As the global community was implementing the Protocol – which was the first time an MEA included such time-bound global actions – the world needed innovative tools to make the treaty work, particularly in the area of capacity building. The Regional Networks of ODS Officers discussed in this case study fill that niche: they enhance multilateral cooperation to enable developing countries to meet their obligations under the Protocol.
Regional Networking provides a regular, interactive forum for officers in National Ozone Units (NOUs — see case study following Guidelines 30 and 31) to exchange experiences, develop skills, and share knowledge and ideas with counterparts from both developing and developed countries. Through regular meetings, e-mail fora, and on-going dialogues, networking helps ensure that NOUs have the information, skills, and contacts required for managing national ODS phase-out activities successfully. The Networks provide open and collegial fora in which Ozone Officers are free to discuss their difficulties and everyone can learn from others. Network meetings and communication also provide opportunities for informal peer-to-peer problem solving and seeking of advice.
The OzonAction Programme currently operates four regional and three sub-regional networks comprising 148 developing and 14 developed countries, which have resulted in Member States taking early steps to implement the Montreal Protocol. The Networks are supported by the Multilateral Fund (the Southeast Asia and the Pacific Network operates with assistance provided by the Government of Sweden) and managed by the UNEP/DTIE OzonAction Programme.
English-Speaking Caribbean
Since 1997, an Ozone Officers Network in the English-Speaking Caribbean has met twice a year to discuss problems associated with implementation of the Montreal Protocol, share best practices, and develop cooperative and cost-effective joint implementation activities. [From 1994-96, these ozone officers participated in the Latin American and Caribbean network, but language difficulties led to the creation of this separate network.]
Saint Lucia has been a leader within the network. The NOU in Saint Lucia has benefited from having its personnel in place without change from the beginning of its involvement with the Protocol. This has allowed the State to develop considerable expertise in Protocol-related matters, and this combination of circumstances has enabled Saint Lucia to offer assistance to network members with Protocol-related matters, including:
- assistance to some Parties in returning to compliance, for example by assisting in the reporting requirements (Belize and St. Kitts & Nevis);
- assistance in developing national import/export licensing systems (Guyana, St. Kitts & Nevis, Bahamas, and Grenada);
- training of customs officers in enforcement of licensing systems (Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, and Antigua & Barbuda); and
- Capacity building and training of National Ozone Unit personnel (St. Kitts & Nevis).
For information, contact Mr. Crispin d’Auvergne at cdauvergne@planning.gov.lc