“Water, as a natural, renewable and finite resource, State property, which constitutes a right of every citizen, needs special norms to regulate its planning and management; since, also, it is an essential element for the socio-economic development and, in short, life itself”, this was expressed by the parliamentary commissions in charge of ruling the land water bill, which was passed in that regular session of the National Assembly.
Inscribed in the strategy for protection and sustainability of the environment, the country is committed with, the regulations published in the Official Gazette of the Republic are available in www.gacetaoficial.cu.
Inland waters are those that "are inside or above the earth's crust, regardless of their physical, chemical or bacteriological composition, in the space that makes up the emerged part of the national territory limited by the coastline", as explained in the glossary of terms that accompanies the Law, a valuable section that allows the population to better understand the technical part of it.
After a process of discussion initiated in 2013, which led to the modification of many of its elements, the law consists of 13 titles, 15 sections, 29 chapters and 127 articles.
To order the comprehensive and sustainable management of these waters as a renewable and limited natural resource is among the goals of the legislation according to the general interest of society, economy, health and the environment.
Also, to establish the steps for its protection on the basis of its planning, preservation and sustainability, in tune with the socio-economic development and environmental protection, and in the face of negative impact of extreme natural phenomena and climate change.
The regulation about water resources is accompanied by its rules. Like all laws, this is a normative resource complementing it, which establishes and regulates "how to do what is required," said President of the National Institute of Water Resources (INRH) Inés María Chapman Waugh.
In a meeting with the press, together with Hydraulic Planning Director Rolando Calzada Cano and legal advisor at the institution Edilberto Pérez Blanco, Chapman stressed that both documents - law and regulations - are also a contribution to the educational process of the population and entities in the efficient and rational use of water.
The conscious participation of citizens saving it is a long-term strategy, essential to preserve an increasingly vulnerable and scarce resource, as we all Cubans could see again, during the three-year drought that we suffered until a few days ago.
The Law of inland waters was preceded, among other antecedents, by the National Water Policy, approved by the Council of Ministers in December 2012, in compliance with the Guidelines of the Economic and Social Policy of the Party and the Revolution of the 6th Congress, which were updated in the 7th. Congress.
Translated by ESTI
