What's New in OzonAction!

This section provides links to current news releases, recent updates and services and more.

Video and photos	Afghanistan and UNEP Form Partnership Against Smuggling of Ozone Depleting Chemicals Bangkok, 23 March 2010 - Today an important partnership was forged to combat the illegal trade in chemicals which destroy the earth's protective ozone layer and contribute to climate change. The partnership was cemented through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the UNEP DTIE OzonAction Branch, Afghanistan's National Environment Protection Agency (NEPA) and Afghanistan's Customs Department of the Ministry of Finance (ACD). Read related article View image gallery Related: Afghanistan Customs Dept Related: Afghanistan Unlikely UNEP OzonAction 23 March 2010
Video	Afghanistan's Participation in Ozone Layer Protection Mr. Said Mubin Shah, Deputy Minister of Customs and Revenue, Afghanistan’s Customs Department of the Ministry of Finance (ACD) expressing Afghanistan's commitment and participation in protecting the Ozone Layer. UNEP OzonAction 23 March 2010
Video	UNEP-ASHRAE cooperation Prof Walid Chakroun is Director and Regional Chair, RAL, ASHRAE and professor at the Mechanical Engineering Dept, Kuwait University. He visited UNEP DTIE OzonAction on 19 March 2010 to discuss on cooperation in sustainable contruction initiatives. UNEP OzonAction 23 March 2010
Video	UNEP-SMI cooperation Mr Anthony Polak is Managing Director of SMI International, UK. SMI has been working with UNEP OzonAction in outsourcing ozone-related material world-wide. UNEP OzonAction 23 March 2010
Video	Ozone Layer Protection in Armenia Ms Asiya Muradyan is the Armenian National Ozone Officer. She highlights the activities, successes and future challenges of the Armenian National Ozone Office. She also highlights Armenia's works on the preparation of HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) and the main challenge is to introduce regulatory measures on time for ensuring smooth decrease in HCFC consumption and the important task is to raise skills of customs officers to monitor import/export of HCFCs. UNEP OzonAction 2 March 2010
New	Jump Start: HCFC Phase-out for Ozone and Climate Benefit UNEP OzonAction 26 March 2010
Added	New Technology on Refrigeration & Air-conditioning using Natural Refrigerants Dr Risto Ciconkov is a professor in Refrigeration and Air-conditioning and Energy Saving at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Skopje University "Sv. Kiril & Metodij, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. In this video he explains to UNEP OzonAction the new technology on Refrigeration and Air-conditioning using natural refrigerants. UNEP OzonAction 25 February 2010
New	Media Strategy: Policies, Planning, Approaches defined to Heal the Ozone Layer This Media Strategy paper focuses on leveraging the expertise and multiplier effect of the media to reach out the highlights of events and activities related to the implementation of the Montreal Protocol , on emerging issues and remaining challenges under the Montreal Protocol in order to inspire other countries to accelerate their phase out efforts and to reach out the lessons from the Montreal Protocol. Read more... Mobilise Co-Financing Ozone Protection and Climate Change: Partnership with Private Sector on Information, Education and Communication This paper recognizes this important mile-stone event and considers the remaining tasks under the Montreal Protocol i.e. servicing the existing CFC based equipment, disposal and management of the CFC banks, remaining phase out of Methyl Bromide and ensuring the sustainability of the phase out of the Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) that has already taken place. Read more... UNEP OzonAction 24 February 2010
New	Vacancy Announcement: Senior Environmental Affairs Officer-P5 Closing date for applications: 19 April 2010. Go to vacancy announcement... OzonAction programme , a star programme of UNEP, that is known for the innovation, creativity, delivery and result based management is scouting for the candidate for its pivotal position of Network and Policy Manager for overseeing its unique and ever active regional networks of government focal points from 145 developing countries in 10 regions all over the world. This officer, who will be a member of UNEP's Compliance Assistance Programme, will supervise, coordinate and support in substance the operation of the regional activities, including: a) Give substantive guidance to the Regional Network Coordinators on information to be provided to national ODS officers, b) Guide the RNCs on the preparation of the RNCs' work programme and the operation of each network, c) Collect, analyze and present information on critical issues at the annual meetings, e) Secure exchange of experience between networks and promote coordination between the network activities and other OzonAction activities, d) Establish strategic linkages with networking activities, institutional strengthening, training and implementation of national compliance plans, e) Identify the linkages between the Montreal and Kyoto Protocols and facilitate the transfer of environmentally friendly technologies and policies among network members, f) Select and follow-up the recruitment of suitable RNCs, including introductory training of RNCs. This officer will also be responsible for monitor the progress, results and expenditure within the programme, and preparing inputs to yearly requests for continued funding. Qualified candidates should have work experience dealing with environmental issues on the national and/or international level with substantive experience in preparing and/or implementing national governmental policies to phase-out ODS; experience in cooperation with Ozone Officers from developing countries, experience in project management and ODS and Montreal Protocol related issues from international organizations. UNEP is looking for the candidates who would work under the direction of Head, OzonAction Branch of UNEP DTIE, and should possess exceptional qualities with managerial and leadership attributes.
New	United Nations Development Group Invites OzonAction to Present Linkages Between Ozone and Climate ChangeUnited Nations Development Group (UNDG) Asia Pacific invited Rajendra Shende, Head of OzonAction, to give a presentation on "Linkages between ozone and climate issues and its implications for the Region". The meeting, which took place in Vanuatu, Port-Vila, on 8 - 9 February 2010, discussed the coordinated work of various UN agencies in the Asia Pacific Region and in particular, in Pacific Island countries. UNDG unites the 32 UN funds, programmes, agencies, departments, and offices that play a role in development. The group's common objective is to deliver more coherent, effective and efficient support to countries seeking to attain internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals. The meeting was attended by AP representatives of UNDP, FAO, ILO, ESCAP, UNEP, UNESCO, UNFPA, UN Habitat, UNHCR, UNICEF, UN ODC, UNOPS, WHO, WFP, UNAIDS. In his presentation Mr Shende highlighted the multitudes of benefits that resulted from the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, particularly related to climate and energy efficiency in refrigeration and air conditioning appliances.
New	ECA Ozone Protection Award 2010 for Customs and Enforcement Officers: Individual Customs and Enforcement officers who have successfully prevented illegal trade of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) or products / equipment relying on ODS to or from member countries of the regional ozone network for Europe and Central Asia (ECA network) are eligible to be nominated for the ECA Ozone Protection Award 2010. Nominations should be submitted by the National Ozone Units to the coordinator of the ECA network by 30 June 2010. Read more... 15 February 2010
Article	UN Agency Assisting Vanuatu to Move out of Blacklist - Countries in the world that has signed and ratified the protocol to phase out ozone depleting substances in the country such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) but has not complied with the international agreement it signed. The Vanuatu Government is working together with United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) officials that are in the country to assist in the return to compliance to the protection of the stratospheric ozone layer protocol. The return to compliance will be beneficial not only for Vanuatu but also to the global environment, especially when Vanuatu has been vocal on the issue of climate change that is also affecting the country as a result of the destruction of the environment’s natural protection by dangerous chemicals used by humans for luxury purposes. Read more... 15 February 2010
Added	Ruamrudee International School's Activities on International Ozone Day 2009 - This video highlights how the Ruamrudee International School in cooperation with UNEP commemorated Ozone Day in 2009. Tree planting, music, dance, competitions, poster drawing, lectures on the science behind ozone etc. were some of the activities in the programme. Play video 15 February 2010
Added	Ozzy Ozone and Friends is a video play in Macedonian language on ozone layer protection. It is produced by the National Ozone Unit, Macedonia. Play video 11 February 2010
Added	Fix That Hole: Fix that Hole is a song by the Kaya Green Band from the Philippines. It was composed and performed exclusively as part of the 2009 International Ozone Day Celebration at Ruamrudee International School (RIS), Bangkok, Thailand. Play track 11 February 2010
New	Words Unify to Protect the Ozone Layer This is a compilation of unique and inspiring quotations from individuals all around the world ranging from world dignitaries, nobel laureates, environmental enthusiasts and even children, who are all concerned about the damage caused to the ozone layer, and who have conviction in the success of the Montreal Protocol treaty. January 2010 | UNEP OzonAction
New	Strategic Action Plan for Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Activities for Asia and the Pacific Region This document is intended to take forward the Global Communications Strategy for Compliance with the Montreal Protocol; and its application to the specific context of the Asia Pacific region, outlined in the booklet “Saving Our Sky”. The objective of this document is not to redefine the existing strategic framework, but to review its practical implementation, and to define a clear direction for moving forward, taking into consideration the current status of the Montreal Protocol in the region and the key challenges of the next phase of compliance from 2008-2010.. January 2010 | UNEP ROAP
New	Patterns of Achievement - Africa and the Montreal Protocol 2009 The African Montreal Protocol experience is not just One Success Story but several successful cases being highlighted in this publication, each with its specific theme contributing to the wider picture of the success of the Montreal Protocol. November 2009 | UNEP ROA
New	Ozone Protection and National Security - A Military Perspective Toolkit for Defence Forces This document demonstrates how military strategy, organization and actions can be applied to solve a wide range of environmental challenges including stratospheric ozone depletion, climate change, and ecological restoration. Civilian policy makers will want to take on board this strategic approach and explore how environmental authorities can expand cooperation with their own military organizations to keep the world safe for future generations. November 2009 | UNEP ROAP
New	OzonAction Education Pack for Secondary Schools in Russian January 2010
New	Guidelines for National Ozone Units to Celebrate International Ozone Day by engaging the Private Sector The International day for the preservation of Ozone Layer (IOD)is celebrated every year on 16th September to applaud the efforts so far by the stake holders in implementing the most successful global environmental accord I e the Montreal Protocol .At the same time it is also an occasion to vision the challenge that lie ahead in the remaining implementation.The industry and business have lion's share in this success so far .Without the ozone friendly technologies that they invented ,the world would not have been able to phase out 98% of ODS to date. Read more... September 2009 | UNEP OzonAction
New	Study Tour for Sri Lanka Military Officials to Indonesia on Halon Bank and ODS Phaseout Management Including HCFCs, 24-25 August 2009 This was a good example of South-South cooperation where five defense officers and Ozone office from Sri lanka visited the indonesian halon facility to learn more about halon management and related issues. Read more... August 2009 | UNEP OzonAction CAP-ROAP
New	"The Ozone Layer and Climate Change" DPI NGO Briefing, Thursday, 18 June 2009 10:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. United Nations, Headquarter, Conference Room 4 The briefing will highlight important achievements made to protect the ozone layer and prevent climate change, as well as what obstacles remain to be addressed by the global community, particularly at the United Nations Climate Change Meeting held in Copenhagen, Denmark, later this year. The Panel discussion will be followed by a Q& A Read more... Read more... 17 June 2009 | UNEP DTIE
New	OzoNews In this Issue: 1- Rocket Launches May Need Regulation To Prevent Ozone Depletion, Says Study 2- US EPA Strengthens Safety Measures for Soil Fumigant Pesticides 3- Prominent B.C. Philanthropist Faces Ozone-Depletion Charge 4- Ozone-Depleting Substance to be Banned 5- Lichens Could Provide New Sunscreens 6- UNDP Helps Georgian Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Service Professionals 30 May 2009
New	Strengthening National Institutions Through Regional Co-operation. Annual Meeting of the Regional Ozone Network for Europe and Central Asia, Yerevan, Armenia, 18-22 May 2009 For the first time, 15 Heads of national refrigeration & air-conditioning (RAC) associations participated in the annual meeting of the Regional Ozone Network for Europe & Central Asia (ECA network) in Yerevan. The purpose was to initiate cooperation among these associations and to define their role in phasing out ozone-depleting hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) which also contribute to global warming. Read more... 22 May 2009 | UNEP DTIE
New	Control of CTC import by Pakistan through UNEP initiated dialogue between Pakistan and South Korea under South - South Cooperation: Pakistan's Experience In the wake of ban imposed by the country on CTC import together with the UNEP initiated cooperation between NOU-Pakistan and NOU-South Korea has brought the CTC import to zero in 2008, one year ahead of the CTC phase out target fixed under the Montreal Protocol. The importing and exporting countries may follow this precedent of the UNEP initiated South- South Cooperation to meet the challenge of illegal trade of various ODS. Read more... May 2009 | UNEP DTIE
New	Commercial Consumers and Importers of HCFCs and Relevant Agencies Data collection and strategy development is very important for achieving HCFC phase-out in a systematic manner in line with Afghanistan's commitments under the Protocol. Read more... May 2009 | UNEP DTIE
New	Espaço Português (Portuguese Corner) The Portuguese corner provides documentation, information and useful links on Montreal Protocol issues in response to the needs of Portuguese speaking countries, to enhance information exchange and networking. 1 May 2009
New	OzoNews In this Issue: 1- US Wants to Move on Climate Change 2- The US EPA Honors Climate and Ozone Layer Protection Award Winners 3- NEA Campaigns against Using Ozone Depleting Substances (Gambia) 4- GE Requests EPA Approve Isobutane for Monogram® Refrigerators with Double Benefits 5- China Refrigeration - The Asian Market for Hydrocarbons 6- AHT UK Launches Propane Cabinets 30 April 2009
Update	HCFC News Page Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (EU) MEPs approved a compromise between representatives of the EP and Council on a regulation updating the EU law on substances depleting the ozone layer. The new law brings EU legislation in line with developments of the Montreal protocol aiming at protecting the ozone layer, but goes beyond it, so that the EU will continue to lead by example. The deal does not only cover the marketing ban of certain substances but also substances contained in refrigerators and insulation material in buildings. Bahrain Drive to Curb Toxic Emissions A national project to phase out Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) that are harmful to the environment was launched 15 April 2009
New	OzoNews In this Issue: 1- Climate Change and Atmospheric Circulation Will Make for Uneven Ozone Recovery 2- Mozambique: Assembly Ratifies Environmental Protocols 3- NAVSEA Eliminates CFC Refrigerants on Aircraft Carriers 4- Bahrain Drive to Curb Toxic Emissions 15 April 2009
New	Network of Ozone Officers: Pacific Island Countries Added a new page for the Pacific Island Country (PIC) Network. This newest Network, approved in November 2008 by the Multilatereal Fund, provides capacity building services to thirteen Article 5 countries. 27 March 2009
New	View photographs from the Consultative Workshop of Experts for the OzonAction Guide on Interlinkages between Ozone Depletion and Climate Change and Implementation Manual for the Ozzy Ozone Campaign, Paris, 19-20 February 2009. 27 March 2009
New	HCFC Help Centre: Alternatives to HCFCs for new equipment and applications Added a list of commercially-available replacements for HCFCs for specific applications, based on references in the assessment reports of the UNEP Technology and Economic Assessment Panel. 23 March 2009
New	HCFC Help Centre: Legislation, regulations and policies to control HCFCs Added a list of legislation, regulations and policies used by different countries to control HCFCs. It is a reference designed for National Ozone Units in Article 5 countries that are considering new HCFC control measures in response to Decision XIX/6. 23 March 2009
New	HCFC Help Centre: HCFC-related decisions Added the text of the HCFC-related decisions of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol and the Multilateral Fund Executive Committee. 13 March 2009
New	HCFC Help Centre: Links to Alternative Technlogy Platforms Added links to three web sites which provide information about commercially-available technologies that replace HCFCs in different refrigeration and air conditioning applications: ammonia21.com, hydrocarbons21.com, R744.com 23 February 2009
New	New staff on board Marcelo Quicho from the Philippines has joined the ROAP CAP team in Bangkok as Team Assistant 13 February 2009
New	Videos added to Multimedia Resource Service - Ozzy Ozone in Malay (Malaysia) - Ozzy Ozone in Marathi (India). Includes interview of Raj Shende explaining the importance of ozone layer protection and what children and youth can do to protect it. 13 February 2009
New	Workshop on Preparation of Ozone Regulations, Myanmar View photos Read Related article 10 February 2009
New	My Ozone Wish - Videos These videos were produced by the UNEP ROAP OzonAction team in Bangkok. View videos 6 February 2009
New	UNEP- ABU Production Award The ABU-MAE Production Awards Programme provides awards to help motivate and underwrite the development and production of local television and radio programming on Ozone Layer Protection and related issues in Asia-Pacific. The ozone layer production contest is open to media professionals holding citizenship from countries in the Asia and Pacific region. Submission deadline: 27 February 2009. Read more... 3 February 2009
New	Your Opinion Matters! Please, take a moment to respond to OzoNews 2009 Readers Survey Deadline for responses, Monday 16 MARCH 2009 27 January 2009
Update	Events webpage The events webpage has been modified to feature all CAP (Compliance Assistance Programme) meetings/workshops. It will also feature upcoming ozone-related events organised by other agencies or organisations. The 2009 CAP schedule of events is available in pdf format and only includes meetings organised by CAP. 26 January 2009
Update	Trends Analysis The Trends Analysis on consumption and production of Ozone Depleting Substances (CFCs, Halons, HCFCs and Methyl Bromide) in Developing Countries have been updated to include data for 2007 19 January 2009
New	OzoNews In this issue: 1- Malawi Promising in ODS Phase-Out 2- Daikin Receives the 11th Grand Prize for Ozone Layer Protection and Global Warming Prevention [Japan] 3- Customs and Border Protection Works with EPA, Seizes Monitored Refrigerant 4- EPA Approves Safer Refrigerant Developed by Hawaii Man 5- Carrier Brings Sustainable Solutions to District Cooling in the Middle East 6- Retail Industry Must 'Act Now or Risk Meltdown' Over Banned Refrigerant 15 January 2009