FAO supports sustainable use of Cuba's marine resources

By María Josefina Arce

Cuba and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have a fluid relationship of cooperation. Over the years, FAO has supported several projects in the Caribbean nation, while Cuban technicians have contributed to the implementation of this UN agency's initiatives in other countries.

The FAO has also provided assistance in Cuban territory for the recovery of agriculture and fisheries in emergency situations caused by hurricanes and other meteorological events.

It has also supported the Cuban government's efforts to develop these sectors in an environmentally and friendly manner.

This is the case of the current project to promote the sustainable use of marine resources in the Gulf of Guacanayabo, in the southeastern part of the national territory between the provinces of Granma, Camagüey, Las Tunas and the Jardines de la Reina archipelago.

According to specialists, more than 55% of the endemic marine species of the Caribbean Sea are found in the Gulf of Guacanayabo.

With funding from the Global Environment Facility, Conpescas Guacanayabo seeks to implement control and monitoring systems and alternatives to reduce the impact of fishing.

As part of this project, workshops have been held in which proposals and recommendations have been formulated to solve the problems affecting this area of the insular platform, such as unsustainable fishing practices that lead to the loss of biodiversity.

They have also received equipment, working tools and diving equipment to carry out the necessary marine studies, which in FAO's opinion will help create the conditions for a profitable and sustainable fishing industry for the benefit of the communities and the country.

The initiative also includes the strengthening of laboratory capacities, with the contribution of microscopes, reagents and refrigeration equipment for better control of aquatic diseases and food quality and safety.

For decades, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has provided invaluable support to actions carried out by the Cuban government for its economic and social progress.