Projects launched to phase out ozone depleting substances
By Our Reporter
ISLAMABAD, July 29: The environment ministry, in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (Unido), had started three projects for phasing out Ozone depleting substances under the Montreal Protocol.
This was stated by Minister of State for Environment Maj (retired) Tahir Iqbal while speaking as chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of a three-day "Train-The-Trainers" workshop for custom officers here on Thursday.
The workshop has been jointly organized by the environment ministry and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Coming generations will not forgive the present one if it remains inactive and does not take measures to save the fast depleting Ozone layer which protects human beings from the life- threatening ultraviolet rays of sun, the minister said.
"It is high time for both developed and developing nations to get together for the protection of Ozone layer, as in case of its depletion it would have adverse effects regardless of borders of the countries," he emphasized.
In the past, he said, developed nations caused more damage to the Ozone layer owing to their extensive industrialization, but now they were shifting the blame to the developing countries which was unfair. He called for formulating strategies through collective efforts to safeguard the life-saving layer of the atmosphere.
"We understand that global treaties, particularly those related to the environment, can only be effective through global interaction and cooperation, and could be seriously jeopardized by the non-compliance of even one member state," Mr Iqbal said.
Similarly, implementation of any protocol at the national level needs interaction between all stakeholders, for which training and awareness play a key role, he added.
"The ministry is conscious of the emerging challenges that confront us in terms of continuing environmental degradation and is ready to bring practical solutions to help overcome these challenges, whether these are in the ares of Ozone depletion or widespread pollution areas," he added.
Talking about the workshop, environment secretary Javed Hassan said it aimed at the capacity building of custom officers so that an effective check could be put in place to discourage inflow of both material and machinery that could cause damage to the Ozone layer.
Speaking on the occasion, UNDP assistant resident representative Arif Alauddin said Unido's role had taken a new dimension to help developing countries from the effects of globalization through increased trade.
By enabling developing countries' industries to comply with environmental export requirements, Unido has opened new markets for industrial goods of poor countries and has, thus, encouraged the growth of environmentally sound manufacturing.
