CAMAGÜEY.- The projects Realidad, present and future of the Tarea Vida and Plan of the Cuban State to face climate change, were presented to the leaders of the Party, Government and other institutions related to the environment in the province of Camagüey, for The Vice-President of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment, Dr. Fernando Mario González Bermúdez, in a session held.

Approved by the Council of Ministers in April this year, the Tarea Vida gathers studies and experiences of years of research carried out by many groups of specialists from all over the country, who made a comprehensive assessment of the situation of the island in this phenomenon, and made plans to deal with it on a scientific basis. Among the topics, are recorded the results provided by the Environment Agency's Risk Assessment Group, who forecast for the immediate in this century significant elevations of average sea level. This marine transgression means, for the Cuban territory, the diminution of the aquifer resources and agricultural lands, and the disappearance of about 500 human settlements in the coastal strips of the north and the south of the archipelago.

The activities of the Tarea Vida are aimed at prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, to confront and reduce risks and vulnerabilities and adapt to this phenomenon that will affect everyone. That is why it contemplates strategic actions aimed at counteracting damage in vulnerable areas.

These actions include not allowing construction of new housing in coastal settlements threatened by permanent disappearance or flooding and reducing population density in low-lying coastal areas. To adapt agricultural activities to changes in land use as a result of sea level rise and drought and to reduce crops on coasts affected by salt intrusion. Diversify crops, improve soil conditions, introduce and develop varieties resistant to the new temperature scenario.

These tasks are reinforced by actions that allow projects to adapt to climate change: coastal protection of cities, relocation of human settlements, integral recovery of beaches, mangroves and other natural protective ecosystems, hydraulic and coastal engineering works, among others, including projects linked to renewable energy, energy efficiency, food safety, health and tourism.

The Tarea Vida is inspired by the thinking of Fidel, who in his speech given in the 1992 Earth Summit addressed in Rio de Janeiro described the risks and challenges facing civilization regarding climate change.

 Translated by Ludys Peguero Domínguez/ 3rd year English Language studen