The conservation and development of a heritage city like Camagüey is the product of the efforts of its inhabitants, in conjunction with institutions and structures that work for this purpose or support it. This is the case of urban planners, responsible for proposing solutions and management models that improve the quality of life of the inhabitants.

Some of its tasks lie in guaranteeing the balance between modern life and nature, generating environmentally friendly spaces, improving living conditions in the city, also meeting one of the objectives of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and a priority for our country is to create sustainable cities and communities.

“Urban planners always have a challenge, especially in historic centers because they are very old cities that were created at another time and for other functions and are constantly receiving pressure from new technologies, the development of communications, mobility, even new construction materials “, says María Isabel Carmenates Bringas, director of the Master Plan of the Office of the Historian of the Camagüey city.

With the confinement caused by COVID-19, cities have had to change and rethink the designs for urban planning. Hence the importance of this work in the new normal to which we aspire.

“In moments of pandemic, of isolation, of social distancing, the challenge is greater. We had already achieved urban consultations in the territory, which are an essential element for the population to get involved from the beginning of the project and then achieve the durable and sustainable part, it is now more complicated. The communication team of the Office of the Historian permanently supports the work of the Master Plan and the rest of the areas of the Office itself, but in particular it has helped us a lot to let people and institutions know how to continue working despite these isolation difficulties. We were never closed to a question or to give advice to the population and state entities, “added Carmenates Bringas.

The city is a project in constant transformation for urban planners, a commitment, and a responsibility. Maintaining its status as a World Heritage Site is the dream and wakefulness of many, including the urban planners of the Office of the Historian, who think, design, and breathe this city, every day at work.

Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García