Cuba, U.S. agree to jointly protect environment

Cuba and the United States on Wednesday signed here a memorandum of understanding for the protection of their marine and coastal resources, the first of its kind since the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The document was signed at the Cuban Foreign Ministry by Kathryn Sullivan, director of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Cuban First Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Environment, Fernando Gonzalez.

This accord will address joint protection and management of several zones, including the Guanahacabibes National Park and the Bank of San Antonio, in the province of Pinar del Rio in Cuba, and the American Flower Garden Banks and the Florida Keys, including the Everglades and Dry Tortuga parks, in Florida.

These areas share a similar spectrum of fish and coral species, and the scientists expect to collaborate to preserve the area in the midst of expansion of economic activities, such as tourism and oil exploration.

Cuba's marine environment is considered one of the best preserved in the region, but a search for oil by foreign investors could put this reputation in danger.

Cuba and the United States restored diplomatic relations on July 20 this year after half a century of political enmity.

Environmental protection has been an issue both governments could agree, amidst other more delicate political topics, such as the lifting of the economic sanctions and the return of land occupied by the U.S. Guantanamo naval base.

American scientists have participated this week in the 10th Congress on Marine Sciences, where the two countries agreed to monitor and protect endangered shark species in the Florida Straits. Endi