Art, Science, and Hope: A New Coral Nursery Rises in Cuba’s Laguna de Maya

In a world grappling with the dire warnings of coral reef collapse, a beacon of hope is emerging from the pristine waters of Cuba. The Geotherapy Institute for Art and Field Sciences, in collaboration with a consortium of leading scientific and conservation organizations, is set to launch an innovative coral restoration project in Laguna de Maya, a protected coastal lagoon east of Havana. This pioneering initiative, embargoed until October 1, 2025, marks a significant step towards reimagining our relationship with the ocean through a unique blend of art, science, and conservation.

Internationally acclaimed artist and environmental pioneer Mara G. Haseltine, founder and Art Director of the Geotherapy Institute, will debut the world’s first Art-Meets-Science coral restoration installation in Spring 2026. This ambitious project aims to not only restore vital coral ecosystems but also to spark a global dialogue about regenerative practices for planetary healing.

“This project is about more than restoring coral—it’s about reimagining our relationship with the ocean,” states Mara G. Haseltine. “By merging science, art, and stewardship, we can create living sculptures that heal ecosystems and spark global dialogue.”

A Two-Phase Approach to Coral Resilience

The Coral Nursery at Laguna de Maya will unfold in two critical phases, each designed to maximize coral resilience and genetic diversity:

Phase One: Bio-Designed Coral Arks (Spring 2026) The initial phase will see the installation of flanged sculptural domes, inspired by the intricate geometry of unicellular plankton. These artistic structures will integrate Biorock® technology, an innovative method that utilizes electrical stimulation to encourage mineral accretion. This process creates “self-healing” coral habitats, known to enhance coral resilience and boost their immune response against environmental stressors.

Phase Two: Coral Larvae Meets Ceramic Stars (Summer 2026) Following the installation of the Bio-Designed Coral Arks, the project will advance to coral larval propagation. Ceramic star-shaped substrates, carefully seeded with cross-bred coral larvae, will be attached to the Biorock domes. This strategic approach is designed to enhance the genetic diversity of the coral population, thereby increasing its resistance to devastating coral bleaching events.

Beyond Restoration: An Eco-Tourist Underwater Sculpture Park

The vision for Laguna de Maya extends beyond scientific restoration. This pilot project aims to establish an eco-friendly underwater sculpture park, where each unique installation serves a dual purpose: a breathtaking artwork and a functional coral reef restoration experiment. Critically, these nature-based solutions will avoid the use of plastics and traditional concrete, emphasizing sustainable practices.

Located near the historic district of Matanzas, just 1.5 hours east of Havana, Laguna de Maya offers a rare opportunity to merge science, art, and eco-tourism within its relatively healthy hard reef building coral ecosystems. The project is committed to local fabrication within Cuba, fostering collaboration between the University of Havana, Cuban artists, and craftsmen, thereby boosting the local economy and empowering the community.

Community Impact and Global Reach

The establishment of Laguna de Maya as an eco-tourist hub is a key objective, promising economic benefits through underwater art viewing, local crafts, and sustainable seafood options like “lionfish taco stands.” More profoundly, the project will serve as an invaluable educational resource, inspiring future generations about nature-based solutions for coral reef restoration.

The first art-science installation, a flanged, domed coral nursery at approximately 7 meters depth, will be powered from shore and showcased at the New York Academy of Sciences. This cutting-edge design, based on a unicellular plankton and utilizing the patented Biorock method, will lay the groundwork for a thriving underwater ecosystem.

The Geotherapy Institute: A Global Platform for Healing

This ambitious initiative in Cuba is a testament to the broader mission of the Geotherapy Institute for Art and Field Sciences. The Institute recently launched its global platform, www.geotherapyinstitute.org, a hub dedicated to advancing geotherapy—a holistic, science-based approach to planetary healing that integrates ecological restoration with human well-being.

“Our cultural evolution and biological evolution are linked… the Geotherapy Institute for Art and Field Sciences strives through the lens of art and restoration to heal our shared planet,” emphasizes Mara G. Haseltine.

As the world faces escalating climate disruption, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation, the Geotherapy Institute provides an essential interdisciplinary platform, connecting scientists, practitioners, educators, and activists in the critical work of restoring Earth’s life systems through regenerative practices. Building on the legacy of pioneers like the late Dr. Richard Grantham, who coined the term geotherapy, the Institute aims to shift the global conversation from mere mitigation to active regeneration, guided by scientific rigor, indigenous wisdom, and intergenerational responsibility.

With the launch of The Coral Nursery in Laguna de Maya, Cuba stands at the forefront of a movement demonstrating that through a harmonious blend of art, science, and community engagement, there is indeed hope for our precious coral reefs and a healthier planet.