CubaPLUS Magazine

The United Nations Program for Development (UNDP) has praised Cuba’s work for the care and conservation of its biodiversity, especially in the north-central Sabana-Camaguey ecosystem, that encompasses 35 protected sites. Myrtha Kaular, resident UNPD representative in Cuba, highlighted the work done to preserve its flora, fauna and ecosystems.

Kaular said that a UNPD sponsored report on the implementation of the sustainable development 15 objectives that is in global circulation, cites Cuba as an example of what needs to be done in this regard.

The official explained that the text indicates that Cuba has introduced marine biodiversity regulatory measures for the Sabana-Camagüey ecosystem, threatened by tourism, fishing and agricultural activities.

The report indicates that since the project was first implemented, the government’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in a threefold rise in the budget for the tourism sector.

But it is not only on biodiversity that the UNPD partners Cuba. The United Nations body also recognizes the Island’s continuous work on environmental issues and the care and protection of flora and fauna.

The UN official stressed that more than 15% of Cuba’s national territory has a Protected Area designation, a figure that she said demonstrates the degree of social and environmental development that Cuba has attained.

She added that such indicators make the Island shine internationally and reiterated that the agency would accompany Cuba in all of its endeavors to attain sustainable development.

An extensive nationwide educational program, aimed at developing a universal care and ecological conscience in the younger generation was launched in Cuba to celebrate World Environment Day.

Under this year’s slogan, &Today’s efforts guarantee our future," the UNPD also premiered a documentary about Cuban biodiversity, opened a scientific demonstration of the work of Cuban naturalists that the National Archive has preserved and a photographic exhibition of un- derwater panoramas at the Jardines del Rey (King’s Gardens) on Cuba’s north-eastern keys.