The Ozone Technical Office (OTO), in celebration of its 30th anniversary, recognised the TV Avileña local television centre for its continuous contribution to the dissemination of educational messages about the protection of the ozone layer, aimed especially at young people and local communities. During the programme “Equilibrio”, engineer Livia Polín, specialist of the Environment Subdelegation in Ciego de Ávila, highlighted the key role of the media in forming environmental awareness.

Polín emphasised the initiatives implemented in the province, among them: training for productive sectors about the progressive elimination of ozone-depleting substances (ODS), promotion of sustainable technologies in Avilanian enterprises, with emphasis on the refrigeration and air conditioning sector and educational programmes in schools and communities to foster citizen participation.

The specialist recalled that this year commemorates 40 years of the Vienna Convention and 30 of the creation of the Ozone Technical Office of Cuba, milestones that reflect the global commitment to the protection of the ozone layer. The day’s motto, “Ozone protection: ongoing mission”, highlights the necessity of maintaining collective efforts.

Ciego de Ávila has managed to reduce the use of ODS by more than 50% in the last five years, thanks to technological conversion in industries and compliance with the Montreal Protocol. The province stands out as a reference in the implementation of environmental policies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Avilanian environmental authorities announced that they will reinforce alliances with research centres, universities and the private sector to advance towards a low-carbon economy resilient to climate change.