International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone
Layer 2004

Save O3ur Sky:
Ozone Friendly Planet,
Our Target

How countries celebrated Ozone Day 2004

The following list is how different countries and parts of the world are celebrating Ozone Day. Please let us know of any activities/events not on this list.

	Global
Statement by the Secretary General of the United Nations on the occassion of International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 2004. UNEP worldwide press release WMO Press Release
	Regional - Africa
In cooperation with the UNEP DTIE OzonAction Programme, Radio France Internationale devoted one issue of its weekly environmental radio programme, "Fréquence Terre", to International Ozone Day. The 20 minute programme was first broadcast on 12 September and included interviews with UNEP DTIE Director Mrs. Monique Barbut, UNEP Regional Network Coordinator for French-speaking Africa, Mr. Jeremy Bazye, and scientists from the French CNRS. The programme was presented by Mr. Arnaud Jouve.
	Regional - Latin America & Caribbean
Mr Rajendra Shende, UNEP DTIE Energy & OzonAction Branch, was interviewed by journalist Julio Godoy in an article, "The Return of the Ozone Layer", for Tierramérica on 15 September. Tierramérica is a specialised environment and development news service produced by Inter news Press Service (IPS). Tierramérica is published in over 20 newspapers and transmitted weekly through 400 radio stations in ten Latin American countries, and published on Internet in Spanish, English and Portuguese. It is supported by UNEP, UNDP with support from the Forum of Environmental Ministers of Latin America and the Caribbean.
	Regional - South Asia
In cooperation with the UNEP CAP team from the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, countries of South Asia organised regional Ozone Day celebrations. The Government of Nepal hosted the celebrations in Kathmandu. Ambassadors from the region's countries signed an Ozone Commitment Charter and a regional booklet "Shield: South Asia's compliance with the Montreal Protocol" was launched.
	Regional - West Asia
In cooperation with the UNEP DTIE OzonAction Programme, Radio Monte Carlo - Moyen Orient interviewed Dr. Abdul Elah Alwadaee, UNEP Regional Network Coordinator for West Asia and Eng. Mazen Hussein, (Ozone Office - Project Manager) Ministry of Environment, Lebanon, on 9 September. They gave a message in Arabic on the importance of Ozone Day and highlighted the succes of the Montreal Protocol for the daily radio broadcast "Akthar Min Sawt" The program is presented by Mr. Fayez Makdessi.
	Albania
NOU produced a poster on the theme of Ozone Layer Protection; Training materials developed for technicians in the refrigeration sector; NOU published an article in "The environment today" magazine; A TV programme broadcasted on the theme.
	Armenia
The National Ozone Officer and youth non-governmental organization "Khazer" met with students of the Physical Department of the Yerevan State University to celebrate the International Ozone Day; "Saving Ozone Layer" video was demonstrated; The results of his research (started in 1990) related to ozone levels in atmosphere was presented by Prof. Melkonyan. Since 1996 the measurements of ozone concentration were conducted on two mountainous scientific stations, namely "Aragats" (3200 m above the sea level) and "Amberd" (2070 m above the sea level). Since 2000 these scientific stations have been included in the Global Ozone Monitoring Network; The student were also informed of the work conducted in Armenia to implement the ozone layer protection treaties; The video Ozzy Ozone was translated in Armenia and demonstrated; Various ozone related programes were broadcasted on national TV and radio; Several articles were published in national press.
	Antigua and Barbuda
Public education and awareness activities preceding September 16 included Radio and TV ads. These were done by: 1. The National Ozone Unit - promoting consumer awareness 2. Customs Department - addressing the issue of illegal trade and highlighting the role of customs in monitoring and detection of ODS 3. Antigua and Barbuda Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Association - promoting good practices in the sector among technicians A live radio discussion preceding the Ozone day by the president of the local Association and the Communications Coordinator in the NOU; A pre-recorded TV interview by same panel was broadcasted; Installation of street banners at strategic locations; Broadcast of TV documentaries provided by UNEP; Broadcast of the Caribbean Ozone Song; The highlight of the day was an exhibition promoting ozone-friendly products and services. Companies exhibited products ranging from aerosols and insecticides, cleaning products, refrigerants, firefighting equipment, appliances including refrigerators and freezers, Customs Department demonstrated monitoring and detection using identifier kits, local Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Association demonstrated recovery methods using recovery equipment, Fire Department demonstrated equipment and chemical used in fire fighting; The opening ceremony of the exhibition was addressed by Minister of Agriculture, Lands & Environment, Honourable Charlesworth Samuel, and Dr. Honourable Errol Cort, Minister of Finance & the Economy under whose portfolio the NOU falls directly. Science Coordinator in the Ministry of Education and Technology, President of the Antigua and Barbuda Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Association and the Communications Coordinator in the NOU also made remarks; Ozzy Ozone was much a part of the celebrations as the video documentary was played during the opening ceremony and appreciated by the audience including students; Ozzy Ozone was also featured on street banners and Shirts worn by exhibitors and staff of the Ministry in commemoration of the day; A plaque was presented by the NOU to one of the major importer/exporter of refrigerants for cooperation and compliance in data submission to the Unit.
	Barbados
NOU published an article in the daily newspaper informing about the damage being done to the ozone layer and what persons could do to play their role in protection of the ozone layer, and to protect themselves against harmful UV radiation; NOU hosted the global launch of Ozzy Ozone and Ozone Day 2004 and a Breakfast Press Conference; The Caribbean Ozone Song was played on the various radio stations; A special local mobile radio show called "RoadRunner" is ongoing, included distribution of paraphernalia such as Ozzy Umbrellas and Ozzy hats. Also, information will be provided on the ozone layer and tips on what persons can do to protect themselves against harmful UV radiation.
	Cambodia
A special event involving about 800 people from universities, private enterprises, government officials and NGOs was organised at the Garden of the Royal Phnom Penh University; All participants wore T-shirts with messages about the protection of ozone layer; The Secretary of State read a note from the Prime Minister. Speeches were made by representatives of UNEP CAP ROAP, representative from the private sector, universities, government, and local authorities. At the end of the gathering the delegates were given balloons with different slogans about protecting the ozone layer; Four TV Channels broadcast the Ozzy Ozone video in the Khmer language on 15 September. On 16 September, the same stations read the note of the Prime Minister, followed again by the Ozzy Ozone video in Khmer.
	Canada
Produced a poster " Understanding the Linkages: Ozone Depletion, Climate Change, Air Pollution and Severe weather".
	Czech Republic
NOU organized a Press Conference with the presence of the Minister of the Environment, National Ozone Unit and the Secretary to the Association of the Refrigerating and Air-Conditionning Technologies; A special Pre-paid Post Card on the occasion of the Ozone Day and the forthcoming 16th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol in Prague was issued in Czech language in cooperation with the Czech Posts Office; A special MOP-16 stamp coupon in English language was issued on 16 September 2004; The Ministry of the Environment published a 32 pages publication in English "The Czech Republic and the Protection of the Ozone Layer" with the introduction by the President of the Czech Republic, Mr Václav Klaus and Minister for the Environment, Mr Libor.
	Fiji
NOU conducted newspaper, radio and television publicity; NOU organsied a ceremony in which certificates were presented to customs officers who completed training in detecting illegal ozone depleting substances.
	France
In cooperation with the UNEP DTIE OzonAction Programme, the City Hall of Paris displayed the following message for a week on electronic information panels seen by thousands of motorists and pedestrians throughout the city. The message was: Jeudi 16 septembre Journée Internationale pour la protection de la couche d'ozone - Contact: PNUE Tel. 0144371450 www.uneptie.org
	Georgia
"Ozzy Ozone" video was broadcasted on 16th September; Mr. Mikheil Tushishvili, Head, National Ozone Unit, gave an interview for the national TV; A billboard and a banner were arranged In the center of Tbilisi for public information; A special meeting was organized in a secondary school on 24th September. During the meeting the school teacher of biology read training course about Ozone Layer protection, UV radiation, why do we care about atmospheric ozone and what emissions from human activities lead to ozone depletion, consequently, a visit was organized to the two major consumers of CFC-12 which started to use alternative substanses under the End Users project; T-shirats with special logo on ozone protection were distributed among the school children; A special meeting with technicians of the refrigeration sector was organaized in the J/S Company "Universalservisi" on 29th September.This company was one of the major consumers of CFC-12 and about 120 technicians are united in this organization. The consultant gave a lecture about Ozone Layer Protection and Good Practices in the Refrigeration Sector with the intention of a reduction of refrigerant emissions contributing to Ozone depletion and climate change; Organized a competition for students of the Department of Food and Refrigeration Industry of Georgian Technical University.
	Indonesia
NOU conducted a Workshop for Journalist; A special banner has been displayed on a Toll Gate; NOU conducted an Awareness campaign: distributed T shirt, brochure; NOU organized a CFC Free product exhibition; NOU conducted an Awareness Workshop for Women Group; Ozone Fun walk (tentative).
	Jamaïca
NOU organised panel discussions on the theme of the ozone layer protection; Organised an exhibition at the a/c clinic and the automotive school; NOU published an article in a local newspaper supplement; Several radio broadcasted interviewson the ozone layer topic.
	Japan
Several events were held in September as "the National Month for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer". Two seminars hosted: one for local governments to learn the latest status and control measures of the ozone layer; The other for private sectors to promote the production and utilization of fluorocarbons-free (and HFC-free) products; Carried out "the Award for the Ozone Layer Protection and the Prevention of Global Warming"; A poster has been produced and distributed as well as a brochure to raise the public awareness; Several TV and radio programs were broadcasted for awareness raising on the recovery of fluorocarbons; Local governments plan several symposiums and lectures.
	Korea, Republic of
Posters produced through a nationwide competition among primary, middle and high schools were distributed.
	Kuwait
The National Ozone Unit in coordination with the National Ozone Committee organized the following activities : Organized a seminar in the Kuwait Society for engineers auditorium. (21/9/2004) The seminar was arranged for technical group and included the following topics: a- The importance of Ozone layer for life on earth ( Eng. Zainab Saleh -ODS Officer) b- How far Kuwait succeeded in implementing its country program.( Eng. Sulaiman Ameer- Asst. ODS Officer). c- Avoid Double phase out . ( Eng. Yaqoob Al Maatooq) d- New Technologies and Future plans in Private Sectors.( Carrier ) e- Drop in Alternatives available in Kuwait ( Kazima Engineering -Agent of Isceon in Kuwait ). Ozzy Ozone and Alberta The Albatross cartoon video was played during the seminar; The American society of Safety Engineers organized a seminar ( 26-9-2004) with the following topics : a- Montreal Protocol Treaty and its status of implementation In Kuwait ( Eng. Zainab Saleh - ODS Officer). b- Halon Management & Alternatives ( Eng. Jamal Al Fuzai -Halon Alternative Expert) c- Halon Fire Protection System and Its Management. (Mr. Steve Bruce Business Development Manager. M/S Napesco); "Our Environment" a weekly program in the radio aired An Arabic Ozone Song (The words are attached) for two weeks were the ozone unit members were invited to talk about Vienna Convention, Montreal Protocol and the preparations of the country to celebrate the International ozone preservation day; Another radio program interviewed Dr. Saud Al Rashied, Chairman of National Ozone Committee; During all these event folder which holds information on UV-rays were distributed; " Good evening Kuwait" a TV Program also took an active part during the event; The Ozone Unit will complete its role in public awareness with ( Kid s TV ) a weekly TV Program for Kids where ozone depletion problems will be covered and Ozzy Ozone and Kuwait TV spots will be shown.
	Kyrgyzstan
Special public events were organized at different cities and settlements. These events included wide range of activities aimed at awareness raising about the consequences of the Ozone Layer depletion: performances, songs, dances, poetry, and art competitions; Published and distributed information materials on the Ozone Layer issue within the population during public events: books, leaflets, brochures and posters; Distributed general awareness materials such as flags, umbrellas and T-shirts, all carrying slogans devoted to the Ozone Layer; Statement of the Secretary General of the United Nations was translated and presented to special events participants and circulated among NGOs, universities and government institutions; Several TV and radio programs were broadcasted at the National TV and Radio Broadcasting Company that covers about 96 percents of the population; The Ozone Center of Kyrgyzstan (NOU) conducted three workshops: two workshops for school teachers in Talas and Chuy regions and one workshop for students. The purpose of the workshops for teachers is to enter ozone issues into such school disciplines as geography, physics, chemistry, ecology, etc. A billboard at the central crossroad in Bishkek was rented to display special poster (3m x 6m) with the slogan dedicated to the necessity of the Ozone Layer protection; NOU organized an exhibition of literature on the Ozone Layer issues at the Republican Scientific and Technical Library of the Kyrgyz Republic; NOU published and distributed booklet, which describes the Country Program for phasing out ozone depleting substances, activity of NOU and National Strategy to comply with the Montreal Protocol; Three books were published and distributed: "20 Questions and Answers about the Ozone Layer" (Russian and Kyrgyz), "The Sun, UV radiation and we" (Russian and Kyrgyz), "Saving the Ozone Layer: contribution of tourism and hotel industry" (Russian and Kyrgyz).
	Latvia
The Ministry of the Environment released Press Release on this event; Information and explanations on Ozone layer was circulated in the Newspapers, TV, News Services and Internet pages.
	Lebanon
NOU organized for the dissemination of General Awareness documents to the Mass Media; Several TV and radio programs were broadcasted for awareness raising.
	Macedonia
Baseball caps and T-shirts with the logo of Macedonian Ozone Unit were produced and distributed to kindergarten children; A special meeting was organized in the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning with the participation of 120 representatives of various relevant agencies and organizations as well as journalists, professionals, general public. The meeting was opened by the Deputy Minister. 20 children sang a song in Macedonian dedicated to the ozone layer protection; Ozzy Ozone translated in Macedonian (sub-titles) and demonstrated to children. Country-wide launch of a new brochure on impacts of UV radiation published under UNEP awareness raising project; Several TV stations and many daily newspapers promoted the brochure during the Ozone Day.
	Malaysia
NOU organized for general awareness activities on the ozone layer protection, through Radio programmes, and distribution of general awareness material to school children and consumers.
	Moldova
"Ozzy Ozone" video was translated in Romanian language and broadcasted on national TV; An "EcoHour" was organized in all 1496 schools of Moldova focusing on the ozone layer protection issues; A special 30 min programme was broadcasted on national radio; Information on the ozone treaties published in national press in advance and on 16 September.
	Mongolia
Ozone day messages were emailed to key decision makers; A screen saver was distributed; Lectures were given at tertiary institutes.
	Namibia
The Government of Nepal hosted the South Asia regional celebration of Ozone Day in Kathmandu (see above).
	Nepal
The Government of Nepal hosted the South Asia regional celebration of Ozone Day in Kathmandu (see above).
	Romania
The NOU organized a round table on the new Up-dated CP provisions. Representatives from the ministries of: Industry, External Affairs, and Agriculture aprticipated to the event, as well as, Research Institutes and private companies, and Delegate of Ozone Secretariat, Mr. Gilbert Bankobeza ; Organized a drawing competition for children, prises were given to the winners; Organized a meeting with the private sector (private companies associations) on good practices in refrigeration and key issues for the further enforcement of certification system in refrigeration sector.
	Senegal
Ozzy Ozone video was broadcasted on 16 September 2004 at 20.20 (2,5 million spectators) and 18 September 2004 at 10.00 in the Radio Television Senegalaises (2.5 million spectators).
	St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Created an Ozone Brochure, which included Technical background/Status of SVG Montreal protocol, consumer and other relevant Information; Organised a Public exhibition and discussions; Distributed the Ozone song along with a press release to all radio stations Organised Tv interview and clips from the exhibition on API (Agency for Public Information); Ozzy Ozone Video was provided to the TV; T-Shirts were printed, worn by staff on the OZONE DAY and distributed to public Organised a Public Quiz Competition, well received and enjoyed by public, it tested their knowlegde of the Ozone and related topics and made it easy for transmission of information; Bumper stickers were distributed; Distributed books and stickers on refrigeration.
	Trinidad and Togabo
Displays at UWI Library, NALIS, EMA, TTIT (Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Tertiary Education) and Gulf City Mall; TV appearances on TTT and Gayelle; Showing of Ozzy Ozone Video on television and distribution of Ozone song to various radio stations; Creation of an Ozzy Ozone brochure; Creation of a brochure with technical information; Creation of a factual poster on skin cancer; Creation of an Ozzy Ozone Activity Booklet; Newspaper supplement on World Ozone Day (September 16th 2004); Poster Competition for kids.
	Turkmenistan
A documentary of national ozone layer protection activities in Turkmenistan was broadcasted on national TV; Articles were published in various newpapers.