H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahad, UAE Minister of Environment and Water, marks the occasion of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer under the theme of “Ozone Layer Protection: The Mission Goes On” by reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to the ‘Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer’ and the ‘Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.’
His Excellency stated that the UAE will extend its cooperation in the mobilization of regional and international efforts to achieve the objectives of the Convention and the Protocol. In line with this, the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water (MoEW) will host the regional Montreal Protocol meetings for the Ozone Officers Network for West Asia from October 26 to 27, 2014.
H.E. Dr. Fahad added that the ministry will also organize the The 4th Regional Symposium on "Alternative Refrigerants for High-Ambient Countries in conjunction with the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Regional Officer for West Asia (ROWA) from October 28 to 29, 2014 under the theme ‘Risk Assessment for Future Cooling Gases.’ He emphasized that the Ministry’s efforts are in line with UAE Vision 2021 and the UAE has confirmed its participation in developing and implementing innovative solutions to protect the environment and ensure its sustainability.
The Minister further noted the success of the National Program in phasing out the usage of chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs) that deplete the ozone layer in 2010 is evident. The UAE’s efforts were highly successful because of close cooperation between all stakeholders in the public and private sectors. The success of this program has prompted the ministry to follow a similar approach in the development of the National Program for the phasing out the usage of hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) by 2040, as approved in the 19th Meeting of States Parties in the Montreal Protocol.
H.E. Dr. Bin Fahad pointed out that the National System issued by the UAE Cabinet in July this year and set out in Appendix I of the System, lists substances that deplete the ozone layer and materials, equipment and products that deplete the Ozone Layer under control. Committed registered establishments wishing to trade in these materials are required to obtain a permit to import, export or re-export any of these materials, but not exceeding the quotas allocated to each of them. The System has put a ban on the manufacturing or the use of materials, equipment and products under control in industries along with ban on the import of all types of used equipments and products utilizing substances that deplete the ozone layer and are under control.
Given the dangers of improper disposal of substances under control or devices, equipment and products that contain substances that deplete the ozone layer, the National System has developed a procedure for its proper disposal. The entities wishing to get rid of them have to obtain a prior approval from the competent authority, as well as follow the procedures set forth in the Basel Convention for disposal outside the boundaries of the country.
The National System, however, provided a grace period for adjustment of the facilities operating in the country in the field of substances that deplete the ozone layer in accordance with its provisions within three months from the date of issuance. The ministry, in collaboration with the competent authorities and concerned agencies in the UAE, will intensify its communications with facilities operating in this field to provide them with technical support to adjust their status and strengthen their capacities to comply with the provisions and requirements of the system to achieve the desired objectives. It encourages the private sector to participate in the retrieval and recycling of refrigerant used in the country in accordance with the conditions and regulations that ensure the compatibility of the processes and activities carried out with the Montreal Protocol.
In conclusion, H.E. Dr. Bin Fahad states that in the next stage, the ministry will continue with its efforts of strengthening the national capacities in the field of combating trafficking of controlled substances that deplete the ozone layer. The Ministry will also intensify activities and programs to increase awareness of facilities operating in the industrial sector and members of the community about the negative effects of depletion of the ozone layer on human health, flora and fauna, and the entire ecosystems.
The UAE joined the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1989. The UAE has also joined the Four Amendments of the Montreal Protocol (London Amendment in 1990, the Copenhagen Amendment in 1992, the Montreal Amendment 1997 and the Beijing Amendment 1999).