Cuba celebrates World Ozone Day with environmental awards

Provinces in Cuba, including Villa Clara and Cienfuegos, held events to commemorate World Ozone Day on September 16. The celebrations focused on environmental awareness, education, and recognizing entities that have successfully eliminated the use of ozone-depleting substances (ODS).

In Villa Clara, the Sociedad Mercantil Porcino Placetas received national recognition for being an ODS-free entity. The event, held at the Museum of Decorative Arts, also included awards for children in environmental contests. Officials from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA) emphasized the importance of maintaining environmental continuity despite current national complexities.

In Cienfuegos, activities included technical workshops at the University of Carlos Rafael Rodríguez aimed at replacing hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) with sustainable technologies. The Rancho Luna–Faro Luna hotel complex was awarded the “Libre de SAO” seal for the total elimination of equipment using HCFC. Local initiatives also include a provincial registry of refrigeration and air conditioning systems to identify and transition companies away from ozone-depleting gases.