16 September 2007
The United Nations (UN) declared the 16 of September as the International
Day for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, to commemorate the day when the
Montreal Protocol was first signed. The Protocol currently has 191 parties and
South Africa became a signatory in January 1990. This international agreement
was put in place to control the production and the use of ozone-depleting
substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These anthropogenic substances
are responsible for the destruction of the earth's ozone layer which protects
life from the harmful solar ultraviolet radiation.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the protocol and the theme is:
"Celebrating 20 Years of Progress in 2007"
Delegates from different countries around the world will once again convene
in Montreal, this time to celebrate and reflect on the progress that has been
made to combat the negative effects of ozone-depleting substances on our
planet. The honourable Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Ms
Rejoice Mabudafhasi who has been at the forefront of the efforts will be part
of the delegates.
Through the protocol, the international community has taken a great step in
protecting the fragile ozone layer. Indeed this success is a testimony of what
co-operation by international community can achieve. Since the establishment of
the protocol, South Africa has succeeded in implementing the protocol and has
achieved the following with voluntarily co-operation mainly from industry:
* In 1986 CFCs were completely phased out in aerosols and were replaced by
hydrocarbon and hydroflourocarbons propellants which are ozone friendly.
* Metered dose inhalers which contained CFCs are no longer manufactured in the
country.
* The usage of ozone-depleting substances as solvents has been very drastically
reduced
* By 2000 all imports of CFCs in solvent sector were terminated.
* South Africa phased out halons in 1994 which are used in fire fighting. The
Halon Bank of Southern Africa was inaugurated in March 1994, following a
mandate from the SA Montreal Protocol Working Group for Fire Protection. The
bank was set up as a non-profit organisation initially under the auspices of
the Department of Health and now the Department of Environmental Affairs and
Tourism.
* In order to address the usage of CFCs in refrigeration and air-conditioning
in South Africa, the industry has organised itself into several working groups,
which promote phasing out of ozone-depleting substances in refrigeration and
recommending suitable alternative refrigerants.
* Methyl bromide which is also listed under the Montreal Protocol as an
ozone-depleting substance is a fumigant that is been used commercially to
control a wide spectrum of pests including fungi, bacteria, soil-borne viruses,
insects, and mites.
An intensive survey was conducted during 1999/2000 to establish the
consumption patterns of methyl bromide for 1997 and 1998. The study has shown
that about 75% of methyl bromide is used for soil fumigation, 11% for
fumigation of structures, and the remaining is used for durable products such
as beans and nuts as well as for quarantine and pre-shipment treatment.
Although methyl bromide is a versatile, cost effective with many applications
particularly in the field of agriculture, however like all other signatories to
the Protocol South Africa will have to phase out methyl bromide by 2015.
South Africa is in the fortunate position that it is well ahead of the
normal phase out schedules for developing countries due to its initial
classification as a developed country. However, it cannot rest on its laurels
since there are still many ozone-depleting substances that must be phased out.
The country is invited to devote the 16 September each year to promote
activities in accordance with the objectives of the Montreal Protocol and its
amendments.
For further information visit http://www.deat.gov.za or contact:
Mava Scott
Chief Director Communications (Acting)
Tel: 012 310 3379
Cell: 082 411 9821
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
14 September 2007
