Stakeholders agree on actions to reduce Ozone Depletion

The National Ozone Unit within the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development held two days of consultation that focussed on the phasing out of substances that deplete the earth’s ozone layer.

A release from the Unit said the April 14 and 16, 2025, consultations involved persons with the Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning Services Sector, these being importers of refrigerants and equipment, and the Customs and Excise Department.

The aim was to: Facilitate dialogue among government and industry; Support stakeholders in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) sector in understanding and preparing for the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as mandated under the Kigali Amendment by raising awareness of Kigali obligations and timelines; Develop actionable strategies for a smooth and sustainable transition away from HFCs; Inform of updated policy regulations and national standards within the RAC sector; and Promote the adoption of climate-friendly, low-GWP refrigerants and technologies.

The consultations ensured that all relevant actors are informed, aligned, and equipped to meet the Kigali Amendment obligations under the Montreal Protocol.

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is a global agreement to protect the earth’s ozone layer by phasing out the chemicals that deplete it. The landmark agreement was signed in 1987 and entered into force in 1989. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol mandates a global phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases widely used in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) sector.