Cuba has taken a significant step in its environmental policy by introducing a legal framework to regulate both voluntary and compliance carbon markets. The new measures are designed to position the country as an active participant in the Paris Agreement’s Article 6 mechanisms.
Cuban wildlife scene with a bright hummingbird near flowers and an iguana basking on rocks in a tropical forest. AI generated picture.
The framework, set out under Resolution 106/2025 and published by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment (CITMA), provides detailed rules for developing carbon projects. According to the resolution, the regulations aim to enable ‘distinct economic actors’ to finance conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
At a press conference, Armando Rodríguez Batista, head of CITMA, described the move as a milestone for the nation. ‘This regulation makes Cuba an active player in the global climate economy, prioritising sustainability and social justice, inherent to our socialist system’, he said.
Under the new framework, project developers will be able to propose initiatives in areas such as renewable energy, emissions reduction in industry, ecosystem restoration, waste management, and food security. All projects must be registered in a forthcoming national registry, which will track and approve initiatives aligned with either domestic or international carbon standards. Developers will be required to submit their projects within 30 days of registration under a chosen standard.
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CITMA will oversee the markets through a dedicated unit, tasked with managing the registry and determining which carbon methodologies to apply.
The move builds on a decision made by the Cuban government earlier this year to operationalise carbon markets, in collaboration with the UN Development Programme (UNDP). At that time, the country signalled its intent to use Article 6 to support its energy transition goals and protect forest ecosystems.
With the new framework now in place, Cuba is laying the groundwork to attract investment into carbon projects that align environmental restoration with national development priorities.
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Cuba’s decision to operationalise carbon markets under Article 6 reflects a broader shift where policy frameworks and finance are aligning to accelerate sustainable development. For companies, this underscores the urgency of moving from planning to implementation. At Green Earth, we help businesses bridge that gap—offering the tools to measure emissions, cut footprints, and secure high-quality, verifiable carbon units that deliver both environmental and economic value. Our solutions support investment flows, strengthen supply chain resilience, and turn compliance into a competitive advantage. The market is opening; the question is who will act first. Lead the transition with us—discover how our nature-based units can empower your journey.
