Bora and Janet's project proposal

Project description

Janet and Bora will create illustrated pamphlets, video content, and appropriate visuals for sustainable American tourism in Cuba.

Potential context

We will coordinate with travel agencies, governmental departments, environmentalists, local Cuban artists, and businesses to support, sustain, and/or endorse our project.

Research that supports your project proposal

The Nature Conservancy is an organization that works closely with communities and local governments to conserve waters and lands. They work for the conversation of the marine ecosystem in the Caribbean. The non-profit organization is currently collaborating with the University of Florida and the Cuban Ministry of Environment to tackle environmental issues.

https://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/caribbean/cuba/index.htm

These articles talk about the environmental challenges Cuba might face with the booming population of US tourists and the potential solutions to protect the environment while prospering the tourism business:

https://www.zmescience.com/ecology/cuba-america-tourism-environment-07022015/

http://www.coha.org/cubas-tourism-the-embargo-and-the-environment/

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-dave-randle/the-challenges-and-gifts_b_9975806.html

Project goals

Our objective is to protect the marine life of Cuban coastal beaches and to raise environmental awareness for U.S tourists. We will create clear guidelines for garbage disposal, the ecological importance of Cuban coral reefs, and the responsibility of tourists on foreign land. We want to preserve our project beyond the duration of El Acercamiento and continue to publish the materials for Cuba - America symbiosis.

Engagement strategies (if applicable)

1. Research, create visuals, and a project proposal to present to potential collaborators/sponsors.
2. Contact University of Florida and Nature Conservancy to find out local needs and accountability for American artists/activists.
3. Contact airlines, travel agencies, airports, embassies, and ministries for cooperation
4. Coordinate with local activists, environmentalists, local businesses along the beaches, gift shops, hotels, motels, hostels...etc.
5. Document each process for gallery showcase

How does the project propose a different/new kind of relationship between our two countries and its people?

The project imagines an environmentally symbiotic partnership between America and Cuba. Though the prospect of American tourism may propose an economic advance, it also poses a dire environmental threat to exceptional environmental resources of Cuba along its coastal zone. As American (or non-American) artists, we can work as non-interventionist mediators and citizens of our planet by engaging US audiences who have direct impacts on Cuban soil and by preserving Cuban ecology.