The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is a global agreement to protect the Earth’s ozone layer by phasing out the chemicals that deplete it. This phase-out plan includes both the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances. The landmark agreement was signed in 1987 and entered into force in 1989.

The parties to the Protocol meet once a year to make decisions aimed at ensuring the successful implementation of the agreement. These include adjusting or amending the Protocol, which has been done six times since its creation. The most recent amendment, the Kigali Amendment, called for the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in 2016. These HFCs were used as replacements for a batch of ozone-depleting substances eliminated by the original Montreal Protocol. Although they do not deplete the ozone layer, they are known to be powerful greenhouse gases and, thus, contributors to climate change.

The Montreal Protocol provided a set of practical, actionable tasks that were universally agreed on. The Protocol has successfully met its objectives thus far and continues to safeguard the ozone layer today. Thanks to the collaborative effort of nations around the world, the ozone layer is well on its way to recovery.

Decision XV/49: Application for technical and financial assistance from the Global Environment Facility by South Africa

The Fifteenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XV/49:

Recalling decision IX/27, in which South Africa was classified as a developing country,

Recognizing that the controlled substance in Annex E, methyl bromide, was included as a controlled substance for Article 5 countries in 1997 and that, in the same year, South Africa was also classified as an Article 5 country,

Noting that South Africa was not to request financial assistance from the Multilateral Fund for fulfilling commitments undertaken by developed countries prior to the Ninth Meeting of the Parties,

Noting also that South Africa expressed the need to apply for technical and financial assistance from the Multilateral Fund to phase out the controlled substance in Annex E at the twenty-second meeting of the Open-ended Working Group of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol,

Noting further that, during the twenty-second meeting of the Open-ended Working Group, South Africa was advised to negotiate for bilateral or multilateral assistance from sources other than the Multilateral Fund,

To request the Council of the Global Environment Facility to consider, on an exceptional basis, project proposals from South Africa on phasing out the controlled substance in Annex E for funding as per the conditions and eligibility criteria applicable to all countries eligible for such assistance under the Facility.