Within the framework of implementing specific MEAs (including the Montreal Protocol, Basel Convention, and Cartagena Protocol), Cameroon’s Ministry of Environment and Nature Protection (MINEP) has organized a number of workshops to build the capacity of customs officers, phytosanitary inspectors, environmental inspectors and controllers, and other Government personnel. These workshops sought to build the capacity of Government personnel to identify environmental goods, regulate the legal trade, and seize illegal trade in ozone depleting substances, hazardous wastes, and genetically modified organisms. Sessions in the workshops addressed general background information and theoretical aspects, as well as practical lessons on detection and monitoring.
With respect to the Montreal Protocol, MINEP conducted training for customs officers and environmental inspectors. MINEP also distributed refrigerants to the key customs points around the country. Additional trainings have been conducted to ensure the enforcement of legislation controlling the importation of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS). As of December 2005, a total of 250 customs officers were trained on ODS and learned how to use refrigerant identifers. This training programme has yielded a sustainable foundation of personnel, as more than eight national trainers were identified to continue with training at national level.
These trainings have proven quite effective. They have enhanced collaboration between MINEP and the Department of Customs (which is in the Ministry of Economy and Finance). This joint effort has resulted in the seizures of illegal shipments of equipment and appliances using ODS and enabled Cameroon to meet its compliance obligations under the Montreal Protocol
For more information, see http://www.spm.gov.cm or contact Mr. Peter Enoh enohpeter@yahoo.fr