direct and contro.l, at the national l6v.el, the following research and development &ctfvltles In their respective areas of sciences: The study ·of Cuba's natural resources that Is soli as well as sea resources, their characterization and natio­ nal use, Including the detection of new resources and the development of new methods for their use. 70· 0 l!) co C\1 The preservation of envIronment and the prote:tlon of the human activity, which Include the study of environ­ mental poll utlon as we II as the means to 'forecast · cer­ tain natural phenomena and struggle against them. The laying out of the scientific foundation for agricul­ ture, comprising the study of the soils In Cuba, ecolo­ gical research, the procurement of new varieties of plants, the protection of these plants against plagues ,and diseases, the development of modern agrotechnlques and other fields, making special emphasis In studying the sugar cane and other Important crops for our country. The development of the scientific foundations for Indus­ try and communications, which Include, among other things the Introduction and assimilation of modern know­ ledge and technology, the studies on the propagation of electromagnetic waves at great distances through the Ionosphere; the assessment of the technical and econo­ mic posslbll !ties of using the solar energy In CubaJ the principles and applications of the quantum electro­ nics and the studies and research leading to the pacific use of nuclear energy. The Improvement of the National System of Scientific and Technical Information and the development of the scient­Ific foundation for the application of electro·nlc cOIIpu­ tlng at directing the economic and technological process and the scientific and research activity. The study and research of the social, historical and other processes taking place In Cuba, as well as In the rest of Latin America and North America. 
**Analysis**
The text appears to focus on the scientific and technological development of Cuba, with a emphasis on the exploration, preservation, and utilization of natural resources, as well as the application of scientific knowledge to various fields such as agriculture, industry, and information systems. The text also touches on the study of environmental pollution and the development of new methods for using natural resources.

**Category**
Natural resources and environment, Science and technology