VIII Latin American Marine Sciences Congress octo 23 - Nov 1, 2009
COLAC/MAR/CUBA 2009 brings together marine scientists, other marine professionals and engineers, along with coastal and marine educators, sociologists, economists, businesspeople and policy managers, to explore the following main themes:
Integrated Development: the Role of Marine Sciences
Human Impact on Coastal Zones and Oceans
Climate Change, Natural Disasters and Marine Ecosystems
Seas and Oceans as a Source of Renewable Energy
Marine Biodiversity, Conservation and Connectivity
Biotechnology and Aquaculture Management of Marine Mammals in Controlled Environments
"The island of Cuba lies at the convergence of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Its coastal waters are dense with islets, keys, and reefs that provide key habitats and spawning and nursery grounds for a rich array of fishes, invertebrates, endangered sea turtles, manatees, and other marine life. Because of the prevailing currents and Cuba's proximity to the United States and Mexico, preserving Cuba's biodiversity is critically important to the environmental and economic health of coastal communities in neighboring countries, including the southern United States.
Greater communication and collaboration among scientists, conservation professionals and government agencies will benefit both the American and Cuban people, and the shared ecosystems to which both nations are so intimately linked. Active scientific and management cooperation is especially urgent if we are to address the growing threats to coral reefs, ocean fish populations, habitats for migratory birds, marine mammals and turtles, and biodiversity shared throughout the region."
-Don Whittle, Southeast Oceans Program, Environmental Defense Fund
Eco Cuba Exchange is a program designed to promote environmental interchange between U.S. and Cuban environmentalists. Global Exchange has 20 years experience organizing professional, educational, cultural, and "people to people" study tours to Cuba on every aspect of Cuban life. Check out our Eco Cuba Exchange Delegations for additional environmental tours during 2009.
For more information, please contact: Pamela Montanaro or call 510-649-1052.
