The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (Citma) was created on April 21, 1994 with the mission of proposing and, once approved, directing and controlling the policy of the State and the Government in the areas of science, technology, innovation, environment and others determined to contribute to the sustainable development of the country.
During 2024, it adjusts to the new conditions in which the national dynamics move and has among its priority tasks those aimed at correcting distortions, solving deficiencies and inadequacies, contributing to boost the economy in the organism and the science system and contributing to the implementation and strengthening of the Government Management System based on Science and Innovation and continuing to improve the Science, Technology and Innovation System (SCTI) oriented to the solution of problems; defining priorities within priorities; greater comprehensiveness of projects and linkage between the different actors that must contribute to the projects.
It is also responsible for promoting the implementation of the new Law 150 of the Natural Resources and Environment System and its complementary legal norms, starting with the development of training actions for all the actors involved at the national, sectoral and local levels and the implementation of a follow-up and control mechanism for the natural resources system.
It should also increase investments in environmental protection, advance in the preparation of the National Biodiversity Program and the baseline of the environmental services of the main ecosystems, boost the implementation of the second stage of the Task Vida and strengthen the associated surveillance and monitoring systems, are other missions to be carried out by Citma.
In the area of environmental issues, the priorities also include actions for the preservation of coral reefs and the recovery of beaches, the preparation of the National Adaptation Plan and the first Biennial Transparency Report, and strengthening the local dimension in the implementation of the Task Life.
In 2024, it must begin implementing the second stage of the Strategy for the transition to a circular economy in Cuba, implement the actions of the “Together for less plastic waste” and “Climate Agro-sugar” Alliances and present projects that contribute to the solution of environmental pollution from solid waste.
Citma also assumes the commitment to contribute, from the social sciences, environmental education and regulatory activity, to the reduction of crimes and illegalities related to natural resources and to promote the implementation of the project Education, Awareness and Environmental Culture for the Sustainability of Development in Cuba.
As highlighted in the agency’s balance sheet, other projections are to define socio-community work actions in priority sites with the highest occurrence of illegal activities related to protected areas and to comply with the main economic indicators and strengthen the INNOMAX business system.
There are many challenges for this young organization. Another of its functions is to ensure the stable operation of the provincial and municipal historical memory commissions in the country, develop indicators to measure the functioning of the Historical Memory Commissions and begin their implementation, work with the respective governments for the creation of the Provincial Archives of Havana, Artemisa and Mayabeque and advocate for a specific item in the plan and budget for document management and archives.
In the midst of these challenges, which they will face with the youth of the 30 years, receive the collectives of the science system and Citma warm congratulations for this anniversary.
