2006 was "The Year of the Energy Revolution" in Cuba. Government Ministries and NGOs like the award-winning Cuba Solar developed a nationwide plan focused on energy efficiency and independence. The entire electrical system was upgraded, efficient appliances were distributed among the citizenry, and cadres of young social workers went from house to house in every community teaching energy efficient methods of home maintenance. Cuba became the first country in the world to completely phase out incandescent light bulbs.

During 2006 - 2007 Cuba saved close to one million tons of imported oil through these measures, and reduced their CO2 emissions by 5 million tons.

It was exactly ten years earlier, in 1996 that Global Exchange and Solar Energy International made our first research tour to Cuba to learn about their renewable energy plans. Since then Cuba Solar has installed thousands of solar panels on rural schools and family doctor clinics, and maximized their use of the regions in Cuba where wind, water, biomass and biogas resources for energy production are available.

This delegation is co-organized by Eco Cuba Exchange and Solar Energy International**

Eco Cuba Exchange is a program designed to promote environmental interchange between U.S. and Cuban environmentalists. Check out our Eco Cuba Exchange Delegations for additional environmental tours during 2009 - 2011.

For more information on Eco Cuba Exchange and on the program for the Cuba Solar Conference and Research Tour, please contact:
Pamela Montanaro
or call 510-649-1052.

** Solar Energy International (SEI) is a USA non-profit organization whose mission is to help others use renewable energy and environmental building technologies through education. SEI teaches individuals from all walks of life how to design, install and maintain renewable energy systems, and how to design and build efficient, sustainable homes. SEI offers trainings online and in 22 locations around the world.
Contact: Laurie Stone, Solar Energy International.

Global Exchange Reality Tours has over 20 years experience arranging Cuba travel for professional, educational, cultural, and "people to people" delegations to research every aspect of Cuban life. For information on the travel logistics for the Cuba Solar delegation, see contact information below.

Program Highlights:

• Participation in Cuba Solar Workshop
• Site Visits to Renewable Energy installations throughout Granma Province and to the Center for Solar Studies
• Sustainable Development and Renewable Energy tour of Havana and Old Havana; Meetings with CUBAENERGIA, PAEME and CUBA SOLAR.
• Small group meetings according to interest
• Cultural activities

Cost: $2500

Price Includes:

• round trip flight from Miami or Cancun to Havana
• Cuban visa
• Three star hotel accommodations
• Two meals per day
• Workshop fee
• Program guides
• Site visits
• In-country translation
• In-country transportation
• Program fees
• Cuban visa
• Price is based on double room accommodations; add $300 for single room
• Price does NOT include airfare to/from Cancun, beverages, gratuities, travel insurance, personal expenditures, etc.

How to Register:

This trip will be as diverse as possible in terms of race, age and life experiences. In some cases, a limited number of partial scholarships are available for low income applicants.

We strongly recommend travel insurance for all international travel!

Make your reservation online now!

Contact Drea with any questions about this trip, or call toll-free 1-800-497-1994 ext. 211.