20-22 November 2024, Freetown, Sierra Leone – The National Ozone Unit and Customs Twinning Workshop & Border Dialogues for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and North Africa region took place at Sierra Palms Resort, Freetown, Sierra Leone from 20-22 November 2024. Organized by UNEP’s OzonAction Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP) in collaboration with Sierra Leone's Environment Protection Agency, this pioneering event aimed to enhance regional collaboration in combating illegal trade in ozone-depleting substances (ODS). The workshop brought together 48 representatives from Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sudan, and Sierra Leone, fostering the exchange of strategies and practices to bolster enforcement and compliance under the Montreal Protocol.
Key Insights and Challenges
Participants discussed pressing issues, including the rise in illegal ozone-depleting substances (ODS) trade, refrigerant management complexities, and capacity gaps in enforcement. UNEP’s Regional Coordinator, Anglophone Africa Network, Patrick Salifu, emphasized the pivotal role of customs officers as frontline defenders of the Montreal Protocol, advocating for institutionalized training, risk profiling, and stakeholder collaboration. Sierra Leone’s Assistant Commissioner John B. Amara highlighted the importance of border inspections and capacity-building while acknowledging challenges like smuggling networks and transitioning costs.
The Honorable Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Sierra Leone Ms. Mimi Yeama Soba-Stevens, delivered the keynote address and commended the Protocol's global success in mitigating ozone depletion. The Minister called for innovative solutions, stronger networks, and collective action to sustain environmental stewardship and uphold the Protocol’s legacy.
Strategic Pathways for Action
The workshop highlighted strategies to integrate Montreal Protocol controls into customs training, establish online permit systems linked to the Customs’ Asycuda World system, and manage seized illegal refrigerants. Discussions also addressed financing mechanisms, counterfeit refrigerant identification, and enhancing enforcement tools. Emphasis was placed on cross-border cooperation and knowledge sharing to strengthen regional efforts in combating ODS smuggling.
Building a Sustainable Future
The event marked a significant step in advancing regional and international cooperation to protect the ozone layer. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to compliance with the Montreal Protocol. They pledged to continue building partnerships, adopting innovative enforcement mechanisms, and addressing emerging challenges to ensure a sustainable, ozone-safe future.
This workshop serves as a model for leveraging collective expertise and resources to combat illegal ODS trade and underscores the power of regional collaboration in achieving environmental sustainability.
The workshop is part of the 2024 work plan of UNEP CAP to support countries in implementing their Montreal Protocol commitments.
For more information :
Patrick Salifu
Regional Network Coordinator, Anglophone Africa
E-mail: patrick.salifu@un.org
Florence Asher
Programme Management Officer
E-mail: florence.asher@]un.org
