Bin Fahad evaluates final preparations for UAE’s MOP 27 hosting

The Ministry of Environment and Water recently held a meeting to discuss the latest updates on the UAE’s final preparations for the 27^th Meeting of the Parties (MOP 27) to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which will convene from November 1 to 5, 2015 at the Concorde Hotel, Dubai. H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, was briefed about the progress being made to ensure the successful hosting of MOP 27 as well as a series of related international meetings set to take place from October 28 to 31, 2015 in the emirate.

H.E. Bin Fahad said the UAE’s hosting of MOP 27 demonstrates the country’s commitment to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, Montreal Protocol, and other regional and international environmental agreements. He said the high-profile gathering will significantly boost the UAE’s pivotal role in protecting the ozone layer. The Minister is confident that the meeting will produce important results to bolster global efforts aimed at eliminating the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) by 2040. The international gathering is also expected to find economical, environment-friendly and highly efficient alternative energy resources for arid countries to reduce the effects of global warming and achieve their respective sustainable development agendas.

Since joining the Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol, H.E. Bin Fahad said the UAE has deployed regulations to control the import and export of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). The Emirates also successfully implemented the total ban on chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons in 2010 and HCFCs in 2013. This year, it has already started the gradual reduction of ozone-harming chemicals by setting common standards and limits for industrial companies using ODS, including the imported substances. The Minister further commended the efforts of the private sector and the industry segment for their commitment to the Montreal Protocol.

A delegation from the Ozone Secretariat of the Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol made a four-day visit to the UAE in early October of this year to look into the UAE’s logistics preparations and get updates on the ongoing plans for the MOP 27. The delegates commended the progress made by the UAE to ensure the event’s success.

To know more about the MOP 27 agenda, please visit http://ozone.unep.org/en/meetings.