Cuba has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for environmental protection and safety through the Office of Regulation and Environmental Safety (ORSA), which operates as the nation’s primary authority in this domain. Under the leadership of Director General Antonio Casanova, this agency functions as a critical enforcement body ensuring adherence to environmental laws and technical provisions throughout the island nation.
ORSA’s mandate extends across multiple specialized areas including chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological safety protocols. The agency maintains particular focus on preventing environmental pollution while simultaneously balancing Cuba’s economic and social development priorities. As an entity within the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA), ORSA receives institutional support and coordinates with various inspection bodies to fulfill its mission.
The agency’s responsibilities encompass biodiversity conservation efforts, specifically protecting species of special significance to Cuba’s unique ecosystem. ORSA regulates international trade of threatened wildlife and flora under international conventions, while also overseeing genetic resources derived from biological diversity. Additional oversight extends to industrial chemicals management, hazardous waste disposal protocols, and technology transfer regulations.
Furthermore, ORSA operates with government-delegated authority to verify Cuba’s compliance with international environmental commitments. This function positions the agency as Cuba’s primary interface for global environmental agreements, ensuring the nation meets its obligations across all areas of the agency’s competence. The integrated approach combines domestic regulatory enforcement with international treaty compliance, creating a comprehensive environmental governance system.