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 XX/20: Montreal Protocol financial matters: financial reports and budgets

Recalling decision XIX/5 on financial matters,

Recognizing that voluntary contributions are an essential complement for the effective implementation of the Montreal Protocol,

Welcoming the continued excellent management by the Secretariat of the finances of the Trust Fund for the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer,

  1. To take note with appreciation of the financial statement of the Trust Fund for the biennium 2006–2007 ended 31 December 2007 and the report by the Secretariat on the actual expenditures for 2007 as compared to the approvals for that year;
  2. To approve the revised 2008 budget for the Trust Fund in the amount of $4,679,658, and the 2009 budget in the amount of $5,258,828 and to take note of the proposed budget of $4,843,983 for 2010, as set out in annex IV to the report of the eighth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Twentieth Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer;
  3. To authorize the Secretariat to draw down $981,895 in 2009 and note the proposed drawdown of $567,050 in 2010;
  4. To approve, as a consequence of the draw-downs referred to in paragraph 3 above, total contributions to be paid by the Parties of $4,276,933 for 2009 and to note the contributions of $4,276,933 for 2010, as set out in annex V to the report of the eighth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Twentieth Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer;
  5. Also to approve that the contributions of individual Parties for 2009 shall be listed in annex V to the report of the eighth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Twentieth Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer;
  6. To authorize the Secretariat to maintain a constant operating cash reserve at 15 per cent of the estimated annual planned expenditures that will be used to meet the final expenditures under the Trust Fund;
  7. To express its concern over delays in payment of agreed contributions by Parties, contrary to the provisions in paragraphs 3 and 4 of the terms of reference for the administration of the Trust Fund for the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer;
  8. To urge all Parties to pay their contributions promptly and in full and further to urge Parties that have not done so to pay their contributions for prior years as soon as possible;
  9. To encourage Parties, non-Parties, and other stakeholders to contribute financially and with other means to assist members of the three assessment panels and their subsidiary bodies with their continued participation in the assessment activities under the Protocol;
  10. To invite Parties to notify the Secretariat of the Montreal Protocol of all contributions made to the Trust Fund at the time such payments are made;
  11. To request the Executive Secretary, in accordance with rule 14 of the rules of procedure, to provide Parties with an indication of the financial implications of draft decisions which cannot be met from existing resources within the budget of the Trust Fund;
  12. To request the Secretariat of the Montreal Protocol to ensure the implementation of Secretariat-related decisions adopted by the Meeting of the Parties as approved, within the budgets and the availability of financial resources in the Trust Fund;
  13. To request the Secretariat to inform the Open-ended Working Group of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on all sources of income received, including the reserve and fund balance and interest, as well as actual and projected expenditures and commitments, and to request the Executive Secretary to provide an indicative report on all expenditures against budget lines;
  14. To request the Open-ended Working Group to keep under review the financial information provided by the Secretariat, including the timeliness and transparency of that information;
  15. To request the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme to extend the Trust Fund until 31 December 2015;
Annex IV: Trust Fund for the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer: Revised 2008 and approved 2009 and 2010 budgets
Annex V: Trust Fund for the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer: Scale of contributions by the Parties for 2009 and 2010