Elba Rosa Perez, Cuban Minister of Science, Technology, and Environment

Sharm El Sheikh, Nov 12 (RHC) Cuban Minister of Science, Technology, and Environment, Elba Rosa Perez, called today for a greater global effort to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, under the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and the fulfillment of financing pledges by rich nations.

We strongly defend the efforts of developing countries to secure the financial mechanisms required to face the losses and damages caused by climate change, said the Cuban minister in an interview with the Egyptian television station Al Balad News.

We advocate a better focus on the debates for the definition of a new financial goal, based on the needs of nations with fewer resources, said the official, who is in this Egyptian city to participate in the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27).

Regarding Cuba's work in this area, the minister pointed out that last April an update of the Law on the Natural Resources and Environment System was approved, "which has an integral, modern and inclusive approach to achieve the country's sustainable development".

In addition, legal regulations are updated to address climate change and coastal protection, she emphasized.

The National Environmental Strategy, which outlines actions to address problems such as pollution, loss of biodiversity, and soil degradation, is also being prepared and implemented for a five-year periods, she said.

She also referred to the efforts made to implement the Sustainable Development Goals, which "made it possible to advance in the country's environmental sustainability".

Cuba has a scientific program to face climate change, through which every year projections are determined of what will happen on Cuban coasts with the rise of the average sea level by 2050 and 2100, she said.

For example, from 2018 to 2020 sand dumping was carried out on several beaches throughout the country, with more than 500,000 cubic meters, she stressed.

On the links between the island and Egypt, she revealed that work is underway on a Memorandum of Understanding that includes several areas of work, including climate change, biodiversity protection, reduction of environmental degradation, sustainable and integrated management of water resources, and renewable energies.

We are willing to enhance technical collaboration between the two countries to complement the existing good political relations, she said. (Source: PL)