Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, 20 November 2023 – The Regional Meeting for National Ozone Officers of the French-Speaking African Network was held in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire from 20 to 23 November 2023. The meeting was organized by the UNEP OzonAction Compliance Assistance Programme team in Africa in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Cote d`Ivoire to facilitate the sharing of experiences and good practices in various areas under the Montreal Protocol among countries of the African Francophone network. It was also an opportunity for these countries to further discuss strategies and approaches to their Kigali Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) Phase-down Implementation Plan (KIP) and the situation relating to Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) phase-out/HFC phase-down in the refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) applications and to identify the challenges and technical and policy support to ensure country compliance with obligations.
The meeting was attended by 17 out of 26 countries of the French-speaking African network (14 male, 8 female). Representatives of the following United Nations bodies and specialized agencies also attended: the Ozone Secretariat, the UNEP Sub-regional Office for West Africa, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). The following intergovernmental, non-governmental, industry, academic and other bodies were also represented: West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and A-GAS. The Multilateral Fund Secretariat for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol (MLFS) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) participated virtually and made presentations.
H.E Mr. Jacques Assahoré Konan, Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development and Ecological transition of Côte d’Ivoire officially opened the meeting. In his opening statement, H.E Mr. Konan highlighted that the Montreal Protocol has proved its effectiveness over the last thirty years, thanks to sincere cooperation between the States Parties. This kind of cooperation is now needed to tackle climate change, which remains a threat to the very existence of our societies. He reiterated Côte d'Ivoire's full support for OzonAction activities and that the actions of governments as well as those of the citizens of the world, can change the course of things since humanity has already assumed its responsibilities by taking appropriate measures to restore the ozone layer. The Government of Cote d’Ivoire maintains that a healthy ozone layer and climate are key to meeting all the sustainable development goals, since the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment protect people and Mother Earth.
Speaking at the opening session, Mr. Mohamed Atani, Head of the UNEP Sub-regional West Africa Office, thanked Côte d'Ivoire for its generosity and support to the UNEP Sub-Regional Office for West Africa. The support has enabled UNEP to continue fulfilling its mandate within the UN system to support governments and their populations in overcoming the challenges linked to the Planetary Crisis, namely Climate Change, Biodiversity and nature loss and pollution and waste, in all its forms. He highlighted that the Montreal Protocol has put the ozone layer on the road to recovery by phasing out Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and, in so doing, it will also mitigate climate change. Under the Kigali Amendment, the parties will progressively reduce the production and consumption of HFCs, thereby avoiding 0.5°C warming by the end of the century. All this should further motivate governments, local authorities, NGOs and the private sector to further develop their strategies to be compatible with the collective objectives set by the international community.
The meeting had a varied agenda consisting of presentations, discussions, practical demonstrations and working groups as well as interactive exercises to consider overall challenges in the region and good practices in the implementation of the Montreal Protocol. The meeting agreed to identify key activities to be included in KIPs and to establish good collaboration with national Energy Efficiency Agencies so that energy related components of the project proposal are well coordinated and implemented. The Parties of the Francophone Network that have not yet ratified the Kigali Amendment were encouraged to do.
The Institutional Strengthening (IS) project increase in funding level by 38% and extension to 3 years under each phase was welcomed by countries. However, countries need close guidance and assistance to be better prepared on how to use the increased funding.
The participants discussed the KIP preparation especially the data collection and strategies, policy option/activities etc. Collection of HFC data is a common challenge for many countries, which needs continued attention and assistance. It also emphasized that the National Ozone Units (NOUs) need to engage the industry very closely in the KIP development process.
The meeting ended with adopting recommendations both for the NOUs and for UNEP, to enhance the implementation of Montreal Protocol related activities in the Francophone network.
The workshop is part of the 2023 work plan of UNEP Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP) to support countries in implementing their Montreal Protocol commitments.
For more information:
Yamar Guisse
Montreal Protocol Regional Coordinator, Francophone Africa
Email: guisse[@]un.org
Moussa Barry
Programme Management Officer, Francophone Africa
Email: moussa.barry[@]un.org
UNEP OzonAction, Africa Office
