Cub@: Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo

Comments on two historical reports of meteorites in Havana, Cuba: Terrestrial or extraterrestrial rocks?

2025-06-16T18:34:11+00:00

This paper examines two historical cases of fragments attributed to meteorites that allegedly fell in Cuba: the first reported on May 10, 1886, in Charcas, San José de las Lajas, and the second concerning an “aerolitic mass” documented in 1902 in Havana. Based on local testimonies, preliminary observations, and a review of chemical analyses conducted in 1902, the study evaluates the reasons why these fragments might not be meteorites. Characteristics such as rapid disintegration upon contact with water, burns caused when handling the fragments, and their mineral composition identified in the analyses strongly suggest a terrestrial origin.

Environmental education for the management of solid waste in the 22 de noviembre Educational Unit of the Isidro Ayora cantón

2025-06-16T18:37:42+00:00

The main objective of this article is to implement environmental education in the management of solid waste in the 22 de noviembre Educational Unit of the Isidro Ayora canton. The methods applied were historical-logical, qualitative, analytical and quantitative. Numerical data collection was used through a survey with a total of 12 questions applied to 60 students from the sixth year of basic secondary school at the 22 de November Educational Unit. The pre-evaluation was carried out to measure the level of knowledge of environmental education under two variables: solid waste management and knowledge of students about solid waste. Pearson's Chi-square analysis was significant at 0.027; SPSS statistics software was used. The results showed that 60% of those surveyed know the negative effects of poor waste management and in turn establishes that 78% of those surveyed do not have the practice of separating waste after the application of the didactic tools. A notable advance is shown in the students' knowledge of solid waste management; 85% of the students respond affirmatively, indicating fundamental knowledge in this area. All students are aware of the negative effects that poorly managed solid waste has on the environment, having a positive result from the application of environmental education in the educational unit.

Evaluation of palm tree species for the conservation and effective restoration of the ecosystem in the Portoviejo canton, Manabí

2025-06-16T18:40:30+00:00

The present research called evaluation of palm tree species for the conservation and effective restoration of the ecosystem in the Portoviejo canton, Manabí, aimed to evaluate the palm tree species for the effective conservation and restoration of the ecosystem in said canton. The methods used were theoretical, empirical and statistical - descriptive, which favored the evaluation of palm species. An inventory of 11 types of palm trees belonging to 50 green areas of the canton was obtained. With this inventory, the analysis of the conservation and effective restoration of the ecosystem in the Portoviejo canton was carried out, using Excel software for the construction and analysis of the database. data and for the classification of scenarios the Weka software. Fundamental scenarios were found regarding the maximum expected number of palm trees resistant to a rainy environment, where fungi proliferate and therefore the ecosystem is unbalanced. Likewise, the maximum number of days waiting for positive diagnoses of fungi that affect the environment were taken into account. palm trees and the maximum number of cases of fungus in palm trees diagnosed in one day, after these evaluations a heuristic search was carried out to optimize the evaluation of the case study species, which is useful to support the decision of decisions based on achieving adequate conservation and restoration of the ecosystem in the Portoviejo canton, Manabí.

Non-parametric model for the design and optimization of groundwater monitoring networks

2025-06-16T18:43:57+00:00

The paper describes the basic elements of a Non-Parametric Model for the design and optimization of groundwater monitoring networks developed by the author. The procedure has been systematically applied since 1978 in different geological environments (karst, non-karstic fissured rocks, granular aquifers) of the Humid Tropics (continental regions, small islands, coastal aquifers) in the Caribbean are described. Latin America, Africa and Oceania. The technology is based on the identification by geomathematical techniques of the dominant characteristics of the geometric components of the network (construction specifications and spatial distribution), network composition, selected variables and sampling frequency through the combination of techniques of factor analysis, numerical, auto and cross-correlations, spectral and variance analysis of the time series, clustering, classification of heterogeneity and anisotropy. The technology can be used for the initial design of a monitoring network as well as to optimize, by changing boundary and operating conditions, the composition, spatial distribution, content and frequency of monitoring in an established network

Knowledge of ciguatera in the coastal municipalities of Havana, Cuba

2025-07-01T12:55:08+00:00

Ciguatera has been recognized as one of the most common foodborne intoxications worldwide. The objective of the research was to analyze the results of the information obtained to determine the acknowledgement of the disease, main symptoms, attendance of patients to health centers and most identified species. The survey was used as a research method. The 95 % of respondents were aware of ciguatera; the most recurrent symptoms were gastrointestinal, with 92 % of cases reported; 89 % attended health services and barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) was the species with the highest incidence. It is recommended to continue working on the education of the population regarding this disease and its symptoms, as well as to submit the results to the Ministry of Food Industry and propose the revision of the current resolution, which reflects the potentially toxic species.

Assessment of climate risk in the coastal zone and the phenomenon of marine intrusion

2025-07-01T13:00:15+00:00

Given the importance of deepening knowledge about climate impacts in vulnerable areas, the objective is to assess climate risk from present and future hazards in coastal areas, to guide planning, management, and governance tools that can be integrated into local development strategies in the context of climate change. By integrating the methodological framework of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, its implementation guide (GIZ-Eurac, 2018), and contextualizing the study conducted at Santa Lucía Beach (Baastel-BRLi, 2022) with other tools, a methodology is obtained that allows the assessment of present and future climate hazards in coastal areas. The result is applied in the Florida municipality of Camagüey, one of the territories most affected by these effects between 2050 and 2100, particularly due to rising average sea levels and marine intrusion. The methodological proposal has contributed to the effective design of adaptation measures aimed at the sustainable development of communities. Keywords: coastal zones, assessment, climate impact, local governance, sustainable development.

Design of strategies for the improvement of environmental education in Cuban universities

2025-07-01T13:04:50+00:00

Cuba is working intensively on the design and development of key sustainability strategies for the nation. In this context, environmental education has become an essential component of university work, providing stakeholders with key competencies to face global challenges by integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into academic programs. However, gaps persist between desired goals and outcomes. The objective of the research is to contribute to the strategic planning of environmental education at the Municipal University Center of Cumanayagua. The historical-logical method, analysis-synthesis, strategic tools derived from the study of the internal and external environment (SWOT) and empirical methods such as bibliographic reviews, informal interviews, direct observations and surveys were used. As fundamental results, strategies were established and formulated to enhance opportunities, develop strengths, reduce weaknesses and diminish threats to the management of environmental education in the center. The study contributes to the achievement of the goals associated with sustainability in the locality in a proactive manner.

Carbon footprint and its impact on food production in the face of climate change

2025-07-01T13:08:12+00:00

Carbon footprint refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions generated by human activities, and its measurement is essential for understanding the environmental impact of food production. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between carbon footprint and food production in the context of climate change. A quantitative approach is used to assess how agricultural practices contribute to the carbon footprint and how these emissions affect food security. The study includes an analysis of different types of crops and their respective emissions, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in agriculture. The findings indicate that the production of certain crops, such as rice, generates higher emissions due to the intensive use of fertilizers and water. Furthermore, it is identified that reducing the carbon footprint is not only crucial for mitigating the effects of climate change but also vital for ensuring food security in a constantly changing world. By encouraging the adoption of more sustainable agricultural practices, a significant contribution can be made to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In conclusion, this article underscores the need for integrated strategies that address both food production and carbon footprint reduction, thus ensuring a more sustainable and secure future for global food security.

Contribution to the development of cuban geography and tourism

2025-06-16T18:49:24+00:00

Cuando se escribe sobre una persona famosa en relación con la fecha de su nacimiento o muerte, es probable que el autor conociera a la persona recordada (quizás lo más importante), o es su admirador o tuvo contacto con la biografía de aquella. En el caso de N. S. Mironenko, los autores de esta semblanza compartimos con él amistad, intereses científicos y le profesamos admiración por su ética personal y dedicación al trabajo.

El curioso y diligente "Kolya" Mironenko, nació en la estepa en el interior de la península de Crimea, en el pueblo de Pridorozhnoe, distrito de Dzhankoy. Terminada la escuela primaria cursó la escuela de hidrometeorología en Kherson, y en 1963, finalizó con medalla de oro el bachillerato. Después de servir en el ejército, estudió en el Instituto Pedagógico de Crimea M.V. Frunze, y al graduarse, trabaja como asistente en el Departamento de Geografía Económica de ese instituto. Desde 1970, el destino de Nikolai Semenovich se asoció con la Universidad Estatal de Moscú, donde pasó de estudiante de posgrado (1970–1973) en la Facultad de Geología a Doctor en Ciencias, Profesor, Científico de Honor, y jefe de uno de los principales departamentos de la Facultad de Geografía.

Geographical-landscapes studies applied to tourism planning in Cuba (1975-1985)

2025-07-01T13:11:46+00:00

Geographic studies of the Cuban landscapes began during the 18^th and 19^th centuries. In the 20^th century, these studies had a notable increase and dissemination due to the research and scientific publications carried out. But it was in the mid-70s, of the last century, when Landscape Geography achieved a significant leap in its conceptualization, epistemology and cartography, especially applied in territorial planning. The objective of this chronicle is: 1-Identify the origins and describe the foundations of the geographical- landscapes research applied to the territorial development of tourism, carried out in Cuba in the period 1975-1985. The main result of this work was the realization of territorial plans for tourism development, especially in protected natural areas, with the application of an integrative geographical approach, based on the use of landscapes as environmental units, which favored and expedited the characterization and differentiation of the spaces studied.