Minister addresses 19th Meeting of Montreal Protocol Parties

20 September 2007
Report: Soodh

Minister of Environment, Energy and Water Ahmed Abdullah has addressed the 19th Meeting of Montreal Protocol Parties held in Montreal, Canada.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister Abdullah noted that Maldives is party to Vienna Convention as well as Montreal Protocols to protect damages caused to ozone layer from various poisonous gases.

He said that lots of awareness campaigns took place in the country to create awareness among public members on substantial reduction of substances that deplete the ozone layer in the stratosphere, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons, being released into the environment.

He also noted the message given by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and his efforts to bring the climate change and environmental issues to the attention of the world. He said that Maldives is directly affected by the consequences of climate change.

He said that by working together with all stakeholders, it is possible to achieve positive outcomes. He also urged and called to take protective measures to solve the problems.

The Montreal Protocol was signed in Montreal in 1987 and currently has 191 Parties. It is one of the most successful international environmental treaties and has resulted so far in the global phase-out of the production and consumption of over 95 percent of ozone-depleting substances world wide. Scientists have determined that the rate of decline in ozone has been reduced, and that ozone levels are no longer declining over mid-latitude areas, including southern Canada. Clear evidence of the start of a recovery of the ozone layer is anticipated within the next decade.

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