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Environment
Cuba increases forested areas
BY ALEXIS SCHLAHCHTER
—Granma daily staff writer—
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.
Translated by Granma International
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