Prof. Rolph Payet on the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

The Minister of Environment and Energy, Prof. Rolph Payet says that this year’s theme “Protection of the Ozone Layer: The Mission goes on” seeks to galvanize all stakeholders to increase their efforts to address challenges.

Seychelles being a small Island State will be adversely affected by Climate change and sea level rise, hence highlights the fact that we are intensifying the efforts to protect the ozone layer in earnest and prompts action as well to address future challenges such as Climate change, which affects communities, economies and ecosystems across the globe. The Protocol has also significantly contributed to the fight against climate change, as many ozone-depleting substances are powerful greenhouse gases. It is essential that we act to mitigate the threat with the same unity of purpose as we have in facing the dangers of ozone depletion. 

“Let us take inspiration from our efforts to preserve the ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol has shown that decisive action by the international community, including the private sector, can achieve transformative results for the common good. Let us learn from this example and apply its lesson to the urgent task of addressing the climate challenge. Yes the mission goes on as there are, however, some remaining challenges to the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances” concludes the Minister of Environment of Energy, Prof Rolph Payet.

And in his message the UN Secretary General Mr. Ban ki-moon says that the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is widely recognized as one of the most successful environmental treaties in history. Adding that it establishes legally binding controls on the national production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, and enjoys universal ratification by 197 parties.

Seychelles ratified the protocol in 1993, and since then has done its fair share in its implementation. Some of the achievements are eliminating of chlorofluoro Carbons (CFCs) found mostly in refrigerators and freezers, followed by the effective control and monitoring and eventually phase out Hydro chloroFluoro Carbons (HCFCs) by 2020. These are the refrigerant gas which is mainly used in Air condition Units and Chillers. Seychelles took one step ahead though the setting up of the National Ozone Unit, whereby its Refrigerant technicians are being trained in the Usage and Safety aspects of Hydro carbons to limit the use of High Global Warming Potential alternatives namely Hydro fluoro Carbons (HFCs).