Havana, October 24 (RHC)- Havana´s Historian, Dr. Eusebio Leal Spengler,  has received in New York the Hadrian Award granted by the World Monuments Fund (WMF) in recognition of his efforts to preserve and restore Old Havana, declared Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982.

During the ceremony a video was shown about the conservationist philosophy that animates the restoration of Havana´s Historic Center, its social commitment and the governmental support that the project has received since 1993 , when the historic leader of the Cuban revolution,  Fidel Castro,  conceived and signed Decree Law 143, instrument of great value for the comprehensive rehabilitation of this area of high patrimonial significance for the world.

According to Habana Radio, Leal thanked the prize that recognizes the effort of Cuba to safeguard for generations to come a legacy of high cultural and identity content, in order to encourage citizen participation in the destination of the present and future city.

The Hadrian Award is granted annually since 1988 to a distinguished person, in recognition of his leadership in promoting the understanding, appreciation and preservation of the world heritage.

WMF is a non-profit organization devoted to the preservation of historical architecture and world cultural heritage sites through field work, promotion, grants, education and training.

Founded in 1965, WMF is based in New York City, and has offices throughout the world, .

Anayansi Rodriguez, Cuban Ambassador to the United Nations, as well as important experts and patrons of the universal heritage, attended the 2018 Hadrian Gala conceived by WMF.