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 XXIII/17: Administrative and financial matters: financial reports and budgets

Recalling decision XXII/21 on financial matters,

Taking note of the financial report on the Trust Fund for the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer for the biennium 2010-2011, ended 31 December 2010,

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

Welcoming the continued efficient management by the Secretariat of the finances of the Montreal Protocol Trust Fund,

  1. To approve the 2012 budget in the amount of $4,949,012 United States dollars and to take note of the proposed budget of $4,896,659 for 2013, as set out in annex IV to the report of the ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Vienna Convention and the Twenty-Third Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol; [5]
  2. To authorize the Secretariat to draw down $672,079 in 2012 and to note the proposed drawdown of $619,726 in 2013;
  3. To approve, as a consequence of the drawdowns referred to in paragraph 2 above, total contributions to be paid by the parties of $4,276,933 for 2012 and to note the contributions of $4,276,933 for 2013, as set out in annex V to the report of the ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Vienna Convention and the Twenty-Third Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol;
  4. That the contributions of individual parties for 2012 shall be listed in annex IV to the report of the ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Vienna Convention and the Twenty‑Third Meeting of the Parties;
  5. To authorize the Secretariat to maintain the operating cash reserve at 15 per cent of the 2012 budget to be used to meet the final expenditures under the Trust Fund;
  6. 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;
  7. To urge all parties to pay both their outstanding contributions and their future contributions promptly and in full;

[5] UNEP/OzL.Conv.9/7-UNEP/OzL.Pro.23/11.

Annex IV: Trust fund for the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer Approved 2011 and 2012 and proposed 2013 budgets (in United States dollars)
Annex V: Trust Fund for the Montreal Protocol on the Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer: Scale of contributions by the parties for 2012 and 2013 based on the United Nations scale of assessments (General Assembly resolution 64/248 of 24 December 2009 with a maximum assessment rate of 22 per cent) (in United States dollars)