Publication of Law 186 Establishes the Ministry of Environment, Habitat, and Water Resources

On November 2nd, the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cuba published Law 186. “On the Organization of the Central State Administration,” which defines the number, designation, mission, and functions of the ministries and other bodies that comprise it.

The Law establishes that the Central State Administration now consists of 20 ministries. Including the Ministry of Environment, Habitat, and Water Resources.

According to Article 91 of the legislation, this new body will be responsible for directing and overseeing state environmental and climate policy. As well as the sustainable management of natural resources, land-use planning, urban development, cadastre, and housing.

Article 92 assigns it 21 specific functions. Including directing and overseeing the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, biological diversity, and the environment.

The ministry will also be tasked with directing and overseeing the instruments for environmental policy and management. As well as the integrated and sustainable management of inland water resources. With proposing and monitoring policies to address climate change.

Its responsibilities further include directing and overseeing the operation of monitoring networks. Covering hydrometeorology, water quality, radiological conditions, the environment, and seismology. Along with early-warning systems for disaster risk reduction.

The Law also mandates that the ministry regulate and oversee the peaceful use of nuclear energy, as well as chemical and biological safety.

Regarding water resources, the ministry’s functions include overseeing water-related assets and promoting and monitoring the rational use and quality of water. The regulation provides for a period of up to one year, from the date it enters into force, to carry out the necessary organizational adjustments and to transfer human, material, and financial resources to the entities that will assume the corresponding functions and powers.

Law 186 establishes that the Central State Administration consists of 20 ministries. Including those for Agriculture and Food; Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment. Economy and Finance; Higher Education, Science, and Innovation. Environment, Habitat, and Water Resources; and Industries and Construction. It also includes the Central Bank of Cuba and any other entities explicitly granted this status by law or decree-law.

It enters into force seven days after its publication in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cuba.

By: Miguel David Bruzón Hernández

Radio Angulo
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