A two day workshop aimed at increasing participants’ knowledge of the enforcement of trade controls under the Montreal Protocol Regulations got underway at the Roseau Fisheries Complex on Tuesday.
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone by phasing out the production of numerous substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion. The treaty has been in effect from January 1, 1989
United Nations Environment program representative, Donnalyn Charles, told participants at the workshop it was expected that at the end, they would have gained necessary skills and improved their knowledge about environmental issues.
“We hope that you gain the skills necessary to enforce national environment commitments and you will be in a better position to recognize your role in environmental protection” she said.
Charles also encouraged the workshop participants to build a cooperative relationship with the ministry responsible for the environment and the the Environmental Coordinating Unit.
Areas being covered at the workshop include the depletion of the Ozone Layer, how the international sphere responds, as well as national obligations and responses.
The workshop is also focusing on the role of Customs Officers who are the key players in enforcing the Montreal Protocol regulations and identification of products containing ozone depleting substances.
The programme also includes practical exercises.
Officers from the Customs, Ports Authority, Coast Guard, Bureau of Standards and Fire and Ambulance are attending the activity.
Some of them told DNO that they are happy for the new information and they feel that the entire country should be sensitized about what is happening and about the chemicals that deplete the ozone layer.
While I appreciate this training/awareness, I am disappointed to ask” Why a training in environmental protection does not include officers from Environmental Health, and Environmental Coordinating Unit and the Division of Forestry. These are the entities that are more in the forefront of Environmental Protection.
Well sir the workshop was organized by the Environmental Coordinating Unit and the heading of this article does’nt specify the essence of the training as it is for enforcement officers who will be responsible for enforcing the Ozone Depleting Substances Regulations for these substances (refrigerants), but the departments mentioned are stakeholders in the fight to protect the Environment ok
Well said!