Georgetown, Guyana – 10 February 2025 

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has officially handed over specialized equipment to the Hydrometeorological Service of the Ministry of Agriculture as part of the HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) Stage II project. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), once widely used in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, have significantly contributed to ozone depletion and climate change. The phase-out of these substances is a key part of Guyana’s commitment under the Montreal Protocol, and this initiative marks a major milestone in the country’s transition toward sustainable and climate-friendly cooling technologies. 

With funding from the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol, UNDP and the Government of Guyana have collaborated to provide state-of-the-art equipment designed to enhance national technical capacity and promote environmental sustainability. The equipment handed over—including refrigerant identifiers, recovery and recycling machines, leak detectors, flushing kits, and prototype refrigeration and air-conditioning training systems—is crucial in ensuring proper refrigerant management, reducing harmful emissions, and equipping local technicians with the skills required to transition to environmentally friendly alternatives. 

The Hydrometeorological Service will distribute these tools to seven technical training institutions across the country, supporting capacity building and compliance with international standards. This initiative not only strengthens Guyana’s ability to meet its Montreal Protocol obligations but also ensures that future generations of technicians are well-equipped to handle sustainable refrigeration and air-conditioning solutions in alignment with global best practices.  

This investment reinforces Guyana’s commitment to the Montreal Protocol, which mandates the phased reduction of HCFC consumption, including a 35% reduction by 2020, a 97.5% phase-out by 2025, and complete elimination by 2030. By integrating new, energy-efficient technologies, Guyana is not only protecting the ozone layer but also enhancing energy efficiency in its refrigeration and air-conditioning sector, reducing the environmental impact of refrigerants, and preparing a skilled workforce to meet evolving industry demands. This initiative also aligns with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) by fostering sustainable business practices, lowering electricity consumption, and contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The Ministry of Agriculture recognizes that sustainable refrigeration and air-conditioning solutions are vital for national economic growth. The newly introduced equipment will enhance monitoring and regulation of HCFCs, ensuring that Guyana meets its environmental targets while fostering a competitive, modernized cooling industry. By strengthening technical training and expanding access to climate-friendly cooling technologies, Guyana is positioning itself as a regional leader in sustainable refrigeration and air-conditioning practices. 

This initiative directly supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including: 

 The handover of this equipment underscores the strong partnership between UNDP and the Government of Guyana in advancing climate action and sustainable development. As Guyana continues to implement key environmental initiatives, such collaborations will be crucial in securing a cleaner, more resilient future for all.