Perception and Cultural Practices on Beach Socio-Ecosystems for Adaptive Governance in Southeastern Cuba

Cuba, an island nation, faces significant challenges due to the impact of climate change. Its ecosystems provide valuable coastal protection services and contribute to community well-being. This study integrates a sociological analysis perspective with socio-ecosystem principles and sustainable development concepts. The sociological approach to understanding socio-ecosystem dynamics in beaches is relevant for their conservation, planning, and management. This research aimed to describe the social and cultural dynamics in people’s behavior within these fragile ecosystems. The study was conducted on beaches in southeastern Cuba, employing a mixed research methodology. A total of 53 people were interviewed, and a questionnaire was administered to a non-probabilistic sample of 167 beachgoers. The study revealed practices, services, and cultural benefits perceived and enjoyed by beach users. Simultaneously, it identified natural and anthropogenic changes observed by the population that threaten the conservation and quality of these beaches. The research provided a novel sociological approach to beaches, linked with conservation from the users’ perspective, reinforcing the social and cultural identity and values constructed through their interactions with the ecosystem.