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Cuba received the "NBSAP Reverse the Red 2025" Medal, awarded by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in recognition of the "excellence" of the National Program for Biological Diversity, which is based—according to the government—on science, citizen participation, and conservation.
The award was presented in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to the Cuban ambassador Norberto Escalona Carrillo and celebrated by the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel on the social network X, who congratulated the Cuban environmentalists for their achievement.
The International Coalition Reverse the Red, led by the IUCN, awarded the prize to countries that demonstrate excellence in the formulation and execution of their National Biodiversity Action Plans (NBSAP).
The award recognizes the use of scientific criteria, the inclusion of civil society, and a focus on specific actions for the recovery of endangered species, reported the Cuban News Agency.
Cuba ranks among the 26 nations recognized internationally. The group of awardees is diverse and includes Argentina, Australia, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Fiji, France, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Moldova, Slovenia, the State of Palestine, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Uganda, and the Federated States of Micronesia.
However, the medal comes amid an internal environmental crisis that is affecting the entire country, where pollution, deforestation, and the collapse of community services reflect a reality that is in stark contrast to the official discourse.
In Moa, in the province of Holguín, residents and activists have reported a "prolonged ecocide" caused by nickel and cobalt mining.
The metallic dust blankets roofs, streets, and lungs, and the Ministry of Energy and Mines acknowledged emissions of dust exceeding legal limits.
The communities live, according to testimonies, “under a black cloud that slowly makes them sick,” while authorities repeat mitigation promises that never materialize.
In addition, there is the accelerated deforestation driven by the energy crisis and power outages of up to 20 hours that leave people with no other resource for cooking.
Thousands of families are chopping down trees for cooking due to the lack of gas and electricity, which has led to the loss of forest cover and an increase in vulnerability to droughts and floods.
According to recent alerts, more than nine million Cubans are cooking without stable access to gas or electricity, exposing themselves daily to health and environmental risks.
This situation has particularly affected educational institutions, where nursery circles have had to reduce hours and cook with firewood, improvising stoves under unsanitary conditions.
At the family level, survival strategies include not only the burning of unsuitable materials but also cooking in the middle of the street, without electricity or gas, as the only option to feed the children.
Environmental organizations warn that Cuba could follow the same path of degradation as Haiti if urgent measures are not adopted.
And while the government boasts about international awards, Cuban cities are submerged in trash.
In Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and other cities, piles of waste accumulate for weeks in front of hospitals and schools.
Community services lack fuel and equipment, and the government tries to shift the responsibility onto the citizens, appealing to “social awareness,” while the stench, rats, and mosquitoes proliferate.
The contrast between international recognition and internal environmental collapse summarizes the Cuban dilemma: a state that receives accolades in global forums, while millions of its citizens coexist with pollution, waste, and ecological neglect in their daily lives.
Frequently asked questions about the environmental and energy crisis in Cuba
Why was Cuba awarded the environmental conservation prize?
Cuba received the “NBSAP Reverse the Red 2025” Medal in recognition of the “excellence” of its National Biodiversity Program, which is based on science, citizen participation, and conservation. However, this recognition stands in stark contrast to the reality of the country, which is facing an internal environmental crisis marked by issues of pollution and deforestation.
What is the current environmental and energy situation in Cuba?
Cuba is facing a severe environmental and energy crisis, characterized by pollution, deforestation, and a collapse of communal services. The shortage of gas and electricity has led families to cut down trees for cooking, increasing vulnerability to weather events. Furthermore, cities are overwhelmed with garbage due to lack of resources for waste collection services.
How does the energy crisis affect the Cuban population?
The energy crisis in Cuba has resulted in extended blackouts of up to 20 hours, forcing families to resort to rudimentary methods such as burning firewood for cooking. This has led to deforestation and a deterioration in quality of life, particularly affecting educational institutions and increasing health and environmental risks.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address these crises?
The Cuban government has made few effective improvements to address the environmental and energy crisis. Although plans for energy recovery and international partnerships have been announced, the reality is that the infrastructure remains outdated and the proposed solutions have not had a significant impact on the daily lives of citizens.
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