The New York Times reports that although Cuba’s commitment to environmental protection has never been tested, or tempted, it will be if trade and travel barriers with the U.S. fall. The Times reports Cuba’s green sensitivities evolved as much out of necessity as ideology.

“The collapse of the Soviet bloc in 1991 and the continued isolation by the United States forced the country to fend for itself. With the tools of big agriculture — fuel for heavy machinery, chemical fertilizers, pesticides — out of reach, farming moved away from the increased sugar production that characterized the Soviet era, turning more to organic techniques and cooperatives of small farmers.”

For some twenty years, Cuba has also taken steps to preserve its natural resources and promote sustainable development.  According to the Times, while environmental problems remain, including overfishing and the erosion and deforestation left from earlier eras, the ministry overseeing environmental issues there has a strong voice.  >Read More via http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/02/science/earth/cubas-environmental-concerns-grow-with-prospect-of-us-presence.html/