More than 130 young activists and environmental specialists have come together at the 32 Years and Healing action on October 16 to mark the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. The activists aim to inform people about the harm caused to the Earth’s protective layer by use of every-day tools and products, containing hydro-chlorofluorocarbons, a substance that contributes largely to the thinning of Ozon layer.

The event marks the 32^nd anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, calling states to collaborate in research, information exchange and prevention of activities that endanger the ozonosphere.

The activists have outlined the importance of preserving the ozone layer and highlighted existing threats to the depletion of the ozone layers and the role of the ozone layer in mitigating the negative effects of the UV radiation on health, flora and fauna.

The Republic of Tajikistan has ratified Vienna Convention on Protection of Ozone Layer in 1995 and, since 1997, is also a participant of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. In accordance with the Kigali amendment of the Montreal Protocol, also supported by the state, Tajikistan must eventually phase-out the use of hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HFC). This amendment can help the global population avoid up to 0.5°C of global temperature rise by 2050, while continuing to protect the ozone layer.

“Although Tajikistan is not importer of ozone depleting substances, it is a user of the substances, which are utilized as refrigerants in refrigeration equipment and air-cooling systems. Government of Tajikistan successfully implements its international obligations and in Tajikistan 96% of ozone-depleting substances have already been fully phased out from the baseline level” - Abdurahmonzoda Saidumron Nazar, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee of Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan said.

“Although Tajikistan consumes small amount of the refrigerants, the country’s climatic conditions makes it dependent on refrigeration and air-cooling equipment import. Therefore, there is a need to raise awareness about the overall threats of depletion of ozone layer and work with the government to strengthen its services and importing control to improve access to environmentally safe and energy efficient equipment,” Mubin Rustamov, UNDP Assistant Resident Representative in Tajikistan said.

UNDP/GEF Complete hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) Phase-Out in Tajikistan through Promotion of zero Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS), low Global Warming Potential (GWP), Energy Efficient Technologies Project aim to support Government  implementation of its commitments undertaken under the Montreal Protocol on the complete phase-out of HCFCs to achieve the 2020 compliance objectives and sustainably reduce the servicing tail.