Workshop Trains IBAMA Agents on Identifying Gases Controlled by the Montreal Protocol

From February 18 to 20, the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MMA) and the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the German agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), held the workshop "Use of Identifiers for Gases Controlled by the Montreal Protocol" in São Paulo, Brazil.

The event was part of the implementation of the Brazilian HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (PBH) and aimed to train IBAMA enforcement agents in best environmental management practices related to substances controlled by the Montreal Protocol.

Day 1 – Montreal Protocol and ODS

The workshop opened with speeches from Frank Amorim, Environmental Analyst at MMA; Fábio Penno Callia, Deputy Superintendent and Head of the Technical-Environmental Division at IBAMA; and Mariana Nakashima, General Coordinator of Environmental Quality Management at IBAMA, who highlighted the importance of the training.

The first day included several presentations. Tatiana Pereira, Environmental Analyst at MMA, gave an overview of the Montreal Protocol. Ellen Pozzebom, Coordinator for Waste and Emissions Control (COREM), followed with a presentation on the protocol’s regulations.

In the afternoon, Ana Paula Leal, UNDP Project Manager, delivered a talk on "Environmentally Sound Management of ODS: Processes, Technologies, and Stakeholders." Dr. Thiago Pietrobon from Ecosuporte then covered "Regeneration and Recycling of Refrigerant Fluids" and "Environmentally Adequate Disposal of ODS."

Day 2 – Montreal Protocol and Environmental Control

On the second day, IBAMA officers Arcanjo Pacheco and Rafael Machado shared insights on the Montreal Protocol System and Foreign Trade. Next, Carla Faria, IBAMA Environmental Analyst, presented on "Environmental Control: Stakeholders and Responsibilities of Each Government Entity."

Before the afternoon’s practical exercise with gas analyzers, GIZ consultant and project manager Stefanie von Heinemann emphasized the importance of professional training for the success of the Montreal Protocol in Brazil. She also highlighted that the gas analyzers, donated through the PBH, will significantly aid in combating the illegal trade of refrigerants, which IBAMA monitors and regulates.

Following this, GIZ consultant Dr. Gutenberg da Silva Pereira conducted a demonstration on the correct use of gas analyzers.

To close the day, IBAMA officer Tamy Muriel presented the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for ODS inspections.

Day 3 – Montreal Protocol: Operations and Enforcement

The final day featured a practical customs inspection exercise at the Port of Santos, allowing participants to apply their knowledge in verifying imported gas shipments and ensuring compliance with environmental licensing requirements.

The workshop concluded with feedback on the SOP tests, followed by recommendations for adjustments to COREM.