Designed by sculptor Hector Carrillo, the monument is located at the mountain research station of Sierra de Nipe.

Dr. Simeon died on October 22, 2004. During her lifetime, she received several awards, which included that of Work Heroine of the Republic of Cuba and the Carlos J. Finlay Order for scientific activity. In 2006, the United Nations Environment Program granted her posthumously the award of Champion of the Earth, “for her setting of an example for the world to follow.”

In Cuba, her work and commitment were considered vital in fostering the notion of sustainability and raising the environmental awareness of Cubans. She was the minister in charge of environmental issues for nearly two decades, at a time when the issue of the environment was beginning to feature prominently in the political agenda of governments and international organizations.

The statue in tribute to Rosa Elena was unveiled during the celebration of the 20 anniversary of the Sierra de Nipe mountain research station, the only one of its kind in Cuba . The center does seismic and weather research and has an ecological trail. It is devoted to the study and conservation of flora and fauna of the mountains of this eastern region.

Holguin has a record of reduction of pollution and soil erosion and stands out as one of the territories that takes greater care of its mountain inhabitants in Cuba. / Alexis Rojas Aguilera

(Ahora.cu)