The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), joined member countries of the United Nations Convention in observing national ozone day here.
The EPA says on December 19, 1994, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed September 16 each year as international day for the preservation of the ozone layer, which marks the date on which the Montreal Protocol on substance that depletes the ozone layer was signed. In Liberia, the day was first celebrated on September 16, 1995.
The Global theme for this year’s celebration is: “Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Action “and is supported by the local theme: “Phase down HFC, Reduce Climate Impacts.”
“We therefore admonish you to be part of the process of protecting the environment for our current and future generations as we all join hands in celebrating this landmark journey,” EPA’s Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo said.
The Vienna Convention started in September 1987 as an effort to negotiate binding obligations to reduce the ODS usage that led to the adoption of the Montreal Protocol on substance that depletes the ozone layer. The protocol also introduces control measure for production and consumption of ODS in developed and developing countries.
Liberia became a signatory Party to the Vienna convention and the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer on January 1, 1996. Liberia has ratified all of the amendments of the Convention as follow: the London and Copenhagen Amendments, 1st January 1996, the Beijing and Montreal Amendments; 30th August 2004.
The National Ozone Unit (NOU), created in 2004, is located within the Environmental Protection Agency and is responsible for the coordination, implementation and enforcement of laws and policies related to the protection of the ozone layer in Liberia.
The National Ozone Unit receives financial support from the Multilateral Fund through UNEP and GIZ for the implementation of all ozone related activities.
The Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) Regulations was promulgated in 2004 to control the imports of ODS and ODS-related equipment. In 2010, the Regulations was revised, banning the import and use of CFCs and other potent ozone depleting substances and to consider the control of HCFCs and related equipment.
The Ozone Unit implements an Import Quota System and maintains records of the imports of ODS and ODS-related equipment. It also captures import data on chemicals of interest from ASYCUDA maintained at Customs entry points. To enhance their capacity, customs officers at various border crossing points have been trained by the Ozone Unit for the control and monitoring of trade in ODS.
Beside the physical training, the NOU has distributed eleven identifiers to the various entry points through the Bureau of Customs and Excise.
The training of customs officers and provision of ODS-detecting equipment have led to seizure of illegal imports and contaminated refrigerants.
