The Montreal Protocol has been in force for 15 years, and the Multilateral Fund operating for more than 10 years. The remarkable success of the phase-out of ozone depleting substances (ODS) in developing countries thus far can be attributed in large part to the far-reaching policies and measures pursued by the Multilateral Fund through investment and non-investment projects. The Fund has recognised that legislative, regulatory, and technological interventions need to be complemented by measures to enhance the gathering and dissemination of information and knowledge. This recognition has been the basis for strengthening the National Ozone Units (NOUs) and other relevant structures in countries that operate under Article 5 of the Protocol (Article 5 countries).
However, the task is not yet completed, and the remaining phase-out will have to be addressed in a shorter time period, with limited resources, and on an equitable basis. In this scenario, enhanced awareness is essential. From now until 2010 – when most of the phase-out should be completed by developing countries, and a major compliance milestone under this MEA – awareness among key actors such as industry, customs, and government officials, as well as consumers, will assume far greater importance than in the past if compliance targets are to be met and the phase-out sustained. In particular, it is hoped that the enhanced awareness at high levels of governments and industry, and among the general public will encourage and inspire countries to take greater ownership of the compliance process, thus not continuing to rely heavily on external assistance. Such increased ownership will pave the way for self-reliance that will become necessary beyond the life of the Multilateral Fund.
As awareness raising needs vary from State to State, and are closely related to local cultural and socio-economic factors, it is essential to adopt a country-driven approach. Already, countries are engaged in carrying out a variety of IEC activities, with varying degrees of outreach, impact, and success. Building upon these experiences, UNEP under the Multilateral Fund is encouraging NOUs to develop comprehensive national IEC strategies that includes the objectives, methodology, and specific project activities for a targeted and time-bound IEC campaign to assist the Government with meeting its compliance targets under the Montreal Protocol and the applicable Amendments from today until 2010. Specific objectives of a strategy should be to:
- Support compliance through the wider involvement of civil society and reaching out to specific sectors that have not yet received assistance, particularly the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector, the end user and informal servicing sectors through regional awareness and education activities.
- Raise high-level political awareness to ensure sustainable commitment and attention to compile with the Montreal Protocol.
- Sustain momentum during the compliance period by securing the broader involvement and support of the general public in the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, ensuring a smooth transition to an ODS-free society, and preventing illegal trade of ODS and ODS-containing equipment.
- Prevent “back sliding” to ODS use due to various factors, including ODS containing equipment dumping, by promoting active involvement of local organisations and NGOs.
The Communication Strategy for Global Compliance with the Montreal Protocol is available at http://www.unep.fr/ozonaction/
library/mmc/lib_detail.asp?r=4394. For more information, contact ozoneinfo@unep.org or ozonaction@unep.fr