A Cuban digital creator sparked a debate on social media by highlighting the state of neglect at the beach known as El Camping, located on the Mayabeque coast, where the accumulation of trash poses a health risk for visitors and degrades the natural landscape.
L. Guerra shared his complaint in the Facebook group "Photos of Havana", accompanied by images he described as a "heartbreaking postcard: with trash piled up in every corner, waste where there should be nature, and a total lack of respect for our environment."
Far from pointing to a single culprit, Guerra offered a double-edged reflection. On one hand, he acknowledged the lack of civic awareness: "It is unacceptable that we, the citizens, go to enjoy the beach and leave our trail of dirt, bottles, and plastics discarded without a care."
However, she was equally direct in demanding institutional responses: "To stop at merely blaming the population would be a convenient excuse to absolve other responsibilities. Society needs guidance, order, and, above all, functioning institutions and community services."
For Guerra, the solution lies in a concrete action from the State: "It's not enough to lament; adequate containers are needed, frequent waste collection, proper signage, and real measures. When there is no infrastructure or control, the problem becomes chronic."
"How long are we going to normalize this?" the complainant asked.
Other beaches in Cuba with large trash dumps
In August, the beaches of Mayabeque had already been reported in critical condition. A user reported on Facebook that swimmers must navigate surrounded by cans and debris in the water, specifically at Playa Rosario in Melena del Sur.
The pattern repeated itself throughout the summer across the island. Playa La Boca, in Camagüey, was also covered in waste by the end of August. The Ancón beach, in Trinidad, was described as a "sea of garbage" at the close of the summer season.
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