A Workshop on Ozone Depleting Substances is Organized by Global Environmental Facility in Tashkent

PRESS RELEASE

A WORKSHOP ON OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES IS ORGANIZED BY GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL FACILITY IN TASHKENT

(8 September, 2009) 

A consultation workshop on presentation of GEF Report on Phasing out of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) is taking place on 8 of September 2009 in Tashkent. The workshop is focused on discussion of conclusions and development of recommendations to be applicable to four countries in transition – Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. It is expected that conclusions and lessons learned in the area of stage-by-stage ODS phasing out would be considered while developing of future GEF’s efforts aimed at elimination of hydrochlorinefluorocarbons (HCFCs), persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and climate change. The workshop is attended by around 45 participants – representatives of public agencies, nature protection ministries, customs bodies and research institutions of four countries, including representatives of the IFIs – GEF, World Bank and UNDP. 

GEF evaluation report coveres impact of GEF-supported activities on ODS production and consumption, impact sustainability and currently existing risk factors, experience and opportunities for phasing out of ODS and POPs. Report documentation was studied covering 26 projects implemented in 18 countries of Eastern Europe, Baltic countries, Russian Federation and Central Asia. To analyze the collected data, Touchdown Consulting Company (Brussels) was hired. The analysis included evaluation of ODS production and consumption prior and after projects’ implementation, including cost efficiency and financial aspects.

During workshop, its participants will discuss the following subjects: (i) continuation of further GEF funding support to assist the countries in controlling the existing threats to the ozone layer that would enable to gain a dual benefit for both the ozone layer and climate change; (ii) involvement of private sector and rolling out of its positive experience to other activities; (iii) improvement of low enforcement in the countries particularly in the area of illegal trade with ODS and other chemicals; (iv) presentation in the best way to GEF Council the successful experience of projects implemented in Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

As for the actual data on ODS phasing out in Uzbekistan, for example, the analysis has demonstrated a steady trend of general ODS consumption reduction that forestalls scheduled indicators stated in the National Program on ODS Phasing out. By now, the general ODS consumption has been reduced from 2900 tons to 4.2 tons (including ozone depleting potential) or by 99.5 percent as compared to the baseline year of 1986. Thanks to the National Program, Uzbekistan is in compliance regime to the Montreal Protocol. Accordingly, draft projects in the ODS area are prepared for signing with the total budget of more than US$ 220,000 to be funded by GEF.