How our Cuban partner is using climate change risk analyses to combat Covid-19

The coronavirus appeared in Cuba in mid-March. The containment measures obviously had an impact on our local partner Centro Felix Varela. They are now using their climate network and their unique methodology to combat this epidemic. We conducted an online interview with two of their volunteers.

The coronavirus appeared in Cuba in mid-March. The containment measures have obviously had an impact on our local partner, the Centro Felix Varela. They are now using their network of climate volunteers and their unique mapping methodology to combat this epidemic. We conducted an online interview with two of their volunteers.

The Centro Felix Varela (CFV) strengthens vulnerable communities throughout the island of Cuba by focusing on two themes: promoting peaceful cohabitation on the one hand and protecting the living environment on the other. To this end, they are bringing together a number of existing organisations that already have a great deal of local knowledge but have not yet tackled these specific issues. They include parents' associations, teachers' associations and local administrative boards. As part of Cuba's climate plan, their task is to raise awareness among their fellow citizens of the risks of climate change.

To do this, our partner uses the ‘Mapa Verde’ method. Children, parents, fishermen, small self-employed people, etc. create a map of their own village or neighbourhood through various workshops. They organise brainstorming workshops and discussion forums to identify the most beautiful sites, ideal for going swimming, for example, or for visiting an instructive historical site. But they also look for less attractive places, such as the drainpipes of polluting factories, rubbish lying in the streets, places that are dangerous at night and areas prone to flooding. These ‘green maps’ are an educational and teaching tool for both civil networks and local councils. The next step is to analyse the negative consequences. For example, polluted stagnant water can be a breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes, and air pollution can lead to respiratory problems.

Local councils and voluntary groups are now using this methodology and knowledge to identify areas at high risk of exposure to Covid-19 and to inform the public. The map shows places where people live in close proximity, such as markets and flat blocks, or where many vulnerable people live, such as senior citizens.

I had the opportunity to speak via whatsapp with a CFV volunteer who lives in Alamar, in the east of Havana, and with Barbara who is a volunteer from San Cristóbal, in the western province of Artemisa.

What effect has the coronavirus had on the ‘mapa verde’ network?

There are positive and negative consequences. Most of the groups of ‘mapeadores’ are schoolchildren, but since the end of March, schools have been closed. This means that they will not be able to finish their cards by the end of June. Other public activities have been cancelled and the monthly coordination meetings will not be taking place. We keep in touch via whatsapp, telephone and e-mail, but not everyone has a smartphone or internet access.

Centro Felix Varela's head office is located in an entirely quarantined area. Fortunately, there are still no sick people in our network, despite the fact that one older woman has been contaminated by her daughter, who has travelled from abroad to visit her.

But on the positive side, we can enrich our knowledge. For example, we have seen that we need to add small icons to the maps to map social problems as well. We've already experimented with this method in relation to gender-based violence. We also want to create an icon symbolising reconstruction, so that we can also monitor this aspect during or after a disaster.

Thanks to our ‘mapas verdes’, we know where the most vulnerable areas are. This information has now been included in official prevention plans. Another experiment that has now proved its worth is the use of gerontological green maps, which show the vulnerability factors of elderly people in their neighbourhoods. We've never had a situation like this before, although there have been exercises using epidemiological green maps in Edesio Perez and Manicaragua. We now need to build on these experiences, because global warming is likely to be the cause of other epidemics.

In San Cristóbal, we are helping to inform the local population and distributing protective masks. We know that many people make their own masks, and it's no different here. We are available to neighbourhood committees to provide help wherever possible.

What's the situation in your neighbourhood?

East Havana has not yet been badly hit. In the capital, the most contaminated areas are the Plaza, Cerro, Old Havana and the centre. As with climate change, we can see that there is now a problem throughout the country with the perception of risks. The population is informed on a daily basis and there is a very good atmosphere of cooperation between the various institutions, social organisations and the self-employed. They have all adapted their way of working to be as efficient as possible and to encourage social distancing. And the order services punish those who do not respect the measures.

How is the health sector involved in your work?

Health should be defined as a general feeling of well-being. So for us in Cuba, it's essentially about the health of the population. Everyone has a part to play: the middle class, the government, trade, agriculture, law enforcement agencies, law enforcement agencies, the army, sportsmen and women, social workers, different types of businesses, universities and their students, etc.

Neighbourhood committees and medical students regularly go out into the streets and knock on people's doors to ask them about their state of health.

The polyclinics [a kind of neighbourhood health centre offering primary and secondary care] are doing everything they can. Nurses and GPs visit patients with medical records more frequently.

Being confined to your own home is not easy. What initiatives are there to protect mental health?

The written press, radio, television and social media are now broadcasting programmes and documents giving tips on how best to manage confinement. They give advice on how to create a daily routine, suggest sporting exercises or ideas for sewing projects, games for children and the whole family, and invite people to take part in photo or other challenges. There are also homework assignments to help you develop your craft skills or photographic creativity. Professionals use methods to reduce feelings of anxiety. New types of information, entertainment and musical programming are appearing on TV. On Facebook, for example, there is a group that shares new and simple recipes. You can also download films and TV series onto your mobile. Pupils receive online homework from their teachers, involving all members of the family.

This interview was conducted by Julie Steendam, who is currently in Cuba. You can follow her on her blog Eeuwige Zee (in Dutch).

Because of the US embargo against Cuba, its inhabitants are particularly affected by the coronavirus. To find out more, visit the Cubanismo.be

We support the call by the Coordination pour la levée de l'embargo sur Cuba to send a message of solidarity to Cuba. You can do so online by clicking on the following link where you can also read testimonials from Cubans.

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