Cuba increases forested areas

The reduction this year in the amount of pollution to the environment in Cuba was highlighted yesterday by Dr. José Antonio Díaz Duque, deputy minister for science, technology and the environment (CITMA).

During a press conference he added that in the eight hydrographic basins of national interest, this figure dropped, compared with levels in 2005, to 3.8% and 3% in the principal bays.

Also, at the end of the current year, according to the minister’s explanation, the country’s forested areas rose to 24.54% of national territory, with an increase of more than 33,000 hectares, in excess of forecast figures for benefiting impoverished soil.

The country now possesses 2,696,589 hectares of forest, not including the 170,253 plantations that are less than three years old.

With respect to the principal achievements in science and technology, he mentioned the establishment of methodological bases for environmental codes in areas where tourism is being developed.

Studies into the dangers and risks to and the vulnerability of 15 municipalities in City of Havana in relation to coastal flooding, intense rain and high winds have also been completed.

América Santos, deputy minister at CITMA, highlighted the development of bio-preparations to break down oil, the introduction of new medical and diagnostic equipment and work undertaken to develop alternative sources of energy.