Havana, February 14 (RHC)-- The Cuban Minister of Science, Technology, and Environment (Citma), Elba Rosa Pérez, said Thursday that the Cuban State's plan for confronting climate change is a reference example for the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

As part of the scientific program of the 12th International Congress University 2020, the Minister spoke at a forum of Cuban ministers and authorities on the implementation in the country of the Agenda's  Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

She pointed out that science, technology, and innovation are essential to face global challenges such as soil degradation, lack of water resources, increased food production, and prevention of diseases and disasters, among others.

She noted that the Cuban strategy to face climate change, known as Task Life, in addition to being a challenge, constitutes an opportunity to strengthen resilience in national economic and social development plans and to comply with the SDGs.

She said that in 2019 the country devoted 174 million pesos to the implementation of the Task Life plans, which shows the importance given to environmental protection by all sectors of the economy.

Perez highlighted that the work with the SDGs is not exclusive to a single organization or sector.

The Cuban Science and Technology Minister also noted that despite the tightening of the U.S. blockade, it is a priority for the country to keep the Task Life functioning.