By Pedro M. Otero Cabañas

This June 5th, Cuba remembers the 40th anniversary of having celebrated World Environment Day (WED) for the first time, two years after it was established by the UN.

Today the international community supports World OM Day because it considers that the protection of nature and its varied ecosystems is a key issue for the survival of all living species on the planet.

Since its proclamation by the UN General Assembly in 1977, World OM Day every June 5 has effectively contributed to the creation and consolidation of universal awareness on the subject.

In fact, environmental issues currently occupy a high priority on government agendas. Pro-environmental groups and organizations have also multiplied and national legislation referring to these matters has been strengthened.

The UN Conferences on three specific topics have had particular relevance: Desertification, loss of Biodiversity and Climate Change. The latter with special attention from experts, whose solution they consider an overwhelming urgency. To date, 29 conferences on CC have been held.

Cuba has joined all efforts to establish a friendly relationship with the MA. Due to its relevant work in the implementation of pro-environmental actions, the province of Las Tunas, in the east of the island, was selected to organize the main events to mark the date in 2024.

The event emphasizes land restoration and resilience to the effects of CC, a phenomenon that negatively impacts terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Some of the environmental problems that affect Cuba today are soil degradation, pollution and water availability in some territories, precarious forest cover, and depressed marine ecosystems.

This June 5th, World OM Day, is a special occasion to highlight the rescue actions of all the natural systems of the island, and greet all those who, from anywhere in the world, work to protect the beautiful planet in which we live.