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12-28-06, 10:06 am
Cuba increases forested areas
BY ALEXIS SCHLAHCHTER
The reduction this year in the amount of pollution to the environment in Cuba was highlighted yesterday by Dr. José Antonio Díaz Duque, deputy minister for science, technology and the environment (CITMA).
During a press conference he added that in the eight hydrographic basins of national interest, this figure dropped, compared with levels in 2005, to 3.8% and 3% in the principal bays.
Also, at the end of the current year, according to the minister’s explanation, the country’s forested areas rose to 24.54% of national territory, with an increase of more than 33,000 hectares, in excess of forecast figures for benefiting impoverished soil.
The country now possesses 2,696,589 hectares of forest, not including the 170,253 plantations that are less than three years old.
With respect to the principal achievements in science and technology, he mentioned the establishment of methodological bases for environmental codes in areas where tourism is being developed.
Studies into the dangers and risks to and the vulnerability of 15 municipalities in City of Havana in relation to coastal flooding, intense rain and high winds have also been completed.
América Santos, deputy minister at CITMA, highlighted the development of bio-preparations to break down oil, the introduction of new medical and diagnostic equipment and work undertaken to develop alternative sources of energy.
Energy Revolution in Cuba
BY DIEGO RODRIGUEZ MOLINA
NUEVA GERONA.—The works involved in the final stage of mounting the Eolian Park installed on the Isle of Youth to generate electricity via a more economical alternative as part of the Energy Revolution were commended by Yadira García Vera, minister of basic industry, during a tour of the area, some 40 kilometers from this city.
The likewise member of the Political Bureau, accompanied by Elizabeth Cámara, member of the Central Committee and first secretary of the Party here, met with workers in the sector who are raising the 55-meter towers that will carry the six French technology aero-generators that can be dismantled at the approach of hurricanes, an aspect that gives this field an advantage over others introduced into the country.
Located in the eastern part of the second island in the Cuban archipelago, given that the air velocity there is highly suitable for generation, the complex will add 1,650 kilowatts to the local electrical energy system without contaminating the atmosphere, and based on renewable raw material, like the wind.
García Vera acknowledged the territory’s efforts to incorporate new renewable energy sources in line with its potential, including that of generating from the forestall biomass, and highlighted the favorable results in terms of savings, by decreasing electricity consumption by 0.3%, despite the fact that the 40% of the island’s population have been cooking with electricity for some months. This translated into 1,300 tons of unused oil.
Translated by Granma International
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