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 VII/17: Compliance with the Montreal Protocol by Belarus

The Seventh Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. VII/17:

  1. To note that the Implementation Committee took cognizance of the joint statement made by Belarus, Bulgaria, Poland, the Russian Federation and Ukraine regarding possible non-fulfilment of their obligations under the Montreal Protocol, as a submission under paragraph 4 of the non-compliance procedure of Article 8 of the Protocol, and the statement made by the Russian Federation on its behalf and on behalf of Belarus, Bulgaria and Ukraine at the twelfth meeting of the Open-ended Working Group;
  2. To note the consultations of the Implementation Committee with the representatives of Belarus regarding possible non-fulfilment of that Party’s obligations under the Montreal Protocol;
  3. To note that Belarus was in compliance with its obligations under the Montreal Protocol in 1995 and that there is a possibility of non-compliance in 1996 so that the Implementation Committee might have to revert to that question that year;
  4. To note that Belarus agreed to submit its country programme for the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances in Belarus to the Secretariat by 31 December 1995;
  5. To note that Belarus promised to provide information on the political commitment on the phase-out programme for ozone-depleting substances by Belarus and that the Implementation Committee after evaluation of the information might wish to request additional information on certain elements, such as:
    1. The political commitment on the phase-out plan for ozone-depleting substances by Belarus;
    2. The necessary linkages between the sectoral approach outlined by Belarus in its submission and the specific requirements for the financial, institutional and administrative arrangements towards the implementation of such measures;
    3. The gradual achievement of the proposed phase-out plan;
    4. The proposed measures for the enforcement of the measures - in particular the enforcement of the trade regulations;
  6. To note that Belarus has agreed not to export any virgin, recycled or recovered substance controlled under the Montreal Protocol to any Party operating under Article 2 of the Protocol not member of the Commonwealth of Independent States and that such Parties shall not import such controlled substances from Belarus;
  7. To recommend international assistance to enable compliance of Belarus with the Montreal Protocol in line with the following provisions:
    1. Such support should be provided in consultation with the relevant Montreal Protocol Secretariats and the Implementation Committee to ensure consistency of ODS phase-out measures with relevant decisions of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol and subsequent recommendations of the Implementation Committee;
    2. Belarus shall submit annual reports on ODS phase-out progress in line with the schedule included in the country programme for the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances in Belarus;
    3. The reports shall be submitted in due time to enable the Ozone Secretariat - together with the Implementation Committee - to review them;
    4. In case of any questions related to the reporting requirements and the actions of Belarus, the disbursement of the international assistance should be contingent on the settlement of those problems with the Implementation Committee;
  8. To note that despite the economic difficulties of the period of transition, Belarus will endeavour to settle its financial contributions to the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol in the near future.