Ecobreves – CUBA: Guantánamo Farmers Improve Standard of Living

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HAVANA, Jul 27 2009 (IPS) - A boost in capacity of an old hydroelectric dam and international cooperation for reforestation and for improvement of distribution networks are raising the standard of living for residents of the Guaso basin in the eastern Cuban province of Guantánamo. The Guaso hydroelectric dam went from production of 800 to 1,500 kilowatts, thanks to the recovery of two inactive units, Fabio Fajardo, coordinator of the Small Grants Program of the Global Environment Facility, told Tierramérica.

The Program also supports a project here for community mitigation and adaptation to climate change, which includes a system that will facilitate local families' access to improved water sources.

“All of this is exciting for the more than 100 families that are benefitting from it; who work very closely together,” said Fajardo.