The UNEP OzonAction Asia-Pacific and West Asia Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP) teams recently organized two pivotal events in Chennai, India, aimed at bolstering regional cooperation to protect the ozone layer and combat illegal trade in ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and their climate-harming substitutes, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
Held from September 24 to 25, 2024, the Joint Network Meeting brought together National Ozone Officers (NOOs) from South and West Asia, creating a platform for sharing insights, best practices, and strategies for addressing climate change under the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment. With 40 participants (23 Male/17 Female) from across the regions, the event facilitated discussions on the latest developments in ozone layer protection, particularly focusing on the phase-out of ODS and the phase-down of HFCs.
The meeting featured discussions on Kigali HFC Implementation Plans and highlighted the importance of incorporating gender considerations into project design. Various sector-specific technology advancements and best practices were also explored, particularly in refrigeration and air conditioning sectors.
A key highlight was a panel discussion hosted by India’s National Ozone Unit, focusing on sustainable refrigeration practices. The discussions underscored the need for environmentally friendly alternatives with lower global warming potential. Participants also planned public outreach strategies to raise awareness of ozone protection measures.
“The Joint Network Meeting in Chennai served as a catalyst for regional cooperation under the Montreal Protocol. Sharing knowledge, best practices, and exploring innovative solutions takes us closer to achieving the complete phase-out of ODS and initiating the phase-down of HFCs,” said Mr. Khaled Klaly, Montreal Protocol Regional Coordinator for West Asia.
From September 26 to 27, 2024, UNEP OzonAction hosted the Customs Border Dialogues, gathering 53 participants (36 Male/17 Female) from Customs Authorities and NOUs across South and West Asia. The event focused on enhancing regional collaboration to prevent illegal trade in ODS and HFCs, a critical component of enforcing the Montreal Protocol.
The dialogues featured site visits to customs facilities in Chennai, where participants gained insights into enforcement best practices. Customs Officers discussed the implications of the Kigali Amendment on their operations and explored strategies to train personnel to detect and prevent ODS/HFC smuggling.
"The Bangladesh delegation gained valuable insights from the Customs Border Dialogues, learning how to build effective relationships between National Ozone Units and Customs Authorities and how to deal with illegal trading,” said Mr. Ziaul Haque, Director, Department of Environment, Bangladesh.
In addition to exploring risk profiling practices, the event introduced tools and resources to support enforcement efforts, ensuring Customs Officers are well-equipped to safeguard against illegal trade.
Both events were instrumental in fostering cooperation between Ozone Officers and Customs Authorities, reinforcing their collective responsibility to protect the ozone layer and mitigate climate change. The meetings in Chennai demonstrated a unified commitment to addressing illegal trade and promoting sustainable, climate-friendly solutions.
UNEP expressed sincere gratitude to the Government of India for hosting the meetings and to resource partners, including the Multilateral Fund Secretariat, Ozone Secretariat, World Customs Organization, and technical experts, for their invaluable contributions.
By working together, these authorities are not only safeguarding the environment but also ensuring the successful implementation of the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment across the regions.