ABOUT $1 MILLION has been earmarked for the continuation of the Montreal Protocol for the phasing out of ozone depleting substances, a project of the Ministry of Land and Environment.
With funding from the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), the objective of the project, which began in March 1997, is to phase out depleting substances by 2006.
The funds will be used to carry out the objective through activities such as initiating actions to provide a suitable climate in the country for the expeditious phasing out of the substances; co-ordinating, promoting and monitoring in-country activities for its phasing out; collecting and reporting data on national ozone depleting substances consumption; developing and implementing projects as required.
For this fiscal year, it is anticipated that some of the major goals for the project will be realised. These include training of 150 refrigeration technicians, notification of incentives programme for retrofitting/ replacing for CFC-based equipment, a public awareness programme, customs training project, retrofitting of hospital rooms, and recovery and recycling programmes.
Up to September 2002, some goals achieved include a ban on the importation of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a reduction in duties on kits for retrofitting mobile air-conditioning units, regulations requiring the labelling of ozone-friendly products, increase in public awareness through the media and schools, and implementation of legislation as required for effective phasing out of ozone depleting substances.
Initially scheduled for completion in 2002, the project has been further extended to February 2004.
