25th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and 18th International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
Celebrated on 13th September, 2012, at The Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, India
The depletion of the Ozone Layer has been a cause of concern for global community as it effects human health and natural eco-systems. It is through the concerted efforts of the scientific community, enlightened public opinion and the foresight of the Governments lead to the signing of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
Considering the urgent need to preserve the ozone layer which filters and prevents the adverse effects of ultraviolet radiations reaching the Earth surface, thereby, preserving life on the planet, the United Nations General Assembly in December, 1994 adopted resolution 49/114, which proclaims 16th September as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorate the date on which Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed on 16th September, 1987.
India became a Party to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer on 18th March 1991 and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer on 19th June, 1992 and has ratified all the amendments to the Montreal Protocol.
India adapted various policy measures including National Awareness Campaign for smooth implementation of provisions of the Montreal Protocol. Awareness of Ozone issues is the key to catalyse industries in switching over to non-Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs) technologies.In accordance with the UN resolution 49/114, the Ozone Cell, Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Government of India has been celebrating the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer since 1995 at National and State levels.
This year being the 25th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol, Ozone Cell, MoEF, Government of India celebrated the International Ozone Day on 13th September. The Theme for the 18th International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer for year 2012 was : “Protecting our atmosphere for generations to come” emphasizing the extraordinary collaboration and environmental benefits achieved by the world’s Governments through the operation of the Montreal Protocol.
The theme of this year is very befitting to the celebrations of silver jubilee of the Montreal Protocol. The Montreal Protocol has already phased out about 98% of the historic level of production and consumption of ODSs globally in terms of Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP) tonne. It will not only recover the ozone layer but also contribute immensely in saving the climate system.
On the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol and the 18th International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, the Ozone Cell, MoEF organized the following activities :
(a) Exhibition of non-ODS technologies developed and marketed by various industries.
(b) Publication of booklet Titled “The Montreal Protocol : India’s Success Story” highlighting the initiatives undertaken and achievements made by the Ozone Cell, MoEF, Government of India, on implementation of the Montreal Protocol in India.
(c) Publication of a poster, pledge and a sticker for distribution to Industry, Institutions, Government Departments, Schools and Students and others with a view to raise public awareness.
(d) Telecasting of a video film on the Montreal Protocol and Ozone Layer by the Doordarshan.
(e) Painting, Poster, Slogan Writing, Model Making, Skit and Quiz competitions for school children.
(f) Competitions in schools on awareness of the ozone layer protection.
The winners of the competitions in various categories were presented awards comprising of cash award, mementoes and merit certificates at the function organized on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol and the 18th International Ozone Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. To create awareness among the school children and the stakeholders participated in the function were presented school bags and caps with logo of Ozone Cell, MoEF and the 25th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol.