• Submitted by: manso
• Society
• 03 / 05 / 2011

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2011.03.04 - 15:46:10 / radiorebelde.Ciego de Avila, Cuba.- The implementation of 15 programs related with the compregehensive management of Cuban coastal areas at local level has allowed to reduce the impact of climate change and natural disasters.

During a national meeting of environmental management specialists held in Ciego de Avila, participants noticed that there is growing knowledge on the topic, while the main decision-making bodies and other related institutions are working closer together on the matter.

Lorenzo Brito Galloso, with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA),in charge of coastal environmental programs, said one of them most important actions underway is the cleaning of beaches and the coast line from solid wastes.

Meanwhile, mangrove swamps along the coastal line are being reforested given the importance of such forests as a shelter for the sea fauna and protection element against erosion, Brito Galloso added.

CITMA’s specialist said the programs include as well leading environmental education programs for people of different age groups.

As a result of environmental efforts, coastal settlements have been moved further away from the coast such as the cities of Santa Cruz del Sur, Camaguey, and Guayabal, Tunas, both affected by hurricanes in 2008.

The areas where the projects are being implemented are the Biosphere Wildlife Reserve Guanahacabibes peninsula, Santiago de Cuba and Guantanamo bays, Bariay Key, The Great Wetland of the North of Ciego de Avila and Yaguajay.

Other areas were strong environmental actions are being held are South of Mayabeque, Artemisa and the Zapata Swamp, all of which could be flooded by increase on the sea level, Brito Galloso explained.

Osmany Ceballo with CITMA in Sancti Spíritus, explained that Victoria beach in the Caguanes National Park, in the municipality of Yaguajay, was recovered thanks to the Sabana-Camaguey project.

Likewise, there is a sustainable development of Buenavista Biosphere Reserve and Ramsar Site, in the protected area of Jobo Rosado and the Turquino-Bamburanao Plan, Ceballo added.(ACN)