Sierra Leone Hosts Regional Workshop On Ozone Depleting Substances

By Fatmata Mohamed Bangura
With funding from the United Nations Enforcement Programme (UNEP) Sierra Leone National Ozone Unit hosted a three days regional workshop on the management and control of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) from November 20 to 22 this year.
The event focused on embracing border management to prevent the illegal entry of ODS into the country and the border region.
The Anglophone Coordinator for the UNEP, Patrick Salifu emphasized the criticality of the border management and compliance in protecting the ozone layer and combating climate change.
He highlighted that the workshop aimed to equip custom officers across the ECOWAS and North African regions with the skill to identify ozone depleting substances.
Salifu also noted that the Montreal Protocol adopted on September 16th 1999 serves as a landmark international treaty designed to phase out on the production land use of ODS.
UNEP is collaborating with the National Ozone Unit to implement advanced tracking systems for the monitoring of ODS, establish clear compliance protocols and provide specialized training for custom officials, stated Salifu.
He mentioned that the training includes identifying ODS understanding regional and recognizing relevant documentation related to the import and export of controlled substances.
Salifu further stated that UNEP access custom organizational structure in Anglophone countries to strengthen legislation and enforcement measures.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Mami Yeama Soba Stephens hailed the Montreal Protocol as a beacon of hope and underscored the importance of collaboration among Anglophone countries noting that the workshop provides a platform for sharing best practices and fostering partnerships to combat the illegal trade of ODS.
The Deputy Minister expressed optimism that the outcome of the engagement would empower member countries to protect human health and the environment.
Assistant Coordinator of the Customs Department, at the National Revenue Authority (NRA), John B. Amara explained that it is the dual responsibilities of customs officers to generate revenue for Sierra Leone and protect the environment.
He highlighted the critical need for customs officers to gain expertise in identifying and preventing the illegal trade of ODS at border points.
Amara also acknowledged the strong collaboration between the NRA and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA-SL) reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to environmental protection and climate action.
The workshop represents a significant step towards strengthening regional efforts to combat the illegal trade of the ozone depleting substances and uphold international agreements.