Under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, the ministry will be hosting the Regional Montreal Protocol meetings for the Ozone Officers Network for West Asia, from October 26 to 27, 2014 at Sofitel Dubai Downtown, which will be attended by representatives from national ozone unites of West Asia region and regional organizations.
Engineer Othaibah Al Qaydi, Director of the Chemicals Department, Ministry of Environment and Water, said: “Hosting the regional meeting falls in line with the UAE's commitment to implement the provisions of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. It also reflects our mission to support and intensify regional and international efforts in order to achieve the objectives of the Convention and the Protocol. As the host, the Ministry is working towards attaining the aspirations of UAE Vision 2021 by participating in global development efforts and applying innovative solutions to protect the environment and ensure sustainability.”
The two-day gathering will enable the participants to discuss the results of the 34th regional meeting, the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) management workshop, and the 72nd meeting of the Executive Committee of the Ozone Secretariat. Also, the Ministry has presented the national legislation on the substances that deplete the ozone layer which has been issued last July by Prime Minister Decree no. 26 2014. Moreover the attendees have also talked about future challenges arising from gradual reduction of the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). In addition, discussions about ozone-depleting substances (ODS), the development of regional policies and strategies and total elimination of methyl bromide have been lined up for the meeting.
Al Qaydi assured that the UAE will continue to strengthen its national capacities to combat the trafficking and illegal trade of ODS. It will also intensify its activities and programs targeting industrial companies and members of the community to raise their awareness on the negative impact of ozone layer depletion on human health, organisms, and ecosystems.
Furthermore, Al Qaydi said the Ministry, in collaboration with local authorities and stakeholders, will work closely with companies involved in ODS and provide them with technical support as well as help them build their capacity to ensure compliance with existing provisions and requirements. The Ministry is also encouraging the use of non-ozone depleting substances in accordance with Montreal Protocol’s provisions.
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. It also supported the Four Amendments of the Montreal Protocol, namely the London Amendment in 1990, the Copenhagen Amendment in 1992, the Montreal Amendment in 1997 and the Beijing Amendment in 1999.