Havana, November 25 (RHC)-- Cuba and the United States have signed a joint declaration to collaborate in environmental protection.

According to an announcement by the Cuban Embassy in Washington, DC, the accord was signed Tuesday in Washington and focuses on the sustainable management of natural resources and shared ecosystems, particularly marine biodiversity.

The document also includes areas of common interest in developing bilateral cooperation, such as addressing the cause and effect of climate change, as well as measures for natural disaster risk reduction, which are crucial to address vulnerabilities of both territories.

The accord expresses the joint willingness of both governments to boost the exchange of scientific, technological information and resources, and to develop joint research studies.

The document was signed at the U.S. Department of State by Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Fisheries David Balton by Cuba's ambassador to Washington, Ramón Cabañas.

This was the second official instrument on the environment signed by the two governments, following a November 18th memo of understanding on the protection of coastal marine resources, which was the first bilateral accord in the field since Havana and Washington re-established diplomatic relations in July.