The document is the first of its kind between the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (Citma) and a US environmental non-governmental organization, the Ocean Foundation, and it is an milestone given its new content and scope, the statement said.

According to the press release, the tool is the result of a long working relationship between the US institution and several scientific research centers in Cuba for several decades, and an expression of the current mutual interest in strengthening cooperation between both participants and in developing joint projects.

It also contributes to the implementation of actions to adapt to global warming according to Cuba’s State Plan to Confront Climate Change, known as Tarea Vida (Life Task), which will include the recovery and preservation of mangrove areas, and other actions to reduce the deterioration of coral reef crests.

It is an agreement that aims to create opportunities for collaboration in marine science research that are mutually beneficial to the missions and objectives of both institutions, the source pointed out.

The statement noted that marine and coastal ecosystem studies between the two nations constitute one of few areas of academic and research exchange maintained for decades, despite adverse political contexts. This memorandum of understanding represents what Cuba and the United States could do when both countries work together, the statement stressed.

jg/abo/mem/ifs