which seeks to ensure the fair and equitable distribution of benefits obtained from genetic resources. In this way, seagrass conservation is linked to scientific research, sustainable production, and the creation of livelihoods for coastal communities.
Educational activities are also being carried out in communities in Camagüey, Santiago de Cuba, and Havana, where children and teenagers learn about the species’ ecological and medicinal importance.
These efforts aim to strengthen environmental awareness and ensure that the sustainable use of Thalassia provides lasting benefits for both biodiversity and local communities. (Source: ACN)
