More than 98% of the approximately 3,200 kilometers of Cuba's marine shelf edge is made up of reefs. Photo: File/RHC

By María Josefina Arce (RHC)

Scientists and international organizations have warned about the danger to coral reefs, which are the habitat of a great variety of marine life species, such as fish, crustaceans and mollusks.

UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, pointed out that this ecosystem, one of the most valuable on Earth, is at risk of becoming extinct by the end of this century.

The warming of the oceans due to climate change, pollution and overfishing are some of the causes of the destruction of coral reefs, which in many cases protect against floods by acting as barriers.

According to experts, more than 98% of the approximately three thousand 200 kilometers of Cuba's marine shelf edge is formed by reefs.

As part of its commitment to care for the environment, the largest Antillean Island has among its priorities the conservation of this habitat. In our country there are at least three farms, in which three species of corals are cultivated, and once they reach the required size, they are cut and transferred to the degraded reef.

In addition to the actions being carried out, in the last few weeks, a trip to Cuba has been added, mainly aimed at assessing the state of coral reefs, including diversity, density and health.

More than twenty coral reef zones located around the Cuban territory are included in the trip, a new expression of the state's will to deepen marine conservation.

Several entities such as the Institute of Marine Sciences and the Center for Marine Research of the University of Havana are participating in this study, which will also analyze the influence of man on the health of coral reefs.

This research was prepared for almost a year with the support of the Green Climate Fund and the Global Environment Fund.

Patricia González Díaz, Ph.D., president of the Scientific Council of the Marine Research Center of the University of Havana, said that this project also allows for the identification of significant areas that, if properly managed and sustainable use is promoted, can generate invaluable economic and social benefits.

Cuba has always made clear its position in favor of environmental protection, not only in international forums and organizations, but also through the adoption of measures and the development of actions that contribute to this objective.