With the aim of strengthening cooperation for the conservation of marine ecosystems, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the non-governmental organization The Ocean Foundation of the United States and the Institute of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA) of Cuba.
The agreement, signed by the Chargé d'Affaires of the Cuban Embassy in the United States, Lianys Torres Rivera, and the president of The Ocean Foundation, Mark J. Spalding, will create opportunities for collaboration in marine science research.
The document also contemplates the implementation of actions to adapt to climate change, such as the recovery of mangrove areas and the reduction in the deterioration of coral reef crests.
During the signing ceremony, the Cuban Chief of Mission in Washington, conveyed CITMA's satisfaction with the signing of this new instrument, which is in addition to the agreements with federal agencies that allow bilateral scientific cooperation.
Torres Rivera also pointed out that this Memorandum constitutes an achievement on the road to the reestablishment of cooperative relations advantageous to both nations.
The diplomat pointed out that this agreement is the result of several decades of work between the Ocean Foundation and various research institutions in Cuba.
The impact of the blockade in this sector has limited the possibility of acquiring resources for environmental protection and the development of joint marine research between governmental institutions of both countries. This MoU represents what Cuba and the U.S. can achieve if they work together, Torres Rivera said.
For his part, Mark J. Spalding said the U.S. organization remains committed, for more than three decades, to using science as a bridge for the protection of shared marine resources.
We are confident that agreements such as this can lay the groundwork for greater cooperation between our governments in coastal and ocean science," added Spalding.
While the memorandum is not a binding agreement, it lays the groundwork for a cooperative relationship between neighboring nations that share common marine areas and ecosystems.
Cuba and the United States signed a joint declaration on November 24, 2015, with the goal of protecting marine and coastal biodiversity in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.
Embassy of Cuba in Washington, D.C.
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