Environmental Policy, a Priority of the Cuban State

Cuba is demonstrating progress in implementing its environmental policy amidst an adverse context. Also based on the premise that it is a cultural issue involving the State and all of society.

The largest of the Antilles is celebrating World Environment Day with tangible results despite these difficult times. Employing new approaches to resume practices. Such as visits to communities, ecosystems, and protected areas to continue studying them.

The Minister of Science, Technology and Environment, Armando Rodríguez, explained at a press conference held at the Citmatel headquarters in Havana. That there are obstacles to implementing management plans. Which gives the achievements obtained a special significance. “Today we are not working under normal conditions, but the main challenge is that we must continue working proactively,” he said.

It is recognized that the Cuban archipelago is one of the 35 biodiversity hotspots on the planet, and this is a great responsibility for the country. These areas in the Caribbean nation reflect a region. With an exceptional concentration of ecosystems that form part of our natural heritage.

Thanks to Cuban science, 36,729 species have been identified, with insects, plants, and fungi being the most diverse groups. Around 40% of them are endemic, and the largest concentrations are found among mollusks, reptiles, and amphibians.

Moreover the system of protected areas continues to expand. In 2025, 13 new areas were approved, adding more than 80,000 hectares to the existing network. Covering 16.37% of the land area and approximately 30% of the marine area. Some areas encompass both categories.

Going forward, we must achieve monitoring that is much more technology-based, the minister stated.

Today, the country has 156 protected areas approved by the Council of Ministers. Encompassing mangroves, coral reefs, and mountain forests. These areas have ongoing management and monitoring plans.

Priority was given to authorizing the so-called “Sites of Hope,” protected areas notable for their specific coral species. Some of which are located in Guanahacabibes National Park, the Zapata Swamp, and Jardines de la Reina National Park.

The Laguna de Maya and Santa Lucía Wildlife Refuges are also included, Rodríguez added.

It’s not just about conservation, but also about the sustainable development of ecosystems. For example, income can be generated through recreational diving, the Cuban scientist recommended. The forest cover index is increasing annually, currently at 32.2%. While the country has a projected potential of 33%.

Seventy-one percent of the forests serve protective and conservation functions, but it is necessary to pay close attention to the phenomenon of forest fires, said Rodríguez. He emphasized the ongoing studies on wetlands, forests, and seagrass beds.

Cuba—the minister highlighted—now has a high level of academic expertise in this field. Allowing it to conduct high-level exchanges with experts from other countries.

With information from Prensa Latina

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