Photo: Archivo/RHC
By María Josefina Arce
In the updating of Cuba's economic model, local development occupies a decisive space, which encourages the participation of its inhabitants and the use of the resources available in the territory, always accompanied by the different governmental levels.
Local authorities are called upon to design strategies that lead to an innovative, sustainable environment, aimed at improving the living conditions of its inhabitants.
The conformation of these projects does not necessarily have to coincide with the political-administrative division of the country, only to have a certain space with the necessary economic, social, cultural and environmental characteristics.
In 2020 the policy for territorial development was approved and this year a legal package was approved for an adequate implementation of this regulation.
Progress has been made on this path and currently 124 municipalities out of the 168 existing ones have already approved their strategy, which the authorities insist must have an active participation of the Universities.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz Canel has reiterated the role to be played by the centers of higher education, which can contribute knowledge, strategies, technologies and innovation processes.
Four hundred and twenty-three local development projects are currently being implemented in the national territory. The authorities have specified that 314 are of an economic productive nature, linked to exportation, human and animal food production, industry, tourism and commerce.
Also, socio-cultural, environmental, institutional and research, development and innovation projects are being carried out.
This initiative is supported by several sources of financing such as investments, credits, the so-called Local Development Fund and international cooperation.
Havana is an example of how much progress has been made. In the Cuban capital, 164 projects are being developed, approved by the municipal administration councils or the provincial government. Almost sixty are dedicated to food production, a national priority.
To advance in the economic and sustainable development of the country, the territories can contribute a lot with their human and material resources potential.
