A first step in facilitating implementation of MEAs at the national level is designation of one or more national focal points. First of all, the Government should designate a Ministry, Department, or Agency responsible for the MEA, and within it a focal point who has the responsibility, mandate, and status required to carry out the daily work of implementing the international agreement at the national level. By doing so, the Government demonstrates ownership of the implementation process, which is instrumental in ensuring success of the MEA.
The Parties to the Montreal Protocol established the Multilateral Fund to provide financial and technical cooperation to enable developing countries that operate under Article 5 of the Protocol to comply with the control measures of the treaty. In addition to meeting their agreed incremental costs and providing a clearinghouse function, the Fund provides developing countries with financing and assistance for the establishment and operation of a dedicated national focal point for this MEA, which is known as the National Ozone Unit (NOU).
The NOU is responsible for managing and monitoring the national strategy for phasing out ozone-depleting substances (ODS) as specified in the Country Programme to comply with the Montreal Protocol. [See corresponding case study under Guideline 14(b)
.] The NOU is also responsible for reporting data and undertaking awareness raising activities. NOUs are established and supported through Institutional Strengthening projects under the Multilateral Fund. The NOU is the main national focal point for this MEA and is the primary channel through which international ozone protection assistance flows to stakeholders in the State.
NOUs are linked to each other through a unique capacity-building mechanism under the Multilateral Fund known as “Regional Networking of ODS Officers” [See corresponding case study under Guideline 34(c).]
For more information, see http://www.unep.fr/ozonaction or contact ozonaction@unep.fr