On the occasion of the 8th International Convention on Environment and Development, being held in Havana from 4 to 8 July, Cuba launched the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020 in Caribbean countries. The event, which took place on 4 July 2011 with the participation of 950 delegates representing 35 countries, was attended by the Vice-President of Cuba, together with the Cuban Ministers of Environment and Education. The ceremony was also attended by the ministers of environment from Angola, Dominican Republic and Sri Lanka as well as Luc Gnacadja, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. The launch of the celebration in Havana also coincided with the celebration of the United Nations Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification in the region.