The challenges of the Civil Defense System in the face of climate change were raised during the Third Regional Workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction, which brought together in Ciego de Ávila, heads and specialists of that body in the provinces of Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Villa Clara, Sancti Spirits and the host territory.
During a videoconference with the National Civil Defense Staff (EMNDC) they learned about the Macroproject "scenarios of danger and vulnerability of the Cuban coastal zone associated with the increase in the average sea level for the years 2050 and 2100."
An increase in temperatures, soil salinization and variations in the behavior of marine currents are expected, the latter with increases and decreases in different areas of the national territory and a negative impact on climate modulation and coastal erosion in the planet.
The Environment Agency and the Institute of Geophysics and Astronomy carry out scientific research on marine ecosystems, the results of which will allow the development of adaptation systems aimed at minimizing the effects of climate variations.
The speakers for the EMNDC emphasized that the Cuban State provided 12.9 million pesos based on the Macroproject, to which are added the actions promoted by international projects (Live Mangrove, Coastal Resilience and My Coast) for the rehabilitation of the coastlines.
To strengthen the response capacity, the Civil Defense System promotes technological preparation and modernization actions in the management centers for disaster risk reduction (CGRRD), with the task of preventing and dealing with natural, health and technological disasters.
Zailén Cabrera Ramos, head of department at the CGRRD of the municipality of Aguada de Pasajeros, in the province of Cienfuegos, stressed that, in addition to the advising to the Defense Council, they carry out community workshops that help strengthen the response capacity of the population in the face of disasters.
As part of the Macroproject, the territory of Ciego de Ávila works on the relocation of population settlements due to their proximity to the coast and the updating of hazard, vulnerability and risk studies that favor decision-making, Lieutenant Colonel Ramón Martín Fragela, head of the Organ of Civil Defense of the Ciego de Ávila Military Region, said.
The benefits of international projects that favor the recovery of coastal ecosystems damaged by meteorological phenomena and human actions, and the development of mini-industries of construction materials to promote the construction of houses that are more resistant to the ravages of the climate are added to this, she said. Ronald Linares Ortiz, head of the Independent Department of Military Education of the José Martí University, in the province of Sancti Spíritus, referred to the linking of higher education students to the CGRRD to develop research that contributes to the performance of the Defense System Civil.
Miguel Sosa Nodarse, head of the Civil Defense Body in the Cienfuegos Military Region, highlighted that the ties with the house of higher studies in his demarcation contribute to increase the effectiveness in reducing disaster risks.
It is considered among the activities for the 60th anniversary of the Civil Defense, the Workshop included a visit to the Provincial Meteorological Center, where they appreciated the human and technological capacities to support the work of that institution, based on the monitoring of atmospheric variables.
They corroborated compliance with Civil Defense measures at the Juan Antonio Márquez Fraga Brush and Plastic Items Company (CEPIL), and at Media Luna, one of the first MSMEs approved in the country, dedicated to the production of food and charcoal for domestic consumption and export.
At the end of the event, the Civil Defense Section of the Central Army and the different provinces were recognized for their participation.
Close to his retirement, after more than 50 years at the service of the Civil Defense, Lieutenant Colonel Martín Fragela received the moral and material recognition of his colleagues.
